News

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) recently announced Brian Hill from Muskingum County will serve as Governing Board President for 2025.  Hill was reelected January 8, during the MVESC Governing Board’s Organizational Meeting.  Dr. Barb Hansen from Muskingum County will serve as the board’s vice president.

The MVESC Governing Board consists of seven members from Coshocton, Hocking, Morgan, Muskingum and Perry counties. Other governing board members include Robert Doughty from Coshocton County; Ed Penrod from Hocking County; Sharon Slowter from Morgan County; Larry Good from Muskingum County; and Michael Smith from Perry County.

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular January meeting at 6:45 p.m., Wednesday, January 8, 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.

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – We are proud to announce that Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) has been awarded a generous grant from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation in the amount of $5,586.  This funding will play a crucial role in supporting teacher participation in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) Units 5-8 for educators at East Muskingum and River View Local Schools. This opportunity marks an exciting step forward in enhancing literacy instruction and empowering teachers with the tools they need to make a difference in the lives of their students.

The grant will provide teachers with the opportunity to complete LETRS Units 5-8 online, offering them comprehensive training on literacy strategies grounded in the science of reading. LETRS is a highly respected, evidence-based program designed to equip educators with a deep understanding of how students learn to read and spell, along with effective methods to support diverse learners. This professional development will equip teachers with a range of valuable skills that can be directly applied in their classrooms, improving student literacy outcomes.

In addition to the online coursework, participating teachers will benefit from four professional development sessions led by the MVESC Literacy Specialist, Keith McCarroll. These sessions will serve as an essential support system, where teachers will have the opportunity to reflect on their learning, ask questions, and delve deeper into the material. The Literacy Specialist will also provide individual coaching to participants as they begin to implement their learning through Bridge to Practice, a key component of this program.

Bridge to Practice is a unique and highly effective approach to professional development that allows teachers to immediately apply what they’ve learned in real-world classroom settings. This hands-on method is critical because it enables teachers to see the direct impact of their learning on student performance, reinforcing the effectiveness of the strategies they are acquiring. By implementing these strategies right away, teachers can fine-tune their skills, receive ongoing feedback, and adjust their approach to meet the needs of their students.

Lindsay Rayner, MVESC’s Director of Curriculum and Learning, expressed her enthusiasm for this opportunity, stating, “Muskingum Valley ESC is looking forward to implementing this grant with our partner districts to further teachers’ knowledge of the Science of Reading.” This program is a significant step in strengthening the foundation of literacy education in our local schools, ensuring that educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively teach reading and spelling to all students.

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC), in partnership with Coshocton City Schools, is excited to announce that it has been awarded $92,428.04 in funding from the Schooler Family Foundation to support the continuation of essential student programming at Coshocton Elementary during the 2024-2025 school year and Summer of 2025. This generous funding will ensure the continuation of Before School, Afterschool, and Summer Programming designed to enrich the lives of students and provide critical support during out-of-school hours.

The funding from the Schooler Family Foundation will allow the programs to continue offering a variety of services to students, including tutoring, social-emotional skill-building, and youth development activities. These services are designed to support the academic, emotional, and social well-being of students, helping them succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. The programs are aimed at providing a well-rounded experience for students, giving them opportunities to grow in important life skills, improve their academic performance, and develop positive relationships with peers and mentors.

“We are beyond grateful to the Schooler Family Foundation for their incredible generosity and commitment to our students and families,” said Monte Bainter, Superintendent at MVESC. “This funding will help ensure that our students at Coshocton Elementary continue to have access to the resources and support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We are excited for the opportunities that this collaboration will create and look forward to continuing to work together to support our students,” Bainter added.

The MVESC and Coshocton City Schools are committed to providing high-quality educational programs that help students build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success. This partnership with the Schooler Family Foundation will allow the schools to continue offering programming that meets the diverse needs of students and fosters a positive, engaging learning environment.

Zanesville, Ohio – New Lexington School District, under the leadership of Superintendent Casey Coffey, showcased the district’s commitment to student success by hosting a Thanksgiving celebration and career exploration day for students in the ALPHA Program.

The ALPHA Program, administered by the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) and sponsored by Judge Luann Cooperrider and the Perry County Juvenile Court, supports adjudicated students in overcoming academic, behavioral, and social-emotional challenges.

On November 21, New Lexington’s Workforce Center welcomed ALPHA students for a day of hands-on career exploration and a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Activities included building robotic blocks, piloting drones, and exploring virtual reality headsets focused on electrical industry curriculum.

Workforce Center Administrator Morgan Holman spearheaded the event, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for ALPHA students. “These students deserve every opportunity to succeed, both in life and in their careers,” said Holman. She continued, stating, “By providing them with real-world experiences and a sense of community, we’re helping them envision brighter futures.”

