MVESC Governing Board to Hold November Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular November meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, November 10, 2025. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.
Contact Monte Bainter, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
MVESC will not be performing background checks October 17 – October 24, 2025.
Updated Post: MVESC Governing Board to Hold October Meeting-Date & Location Change
MVESC Governing Board to Hold October Meeting-Date & Location Change
MVESC Governing Board to Hold October Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular October meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, October 13, 2025. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Heart to Heart location, 2924 Maysville Pike, Zanesville, and is open to the public.
Contact Monte Bainter, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
Muskingum Valley ESC to Launch Year-Round Childcare at Little Farmers Academy in Zanesville
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Exciting things are growing in Muskingum County! Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) is thrilled to announce the expansion of childcare opportunities through the upcoming launch of Little Farmers Academy. Little Farmers Academy is a brand-new, year-round childcare center located at 1592 Fairview Rd., Zanesville. Enrollment is now open, with doors set to open on September 29, 2025.
Little Farmers Academy offers a nurturing, educational environment using the nationally recognized Frog Street Curriculum, ensuring each child receives high-quality early learning experiences every day of the year. What sets Little Farmers Academy apart is its thoughtful approach to supporting both children and families. With competitive pricing, including special rates for business partners, the program is designed to be accessible and affordable.
“We are committed to supporting families and helping children thrive from their earliest years,” said MVESC Superintendent Monte Bainter. “Little Farmers Academy is more than just a childcare center, it is a place where learning begins, families are supported, and communities grow stronger together.”
Whether you’re a working parent in need of reliable care or a local employer seeking support for your team, Little Farmers Academy is here to help plant the seeds for a brighter future. “We’ve designed this program to meet the real needs of families,” added MVESC’s Director of Early Childhood Krystal McFarland. “From flexible care options to seamless communication and a warm, inclusive community, we are proud to offer a place where every child can flourish, and every parent feels confident.”
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact MVESC’s Director of Early Childhood Krystal McFarland at 740-452-4518, or email krystal.mcfarland@mvesc.org.
MVESC Governing Board to Hold September Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular September meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 8, 2025. The meeting will be held at Logan High School in the library, 14470 St. Rt. 328, Logan, and is open to the public.
Contact Monte Bainter, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
MVESC Governing Board to Hold August Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular August meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, August 11, 2025. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.
Contact Monte Bainter, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
MVESC Governing Board to Hold July Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular July meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, July 14, 2025. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.
Contact Monte Bainter, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
MVESC Governing Board to Hold June Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular June meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 9, 2025. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.
Contact Monte Bainter, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
MVESC Governing Board to Hold May Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular May meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 12, 2025. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.
Contact Monte Bainter, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
MVESC’s Business Advisory Council Earns Prestigious Four-Star Recognition from Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) proudly announces that its Business Advisory Council (BAC) has been honored with a four-star rating, the highest possible distinction, from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW). Out of more than 100 BACs across the state, MVESC is one of only nine to receive this prestigious recognition.
The award highlights MVESC’s commitment to forging meaningful partnerships between education and industry to prepare students for the workforce. Eastin Lewellen, Director of Workforce Development at MVESC, expressed gratitude for the collaboration that made this achievement possible. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our local businesses and schools in creating real opportunities for students. Their commitment ensures students gain hands-on experience that sets them up for success.”
MVESC’s Healthcare Preceptorship program, in partnership with Genesis Healthcare and Zane State College, provides high school students with hands-on experience in medical settings. Additionally, through strong partnerships with the Zanesville/Muskingum Chamber of Commerce and local Jobs and Family Services, MVESC helped facilitate Junior Achievement Inspire, a one-of-a-kind, hands-on job fair. The event brought together over 1,500 students and 60 businesses, giving students direct exposure to local career pathways.
Established in 2017, BACs were created to improve the alignment of education with workforce needs. MVESC’s BAC continues to be a statewide leader in bridging the gap between classrooms and careers.
MVESC Superintendent Monte Bainter emphasized the strength of local collaboration stating, “This achievement reflects the power of partnerships. When schools, businesses, and community leaders work together, we create meaningful opportunities that prepare students for success.”
The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center is dedicated to providing innovative educational solutions and fostering business-education partnerships that empower students and strengthen the regional workforce.
MVESC Governing Board to Hold April Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular April meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 14, 2025. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.
Contact Monte Bainter, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
Muskingum Valley ESC 21st Century Program to Increase Access to Quality STEAM Learning and Career Exploration
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley ESC 21st Century Department recently hosted their monthly Site Coordinator Meeting. Emily Morgan, Moonshot Ohio Coordinator with the Ohio Afterschool Network (OAN), joined afterschool program leadership for a presentation on Intel® Future Skills and Moonshot Ohio. Moonshot Ohio is a collaboration between the Intel Foundation, STEM Next Opportunity Fund, and OAN. MVESC’s involvement in Moonshot Ohio will increase access to quality out-of-school time STEAM learning and career exploration for all 11 after-school program sites currently being served by the MVESC 21st Century Department. Afterschool students, staff, and families across Coshocton, Noble, Perry, and Tuscarawas Counties, will be challenged with hands-on, real-world innovation activities through various engineering challenges. Programs are primed to receive support and site visits by Intel employees and Moonshot Ohio representatives.
