MVESC’s Business Advisory Council Earns Prestigious Three-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 three-star rating by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW), placing it within the top 25% of BACs statewide and top 15% among ESC’s.

The esteemed recognition underscores the council’s unwavering commitment to fostering strong partnerships between educational institutions and local businesses across the region. Mr. Eastin Lewellen, Director of Workforce Development at MVESC, expressed his pride in the council’s dedication, stating, “We pride ourselves on working every day to strengthen the partnership between the schools and businesses in our region.”

Lewellen further emphasized the pivotal role of partnership programs such as the Preceptorship program, which offers high school students invaluable hands-on experience within local healthcare facilities. “These connections are strengthened through partnership programs such as our Preceptorship program, which puts high school students into local healthcare facilities, so that students can get hands-on experience in a field that may interest them,” he remarked.

The ODEW employs a star-rating system to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of BACs in facilitating meaningful interactions between schools and businesses through various programs and partnerships. Enacted in 2017 by the state legislature, the creation of BACs aimed to enhance the alignment of educational curricula with workforce demands.

Representing our partner schools, MVESC’s BAC serves as a beacon of excellence in bridging the gap between academia and industry.

MVESC Superintendent, Lori Snyder-Lowe, commended the pivotal role played by the council in fostering synergistic relationships and implementing effective programming. “The connections made and the programming in place have made our BAC, students, and local businesses more successful than ever before!” Snyder-Lowe said.

Approximately 60 Students and Educators Recognized During Awards Night Event

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — Nearly 60 outstanding students and teachers were honored by the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) at their Annual Awards Night held March 6 at Secrest Auditorium in Zanesville. These exceptional teachers and students from throughout Southeast Ohio were recognized for their exceptional commitment, dedication, and passion for education. More than 200 students, educators, family members, and friends attended the event to celebrate the award recipients’ achievements. At the event, the Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards, Exemplary Educator Awards, Susan Writing Awards, and Outstanding Senior and Teacher Awards were presented.

John Stamper, Coshocton City

Ashton Mason, Logan-Hocking Schools

Gianna Ewert, West Muskingum Local

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Katie Franklin, Caldwell EVSD

Mason Pyle, New Lexington

Jaidyn Peoples, Newcomerstown EVSD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MVESC Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe stated, “This event is the highlight of the year for the MVESC. It is our chance to celebrate the amazing achievements of exemplary educators and remarkable students each year.”

The Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards are named after former Ohio Superintendent of Public Instruction Franklin B. Walter. Each of the 13 districts in the Muskingum Valley service region nominated one senior based on their outstanding academic achievement, community service, and leadership abilities. A panel of judges then selected one county winner who received a $500 scholarship. County award winners are John Stamper, Coshocton City Schools; Ashton Mason, Logan-Hocking Schools; Gianna Ewert, West Muskingum Local Schools; Katie Franklin, Caldwell Exempted Village Schools; Mason Pyle, New Lexington Schools; and Jaydyn Peoples, Newcomerstown Local Schools.

Park National Bank provided scholarship awards for county winners in Coshocton, Hocking, Muskingum, and Tuscarawas counties. The Community Bank sponsored the Perry County scholarship. The MVESC provides the scholarship for Noble County.

Additionally, five students received the Susan Writing Awards and $1,000 scholarships from the Susan Mahoney Writing Scholarship Fund. The 2023 scholarship recipients are Roman Gallitz, John Glenn High School; Isabella Moore, Ridgewood High School; Bailey Ryan, West Muskingum High School; Raya Taylor, John Glenn High School; and Madison Wilkin, Ridgewood High School. The Susan Writing Award was created to memorialize the tremendous writing talent of Susan Elizabeth Mahoney. Susan was the daughter of Jim and Judy Mahoney. Susan passed away during her sophomore year at John Glenn High School. Seniors from high schools in Coshocton and Muskingum counties annually provide writing samples and apply for the scholarship award.

Click here to see a complete list of award recipients by county.

