SIDNEY — Sidney City Schools recently named Melanie Speicher of the Sidney Daily News to the Ohio School Boards Association 2016 Media Honor Roll. The Media Honor Roll recognizes media representatives statewide for fair and balanced reporting of news about public schools. Media representatives from more than 100 Ohio newspapers and radio and television stations were honored by their local school districts.

“Sidney City Schools is proud to present this honor to Melanie Speicher of the Sidney Daily News for the fair and balanced reporting of things related the school district,” said John Scheu, Sidney City Schools Superintendent. “We appreciate the relationship we have with the Sidney Daily News.”

Criteria for selection by the local school districts include the media representative’s efforts to get to know the superintendent, board president, and district mission and goals; report school news in a fair, accurate and balanced manner; give a high profile to positive news about schools; visit the schools; and maintain a policy of “no surprises” by sharing information with school officials.

“OSBA is pleased that so many school districts around the state participated in the 2016 Media Honor Roll program,” said OSBA Executive Director Richard Lewis. “OSBA joins those districts in congratulating the honorees and thanking them for fairly and accurately reporting on the successes of students, teachers and school boards, as well as conveying the many challenges they face.”

OSBA sends personalized certificates to school boards to help them honor reporters, editors and news outlets. OSBA also recognizes the honorees in its Journal magazine and on its website.

In its 61st year, OSBA leads the way to educational excellence by serving Ohio’s public school board members and the diverse districts they represent through superior service, unwavering advocacy and creative solutions.