Bryan Kanavel, Director of MVESC’s Alpha Program, highlighted the significance of opportunities like this for his students. “This experience provided our students with valuable career exposure and reinforced their sense of worth. We are deeply appreciative of New Lexington for making this opportunity possible,” Kanavel stated.

Students enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal featuring turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more, creating a festive atmosphere of gratitude and community. The collaboration among Perry County school districts ensured all ALPHA students could participate, reflecting a shared commitment to their success.

For more information about the ALPHA Program and MVESC’s initiatives, please visit www.mvesc.org.

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular December meeting at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 10, 2024. 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 Vice President Barb Hansen with past Susan Writing Award recipients.

Zanesville, Ohio – Family, friends, educators, and talented young authors gathered at the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) to celebrate the milestone publication of The Susan Awards: A Collection of Winning Writing. This remarkable book showcases the creativity and exceptional writing talents of student authors whose entries have earned recognition and scholarships over the years. To date, the scholarship program has awarded more than $90,000 to aspiring writers.

The Susan Writing Awards were established to honor the memory of Susan Mahoney, a gifted and passionate young writer whose life was tragically cut short during her sophomore year. Determined to channel their grief and celebrate Susan’s love for writing, her family partnered with the Muskingum Valley Community Foundation to create this enduring scholarship program. For the past 20 years, students from the Muskingum Valley region have been invited to submit their best works for a chance to win scholarships and have their writing recognized at an annual awards ceremony.

To further commemorate Susan’s legacy, many of these award-winning pieces have been compiled into The Susan Awards: A Collection of Winning Writing. Susan’s father, Jim Mahoney, expressed his support by stating, “We are pleased with this book honoring the best in student writing over the past twenty years from the area’s high school seniors while at the same time remembering our beloved Susan.” This nearly 200-page publication highlights the creativity and talent of student writers across the years and is available for purchase at the Muskingum Valley ESC and on Amazon. Proceeds from book sales will directly support future scholarships, ensuring that Susan’s legacy continues to inspire and empower new generations of writers.  In following, Mahoney also announced that the scholarship amount has increased for future recipients.

MVESC Governing Board Vice President Barb Hansen stated, “Sunday’s event was truly a celebration and recognition of outstanding writing of regional high school seniors across the past twenty years.  It marked a collaborative effort of high school English teachers, a panel of judges, English majors from Muskingum University, 1,000 high school seniors, and a family who has honored their daughter’s memory by encouraging and inspiring future generations of writers.”

For more information about the Susan Writing Awards or to purchase a copy of the book, please contact Shelley Tolliver at 740-452-4518.

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) has been awarded over $18,000 by the J.W. & M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation to upgrade the facilities at Heart to Heart school. The grant will fund essential safety and security enhancements, creating a more supportive and stable learning environment for students with significant cognitive needs and behavioral challenges. These upgrades aim to provide a setting where students can thrive academically and personally, free from distractions that may impact their learning and development.

Heart to Heart is a specialized school serving students with moderate to severe cognitive needs who also experience behavioral challenges that can impact their ability to learn effectively. The program focuses on creating a supportive, tailored environment to help these students reach their fullest potential.

Susan Straker Holdren, Executive Director and President of the Straker Foundation, stated, “The Straker Foundation is pleased to support a project that allows children to learn and interact in a safe environment. This aligns with our founders’ interest in education and youth development.”

The J.W. and M.H. Straker Foundation grant will play a crucial role in enhancing the mission of Heart to Heart. “The generous support from the Straker Foundation will allow us to make critical upgrades to our facilities, providing a safer, more secure environment where our students can focus on their learning and personal growth,” 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.

Zanesville, Ohio – Monte Bainter officially assumed his role as Superintendent of the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC), Friday, November 1, 2024. Bainter succeeds Lori Snyder-Lowe, who has led MVESC since August 1, 2019, following her time as Superintendent at Morgan Local School District.

Bainter brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership to MVESC. Most recently, he served for eight years as Superintendent of Logan-Hocking Local School District in Hocking County, where he oversaw operations in a district serving approximately 4,000 students. Prior to his role at Logan-Hocking, Bainter held the position of Superintendent at Maysville Local Schools in Muskingum County for 11 years. Both districts are members of MVESC, giving Bainter valuable insight into the region’s educational needs and opportunities.

In stepping into his new role, Bainter expressed his enthusiasm: “I am very excited to be a part of such a great organization! The MVESC is an established leader in local, state, and national educational best practices that impact student success. The reputation that the MVESC has developed under the leadership of Dr. Miller, Dr. Mahoney, Dr. Murray, Mr. Branch, and Mrs. Lowe is exemplary, and their reputation as leaders in public education is unparalleled in the state. I look forward to continuing that tradition. It will truly be an honor and privilege to work with school districts from all over the state. I want to thank the MVESC Governing Board for having the confidence in me to lead such a wonderful organization.”