MVESC Governing Board to Hold March Meeting

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular March meeting at 6:00 p.m., Monday, March 11, 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.

MVESC Governing Board to Hold Special Board Meeting

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold a special board meeting for the purpose of employment at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, February 25, 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.

MVESC Governing Board to Hold February Meeting

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular February meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, February 5, 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.

MVESC Awarded State Grant to Expand Driver Training for Teens

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) was recently awarded more than $1 million from the Creating Opportunities for Driver Education (CODE) grant. Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson made the announcement January 23, 2024. DeWine said, “More students in underserved areas will now have access to this vital training, allowing them to contribute to a safer, more informed generation of drivers.”

The CODE Grant Program, with an allocation of $4.5 Million, was awarded to 34 districts. Among them, 16 districts being served by the MVESC and their collaborative driving school, the Muskingum Ohio Valley Educational Service Center Driving School (MOV ESC). The MOV ESC is a cooperative endeavor involving the MVESC and the Ohio Valley Educational Service Center.

The MOV ESC Driving School, established in 2021, started with 15 school districts: Belpre, Caldwell, Crooksville, Fort Frye, Frontier, Hamilton, Marietta, Morgan, New Lexington, Noble, River View, Switzerland of Ohio, Warren, Wolf Creek, and Zanesville. “Our program achieved significant success in its first year, with nearly 1000 students earning their driver’s license,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, MVESC. “The CODE Grant will enable us to expand the MOV ESC Driving School statewide, reaching more students and districts with our proven driver training model.  We’re excited about the possibilities for the future,” she added.

“Making driver education easily available is not just about personal skills; it’s a game-changer for communities,” said Eastin Lewellen, Director of Workforce Development, MVESC.  “It means more skilled drivers, less transportation hurdles, and a positive ripple effect on local economies, creating a stronger, more connected community with enhanced workforce opportunities,” he added.

Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Awarded Computer Science Teaching Grant

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) was recently awarded the Teach Computer Science (CS) Grant. Only 17 education institutions statewide received this grant award. Lt. Governor Jon Husted made the announcement January 16, 2024.  He stated, “To help meet the demand for more computer science teachers, we are removing barriers by covering the costs of coursework, materials, and exams for teachers who want to teach computer science in Ohio’s K-12 classrooms so they can better educate Ohio’s future workforce.”

Under the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Workforce Development Initiative, the Teach CS Grant Program, with an allocation of $8 million, aims to increase the number of existing teachers who qualify to teach computer science. This can be achieved through supplemental licensure, university endorsement programs, or alternative resident educator licenses. “Computer Science has become an essential skill in society, resulting in increased demand for educators qualified to teach this area,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent MVESC. “With the Teach CS Grant, we can assist our member districts in providing funding opportunities and programs that support the teachers and students in our region,” she added.

Leslie Charles, Digital Integration Coordinate for the MVESC, will be spearheading this work. “The integration of technology is essential for educators to be efficient, effective, and engaging,” Charles said. “In this era, educating students in a technology-infused environment is crucial. With this grant, we will be providing teachers with the tools and necessary credentials to prepare our students for a technology-infused career,” she said.

The grant award will be used to develop and implement practice courses for teachers that have taken the computer science coursework and need a refresher before taking the endorsement exam. It will also be used to create and provide professional development for teachers interested in pursuing a computer science endorsement. The MVESC will begin leading this work at the beginning of March.

MVESC Governing Board to Hold Special Board Meeting

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold a special board meeting for the purpose of employment at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 12, 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.

Hill to Lead Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board in 2024

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) recently announced Brian Hill from Muskingum County will serve as Governing Board President for 2024.  Hill was selected 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.

2024 Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) Governing Board President Brian Hill (left) and Vice President Dr. Barb Hansen. Hill and Hansen were selected President and Vice President during the MVESC Governing Board Organizational Meeting on January 8, 2024

General Purpose GAAP Financial Statements Available

The Muskingum Valley ESC’s General Purpose GAAP Financial Statements for the year ended June 30, 2023, are available on request. For information, contact Danielle Devoll, Treasurer, Muskingum Valley ESC, at 740-452-4518 or visit 205 N 7th St, Zanesville, OH 43701.

