News

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

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular June meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 10, 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.

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) is pleased to announce the recognition of three of its esteemed Governing Board Members by the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) for their outstanding contributions to education and governance. The prestigious awards were presented during the OSBA meeting on Tuesday, March 26, in Crooksville.

The event, dedicated to addressing current challenges and promoting excellence in education, provided an ideal platform to honor the unwavering dedication and exemplary leadership exemplified by the following MVESC Governing Board Members:

Mr. Larry Good was celebrated for his remarkable 45 years of unwavering commitment, representing Muskingum County with distinction.

Mrs. Sharon Slowter was acknowledged for her 15 years of devoted service, representing Morgan County, and bringing valuable experience as a former Morgan Local Schools Board Member.

Mr. Ed Penrod received the prestigious STAR award for his exemplary contributions. The STAR award highlights a school board member’s commitment and service to Ohio’s students. Four awards comprise the program: Service, Training, Aptitude, and Recognition. As the Hocking County representative, Mr. Penrod’s extensive background as a former Board Member of Logan-Hocking Local Schools and Tri-County Career Center underscores his dedication to educational excellence.

MVESC Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe expressed pride in the recognition bestowed upon the MVESC Governing Board Members, stating, “We are proud of our Board Members for their well-deserved recognition from the Ohio School Boards Association. Their dedication to the students, districts, and the MVESC is truly inspiring.”

The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center extends profound congratulations to Mr. Good, Mr. Penrod, and Mrs. Slowter for their outstanding achievements. Additionally, MVESC commends the Ohio School Boards Association for its continued support in recognizing excellence in school leadership.

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular May meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 13, 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.

Zanesville, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) Governing Board voted Tuesday, April 9, to hire Monte Bainter as the MVESC’s next superintendent, effective January 1, 2025. He will replace Lori Snyder-Lowe, who announced her retirement but will continue in her current role as superintendent through December 31, 2024. Snyder-Lowe began her service as MVESC superintendent August 1, 2019. Prior to joining the MVESC, Snyder-Lowe was superintendent at Morgan Local School District.

“We are grateful for the new programs and initiatives Lori has brought to the organization, expanding our service line beyond traditional educational services, to include daycare, telehealth, driver education, workforce development, and adult special needs services, to name a few,” said Brian Hill, President, MVESC Governing Board. “Although we will miss her leadership, we are excited to work with Monte to continue these expanded services and find more ways to keep the MVESC at the forefront of educational support services in our region,” Hill added.

Bainter currently serves as superintendent of Logan-Hocking Local School District and has been in his current role since August 2016. Logan-Hocking is in southeast Ohio, in Hocking County, and the district is a member of the MVESC. The district is home to approximately 4,000 students. Prior to assuming his role at Logan-Hocking, Bainter was Superintendent for 11 years at Maysville Local Schools in Muskingum County.

“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 Board of the MVESC for having the confidence in me to lead such a wonderful organization,” said Monte Bainter.

“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,” said Hill.

Zanesville, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) is excited to announce a collaborative effort between OhioMeansJobs Muskingum County branch and the Zanesville Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce to present the Junior Achievement Inspire (JA Inspire) event. Scheduled for Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, the event will take place at the Muskingum County Fairgrounds located at 1300 Pershing Road, Zanesville, Ohio 43701.

JA Inspire is a dynamic career-pathway program tailored for 8th to 11th-grade students, designed to ignite their passion and guide them towards promising career opportunities. With a focus on hands-on learning and engagement, the program is uniquely positioned to offer invaluable insights into various industries, job roles, and education pathways, thereby assisting students in charting their high school coursework effectively.

“We are thrilled to bring JA Inspire to the students of our region, providing them with a platform to explore diverse career options and interact with industry professionals,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, MVESC. “By fostering early exposure and hands-on experiences, we aim to empower students to make informed decisions about their future education and career pathways,” Snyder-Lowe added.

“OhioMeansJobs Muskingum County is pleased to support this event, providing valuable career exploration for local students,” said Julie Metzger, Workforce Administrator, OhioMeansJobs Muskingum County branch.

Through the collaborative efforts of MVESC, OhioMeansJobs Muskingum County branch, Zanesville Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses, JA Inspire promises to insight and equip the next generation of workforce leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen careers.

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular April meeting at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 9, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.