The MVESC Governing Board is confident in Bainter’s leadership. Board President Brian Hill noted, “Monte’s years of district leadership will serve him well in his new role with MVESC, and we know he will be a great addition to the MVESC.”

The Ohio School Benefits Cooperative’s General Purpose GAAP Financial Statements for the year ended June 30, 2024 are available on request. For information, contact Danielle Devoll, Treasurer, Muskingum Valley ESC, at 205 North Seventh St, Zanesville, OH 43701.

ZANESVILLE, Ohio –The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) applied for and has received the High Performing ESC designation from the Ohio Department of Education. A High Performing ESC has generated total cost savings of at least 5% for its client school districts for primary services secured from the ESC instead of another source. Muskingum Valley far exceeded this 5% benchmark, with a total savings of 68.9% in 2024.

“Ohio’s educational service centers provide their client schools and districts with exceptional services at reasonable costs,” says Craig Burford, Executive Director of the Ohio ESC Association (OESCA). “Over the past eight years, Ohio ESCs have averaged 35.95% cost savings to districts per year, for a total of over $687.6 million in savings statewide for primary services since 2016.”

The Ohio Department of Education evaluated each application based on the total percentage of cost savings the ESC generated for its client districts calculated based on the price charged to the client by the ESC for a primary service.

“We are excited to once again be named a High Performing ESC by offering our districts outstanding programs at the lowest possible cost,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, MVESC. “Our team prides itself on providing supports that help students learn, and teachers teach,” she added.

Ohio’s Educational Service Centers (ESCs) provide schools and school districts with professional development, technology, support, planning, and administrative services that help improve student learning, enhance the quality of instruction, expand access to resources, and maximize operating/fiscal efficiencies. The Ohio ESC Association (OESCA) supports, educates, and advocates for Ohio’s ESCs. www.oesca.org.

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular November meeting at 6:30 p.m., Monday, November 4, 2024. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.

Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.

Area students engaged with local businesses during the JA Inspire event, exploring career opportunities and building connections for their future.

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC), in collaboration with Muskingum County Ohio Means Jobs and the Zanesville Muskingum Chamber of Commerce, hosted the highly anticipated Junior Achievement Inspire Event, aimed at fostering career awareness for students in local schools. Held at the Muskingum County Fairgrounds, the event brought together over 60 local businesses and more than 1,500 students from 13 area schools to engage in a hands-on job fair, providing students a unique opportunity to explore various career pathways.

The JA Inspire program is designed to empower students by exposing them to real-world careers, helping them to better understand the job market and the skills needed to succeed. Through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and conversations with professionals from diverse industries, students were able to gain invaluable insights into potential future career options.

“We’re thrilled to bring the JA Inspire event to our local schools,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent at MVESC. “This program offers our students an unparalleled opportunity to explore different career paths and engage with local businesses that are vital to our community. It’s our goal to equip these students with the knowledge and inspiration they need to build successful futures right in their local community,” Snyder-Lowe added.

Dana Matz, President of the Zanesville Muskingum Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the significance of connecting students with local employers, stating that the event “demonstrates the importance of bridging the gap between education and the workforce.” Matz explained, “It not only opens doors for students to discover career options, but also gives businesses the chance to engage with the next generation of talent. We’re proud to be a part of an initiative that fosters growth in our community.”

The success of this year’s JA Inspire event marks another significant milestone in MVESC’s ongoing efforts to promote career readiness among local students. By bringing together businesses, educators, and students, the event highlights the critical role of workforce development in shaping the future of the region.

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular October meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, October 7, 2024. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.

Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.

From left to right: Ohio Valley Educational Service Center’s Richard Hall, Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center’s Homer Weekley, Stephen Michel and Eastin Lewellen.

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) has been honored with the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) Southeast Region’s Outstanding New Program or Innovation Award for its Driver Education program. This recognition highlights MVESC’s commitment to creating innovative, student-centered educational solutions.

The award-winning Driver Education program was born from an informal conversation among superintendents and evolved into a comprehensive, statewide initiative. In collaboration with the Ohio Valley Educational Service Center (OVESC), MVESC established the Muskingum Ohio Valley Educational Service Center Driving School (MOV ESC Driving School). The program offers high-quality, safety-focused driving instruction to students throughout Ohio.

MVESC Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe expressed her pride in the program’s success and its impact on students across the state. “We are incredibly proud of the MVESC Driver Education program and the MOV ESC Driving School and the positive effect it’s having on Ohio’s students,” said Snyder-Lowe. “As the first program of its kind in the state, it is truly deserving of this recognition from the OSBA Southeast Region,” Snyder-Lowe added.