MVESC Governing Board to Hold Organizational, January Regular Meeting

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its 2024 Organizational Meeting at 6:45 p.m., Monday, January 8, 2024. The board’s regular January meeting will be held immediately after the conclusion of the organizational meeting. The meetings will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and are open to the public.

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

Perry County Judge Luann Cooperrider Recognized for Outstanding Leadership

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Perry County Probate-Juvenile Court Judge Luann Cooperrider was recently recognized by the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) for her community leadership service which has significantly benefited students through her ALPHA Program. Judge Cooperrider was presented the Outstanding Leadership Award December 15, 2023, by Ed Penrod, Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) Governing Board President, and Lori Snyder-Lowe, MVESC, Superintendent.

The ALPHA Program is sponsored by Perry County Juvenile Court and is administered by MVESC. The program helps school districts’ adjudicated students get back on the right track by helping them with credit recovery, behavioral issues, and social-emotional well-being.

“Judge Cooperrider’s dedication and commitment to helping area youth grow into productive citizens is unparalleled,” said Snyder-Lowe. “She continues to advocate for helping every child find a path to graduation and success as adults, regardless of the obstacles they face,” Snyder-Lowe added.

OESCA announced recently Cooperrider’s award at the Ohio School Boards Association’s Capitol Conference. Judge Cooperrider had also been recognized 24 years ago for her leadership and strong advocacy for students in the region.

MVESC Garners Industry Sector Partnership Grant to Support Mid-East CDL Training Program

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) is a recipient of a $250,000 Industry Sector Partnership Grant from the State of Ohio to support Mid-East Career and Technology Centers’ (MECTC) new CDL training program. Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, announced December 11, 2023, 26 grants totaling $5 million.

“We are proud to assist our member districts in providing funding opportunities and programs that support students in our region,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, MVESC. “This grant will provide greater training capabilities for Mid-East while also providing MVESC with funding to help students earn their driver’s licenses so they can enroll in programs such as the Mid-East CDL program or other workforce pathways, including internships, apprenticeships, and careers,” she added.

Eastin Lewellen, MVESC’s Director of Workforce Development, identified the partnership opportunity through conversations with Matt Sheridan, Superintendent, MECTC. Steven Foreman, MVESC’s Grants Administrator, then completed and submitted the grant application that was one of only two partnerships selected for funding in southeast Ohio.

The grant award will be used to purchase a CDL training simulator, and help promote the program through scholarships, advertising, and outreach to local school districts. MVESC will administer the grant award working collaboratively with MECTC to meet the grant’s objectives.

“It’s important that we encourage collaboration throughout communities so we can train our students with the skills businesses in their regions need and expose them to opportunities available in their own back yards,” said Lt. Governor Husted.

Muskingum Valley ESC Hosts Legislators, Discusses Educational Issues

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – School superintendents met recently with legislators in Zanesville to discuss educational issues impacting schools and students in the region. The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) hosted the event December 11.

State Senator Tim Schaffer, State Representatives Adam Holmes, Kevin Miller, Don Jones, and Mark Johnson, and Brad Kennedy, Legislative Aide to U.S. Senator J. D. Vance, participated in the roundtable discussion with superintendents from MVESC districts. Topics included HB 187, HB 312, HB 71, sustainability of educational initiatives started because of learning loss related to the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce development and many other issues.

“MVESC extends a heartfelt thank you to all the legislators for taking time out of their very busy schedules to talk with our superintendents and learn about concerns and suggestions for improving education in our region,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, MVESC.

MVESC Governing Board to Hold December Meeting

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular December meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 11, 2023. 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.

MVESC Governing Board to Hold December Meeting

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular December meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 11, 2023. 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.

MVESC Governing Board Schedules Special Meeting

The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board will hold a special meeting on Monday, November 27, 2023, at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held in the MVESC’s Zanesville office at 205 North Seventh Street, Zanesville. Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, for more information.