“Together, we are igniting curiosity and expanding opportunities for hands-on learning, empowering afterschool students across Ohio to explore real-world innovation and unlock their limitless potential through the power of STEAM and career exploration,” said Monte Bainter, Superintendent at MVESC. “Through these opportunities we are sparking innovation and creating pathways for students to explore, imagine, and achieve, unlocking new opportunities in STEAM and career exploration across our communities,” Bainter added.
Muskingum Valley ESC Receives Grant from the Straker Foundation
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) has been awarded $100,000 by the J.W. & M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation to purchase and operate a food truck for the MVESC Adult Success Program. The food truck will be operated by students in the MVESC Adult Success Program, offering significant benefits to both the participants and the broader community. For the students, it serves as a valuable opportunity for hands-on job training, equipping them with essential skills in food preparation, customer service, financial management, and teamwork. By engaging in practical, real-world tasks, students will develop greater independence, boost their confidence, and enhance their social communication abilities, fostering meaningful connections within the community.
Additionally, managing schedules and handling responsibilities enhances time management and problem-solving skills. This experience also promotes financial literacy, as students learn to budget, track expenses, and understand the basics of running a business. Most importantly, the food truck serves as a platform for inclusivity, demonstrating that individuals with disabilities are capable of contributing meaningfully to the workforce. The food truck not only benefits students but also enriches the community by promoting awareness and inclusion of individuals with disabilities. It is a powerful movement focused on empowerment, education, and community connection.
The grant from the J.W. and M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation will be instrumental in advancing the MVESC Adult Success Program mission. “Thanks to the generous support of the Straker Foundation, we will be able to enhance the MVESC Adult Success Program, offering valuable opportunities for developing essential skills while also contributing to the betterment of the community,” said Monte Bainter, Superintendent of Muskingum Valley ESC.
William and Mary Helen Straker launched the J.W. and M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation in 1994. Today, ten descendants of J. William and Mary Helen Straker serve as its board of trustees. The trustees are committed to supporting projects that reflect the Strakers’ values: programs that foster community growth, enable young people to grow in character and integrity, enhance education, and increase community exposure to the arts and sciences.
MVESC Governing Board to Hold March Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular March meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 10, 2025. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.
Contact Monte Bainter, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
Muskingum Valley ESC to Host 36th Annual Student and Teacher Recognition Ceremony
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley ESC will host the 36th Annual Student & Teacher Recognition Ceremony on March 5 at 6 p.m. at Secrest Auditorium in downtown Zanesville. This special event honors the exceptional achievements of students and educators across our seven-county region. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, email Shelley Tolliver at shelley.tolliver@mvesc.org or call 740-452-4518.
MVESC Records Commission Meeting, February Governing Board Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Records Commission Meeting will be held at 6:45 p.m., Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville. The Board’s regular February meeting will begin immediately following.
Contact Monte Bainter, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
MVESC Governing Board to Hold February Meeting-Date Change
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular February meeting at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.
Contact Monte Bainter, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
Muskingum Valley ESC and Ohio Valley ESC (MOV ESC) Driver’s Education Model Shared with Governor DeWine
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Ohio Valley Educational Service Center Driving School (MOV ESC) is redefining the future of driver’s education across local Ohio school districts. By reintroducing driver’s education within the districts, the MOV ESC Driving School is enhancing accessibility and opportunity for students. Key aspects of this innovative model include student accessibility, educator-led instruction, structured and well-administered programming, a strong emphasis on equity and workforce development, and a consortium-based approach that fosters increased flexibility for participating districts. This initiative is designed to better serve students while meeting the evolving needs of local communities.
On Tuesday, February 4, leadership of the MOV ESC Driving School had the privilege of presenting the model to Governor DeWine at Zanesville High School. The presentation provided an in-depth overview of the program, and students were also in attendance to share their personal experiences and discuss how the initiative has positively impacted their lives. “Thank you, Governor DeWine, for acknowledging the crucial role of driver’s education in shaping the future of our students and supporting school districts. Your dedication to providing these essential skills will not only empower our young drivers but also create a safer, stronger community for all. This initiative will leave a lasting impact on generations to come,” said Monte Bainter, Superintendent of MVESC.
Former MVESC Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe created the program in 2020 during the pandemic with the COVID Relief Funds. “I asked our area superintendents about their opinions on what students in our region needed the most and it was clear from everyone, there were not enough driver’s education programs or instructors in Ohio. I am so proud of the hard work of our entire driver’s ed team and our partnership with OVESC in making this dream become a reality and a guiding force for the state of Ohio. I want to thank Governor DeWine and the staff at ODEW and ODPS for recognizing the importance of our program and expanding the opportunity for all students,” stated former MVESC Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe.
The MOV ESC Driving School is enhancing student opportunities with accessible, educator-led instruction and a focus on equity and workforce development. This innovative approach offers well-structured programming and flexibility for participating districts, paving the way for a brighter future for students and communities.