Since its inception, the MOV ESC Driving School has partnered with 30 districts across Ohio, providing driver education certification to over 1,600 students. The program’s success is driven by a highly skilled team, including Ohio Valley’s Richard Hall and MVESC’s Director of Workforce Eastin Lewellen, along with Homer Weekley and Stephen Michel. Together, their expertise and dedication ensure top-quality instruction for Ohio’s young drivers.

The OSBA Southeast Region’s awardees were selected by the region’s Executive Committee and will be honored at the Fall Conference on Thursday, September 26, at Logan High School. Each award recipient will be featured in the program and will receive a certificate from OSBA, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to education.

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular September meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 9, 2024. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Heart to Heart School, 2929 Maysville Pike, Zanesville, and is open to the public.

Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.

Olivia Hilty from Franklin Local Schools holding her first place award in the 12–13 age group for the Fraternal Order of Eagles (F. O. E.) God, Flag & Country Oratory Program. Pictured from left to right: Chad Wilson (stepdad), Sara Wilson (mom), Olivia Hilty, and Danny Hilty (dad).

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – A Franklin Local student recently earned first place among 12 and 13-year-olds nationally in the God, Flag & Country Oratory Program, sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) and coordinated locally by the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) Gifted Education Program. Olivia Hilty competed in the finals during the 2024 F.O.E. International Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana.

“To win this award twice is just an amazing accomplishment!  We could not be more proud of Olivia!”  said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, MVESC. “This honor once again showcases Olivia’s skills, and the outstanding programming opportunities at MVESC. We send our heartfelt Congratulations to Olivia for this amazing achievement!”, she added.

Hilty, the daughter of Danny Hilty, and Sara and Chad Wilson, started her journey toward the national competition by winning the local God, Flag & Country event sponsored by Zanesville Aerie Number 302, Fraternal Order of Eagles. Following the local event, Hilty won top honors in the regional and statewide competitions to advance to the national finals. Last year, Hilty earned first place in the 10–11 age group at the national God, Flag & Country competition held in Reno, Nevada.

“We are privileged to collaborate with our local districts, their teachers, and students through this competition,” stated Colette Smith, Director of Gifted Education at MVESC. “Additionally, it is always a joy to partner with the F.O.E. Aerie Number 302 for the local event,” added Smith.

According to the Fraternal Order of Eagles website, the God, Flag & Country Oratory Program has been held since 1967 and is open to children ages 10 to 15. More information about the program is available online at www.foe.com.

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular August meeting at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 14, 2024. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.

Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular July meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, July 8, 2024. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.

Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.

Maysville Center Project:

The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center is seeking bids from eligible bidders for the renovation of classroom space at the Maysville Center. The project is for the renovation of the Maysville Center, 2929 Maysville Pike, Zanesville, Ohio 43701. Renovations include installation of cubicles, doors, drywall, millwork, and sound insulation as well as completing rough and finish of carpentry throughout, and painting of walls, doors, and ceiling.

Walk-Through: June 28, 2024, 10:00 A.M., 2929 Maysville Pike, Zanesville, Ohio 43701. Bid documents and specifications will be available at the walk-through.

This notice shall also be published at the following location on the District’s website, where additional information regarding the project may be accessed here.

Sealed bids will be received by the Office of the Treasurer, 205 North Seventh Street, Zanesville, OH, 43701, by 12:00 p.m. on July 8, 2024, according to the plans and/or specifications included in the Instructions to Bidders. Bids must be separate for labor and materials including a separate bid for site preparation.

Bid Documents obtained by a bidder from any other source for this project do not make the bidder a plan holder of record and will make the bid from the bidder nonresponsive. The responsibility for timely and appropriate bid submission rests solely with each bidder. Sealed bids submitted by mail must be certified or registered with return receipt requested and properly sealed and clearly marked on the outside with the statement: Maysville Center Project.

Sealed bids received after the above appointed date and time will not be accepted.

Each bid shall be accompanied by a Bid Bond payable to the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board, drawn on a solvent bank or insurance company licensed to do business in the State of Ohio, for the full amount of the sealed bid or a certified check for 10% of bid amount per 153.54 of the Ohio Revised Code, as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted a contract will be entered into and performed. Bid Bonds accompanying rejected bids will be returned upon award of the contract. No Bidder may withdraw his/her bid for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of the sealed proposals. MVESC reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Subject to the right of MVESC to reject any or all bids, the Board will award the contract for the work to the bidder who is determined to be responsible and who submits the lowest responsible bid in accordance with applicable law and Board Policy.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center
By: Ms. Danielle Devoll, Treasurer