Key Personnel in Regional Driver Education Program Honored

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Dr. Richard Hall and Homer Weekley were honored November 13, 2023, with the Torch Award from the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA). The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) nominated Hall and Weekley for the honor based on the instrumental roles they played in creating a school-based driver education program that serves districts throughout Ohio. Both MVESC and Ohio Valley Educational Service Center (OVESC) collaborated to create and launch the program throughout Ohio.

OESCA’s Torch Award is presented to individuals or organizations who have rendered outstanding service or made significant contributions to OESCA and ESCs as a whole. The award was presented in Columbus during the Ohio School Boards Association Capitol Conference.

Dr. Hall is a former teacher, coach, principal, superintendent and now serves as Executive Director of Operations and Special Projects for Ohio Valley Educational Service Center. Weekley is a former teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal who now serves as Driver Education Supervisor for MVESC.

MVESC’s nomination read in part, “Their work has brought driver education back into schools, resulting in a top quality program that ensures students get the best training possible. Their work in the field of driver education has focused on workforce development and the direct connection between a driver’s license and a career. The partnerships created provided a platform for collaborative teamwork among Ohio ESCs and school districts.”

MVESC Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe noted that without Hall and Weekley’s numerous contributions, the statewide driver’s education program would not be possible. “These two individuals have dedicated countless hours to serving the needs of districts across Ohio to ensure students have access to a high quality driver training program that will help students reach their goals.” Lowe added.

State Rep. Edwards Honored for Legislative Leadership

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – State Representative Jay Edwards from Ohio’s 94th House District was honored November 13, 2023, with the Legislative Leadership Award from the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA). The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) nominated Edwards for the honor.

OESCA’s Legislative Leadership Award is presented to legislators and legislative support staff who have provided outstanding public service and legislative support for Educational Service Centers and education in the state of Ohio. The award was presented in Columbus during the Ohio School Boards Association Capitol Conference.

“It’s an honor to receive an award from such a great organization,” said Edwards. “Ohio Educational Service Centers are crucial to not only rural Ohio but the state as a whole,” he added.

MVESC’s nomination read in part, “State Representative Jay Edwards understands the needs of rural school districts and the diverse challenges they face. He is extremely supportive of education and is always willing to listen and learn. Representative Edwards has also been a strong supporter of ESCs and understands the benefits of collaboration among districts.”

“State Representative Edwards is an outstanding advocate for rural schools and students,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, MVESC. “He understands the unique challenges faced by districts in rural parts of the state and shows exceptional leadership and passion for ensuring legislation helps address those challenges,” Lowe added.

Muskingum Valley ESC Superintendent Earns State ‘Teamwork Award’

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC), was honored November 13, 2023, with the Teamwork Award from the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA). The award was presented in Columbus during the Ohio School Boards Association Capitol Conference.

“In the 24 years I have been the executive director of OESCA, only two other ESC superintendents have ever been recognized with the Teamwork Award,” said Craig Burford, Executive Director, OESCA. “It is great to see an ESC superintendent be recognized based upon the nomination by her peers,” Burford added.

Brenda Luhring, Superintendent, North Central Ohio ESC, nominated Lowe for the award. The nomination read in part, “Lori Snyder-Lowe is an example of what it means to be a team player. If she sees an opportunity to help districts and ESC’s anywhere in the state, she will roll up her sleeves and get to work. She is always willing to share ideas, processes, and her time. She does not seek recognition or credit; she just wants what is best for children and school districts.” Superintendent Luhring went on to give examples of Lowe’s many contributions to innovative education initiatives statewide.

“I am honored to be recognized with the Teamwork Award and truly feel being nominated by my peers is the highest honor I can receive,” Lowe said. “I want to acknowledge the amazing MVESC team because without their dedication and teamwork behind the scenes every day, this award would not have been possible,” she added.

Lowe has also earned statewide recognition from the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA), winning the Warren Russell Leadership Award and from the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS), winning the Legislative Leadership Award and the President’s Award.

Let’s work together to improve education.