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.
Muskingum Valley ESC Receives High Performing ESC Designation from ODE
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 65.2% in 2023.
“Ohio’s educational service centers provide exceptional cost savings to their school districts in addition to all of the other services and support they offer,” says Craig Burford, Executive Director of the Ohio ESC Association (OESCA). “Over the past seven years, Ohio ESCs have averaged 36% savings to districts per year, for a total of nearly $587.6 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.
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 9, 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 September Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular September meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 11, 2023. The meeting will be held at the Maysville Local Schools Administrative Office, 3715 Panther Drive, Zanesville, and is open to the public.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
Muskingum County Student Wins International Oratory Competition
Olivia Hilty from Franklin Local Schools holding her first place award in the 10-11 age group for the Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) God, Flag & Country Oratory Program. Hilty is the daughter of Danny Hilty, and Sara and Chad Wilson.
ZANESVILLE, Ohio — A Franklin Local student recently earned first place among 10 and 11-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 2023 F.O.E. International Convention in Reno, Nevada.
“We are so excited, and proud of Olivia’s accomplishment!,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, MVESC. “This honor showcases Olivia’s skills, and the outstanding programming opportunities at MVESC, she continued. “We send our heartfelt congratulations to Olivia for this amazing achievement.”
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.
“We are honored to work with our local districts, their teachers, and students with this competition,” said Colette Smith, Director of Gifted Education, MVESC. “Plus, it is always a pleasure to work with the F.O.E. Aerie Number 302 on the local competition,” Smith said.
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.org.
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 7, 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 July Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular July meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, July 17, 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.
New Lexington Schools, MVESC Partner for Early Childhood Training Center
NEW LEXINGTON, Ohio – New Lexington Schools and Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) are partnering to address the need for childcare services for their employees and the workforce development needs for their students. The organizations are collaborating to offer a childcare program at MVESC’s Perry County campus in New Lexington. The program will specifically serve New Lexington Schools’ staff members and MVESC staff working in the New Lexington district.
“We recognized the lack of childcare services creates a challenge for some of our employees and this new initiative is a way to address that,” said Casey Coffey, Superintendent, New Lexington Schools. “Having reliable, accessible childcare will address a major concern for some of our personnel that need the service,” Coffey said. “Additionally, we will be able to provide workforce development opportunities for our students who desire a career in education or early childhood development.”
The program will operate on the New Lexington Schools’ academic calendar and will be available from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The program will serve children from six-weeks to preschool age. MVESC personnel will operate the childcare program and will use Frog Street curriculum designed for infants and toddlers. The program will also allow for educational training opportunities for New Lexington High School students interested in early childhood education. Students will complete coursework in partnership with Tri-County Career Center, Hocking College, and Central State. New Lexington Schools’ students who have completed coursework in early childhood education, will have the opportunity to utilize the Early Childhood Training Center for their on-site observation hours.
“I am extremely pleased MVESC could partner with New Lexington Schools to provide this service to district employees,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, MVESC. “Superintendent Coffey and the district’s leadership should be commended for identifying a need, and then partnering with an organization that could deliver the program to address it,” she added.
Registration for the program will begin in late June. For more information call Lisa Gormley, MVESC Preschool Program Coordinator-Perry County Programs, at 740-343-0680 or email lisa.gormley@mvesc.org.
Local Science Teacher Garners Award from COSI
ALPHA School science teacher Jeff Baker receives a COSI STEM award during COSI’s 2023 Science Festival in Columbus.
NEW LEXINGTON, Ohio – A local science teacher was recently recognized by the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) as one of its five STEM Stars for 2023. Jeff Baker is a science teacher at the ALPHA School in Perry County. He received the award during COSI’s Science Festival held in Columbus. Perry County Juvenile Court Judge Luann Cooperrider nominated Baker for the award.
The COSI STEM Star initiative honors ordinary people doing extraordinary STEM work. The recognized individuals, like Baker, showcase exemplary work by leveraging the power of science to improve the quality of life for us all, in central Ohio and beyond, COSI said.
The award recognition from COSI read in part, “Jeff Baker is a science teacher that goes the extra mile to impact kids that need a second chance … Jeff works directly with children from the juvenile detention system to engage youth in STEM while inspiring and mentoring them as they face challenges around life.” COSI also noted Baker’s work in helping the school earn the Wild School Site honor from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The program gives his students better access to science and nature.
The ALPHA School Program is sponsored by Perry County Juvenile Court and is administered by the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center. 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.
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 5, 2023. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Perry County Office, 1605 Airport Road, New Lexington, and is open to the public.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
Philo Junior High Student Tops in The Stock Market Game
Maxwell Paul, Philo Junior High School
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – More than 150 students from nine area school districts participated in The Stock Market Game, and a Philo Junior High student finished first in the area, second among all Middle School and Junior High students in the state, and fifth overall for all participating Ohio students. Maxwell Paul was able to add nearly $32,500 to his portfolio in about five-and-a-half months.
In all, 154 students from districts in the Muskingum Valley ESC region participated in The Stock Market Game. It is a program of the SIFMA Foundation and is an online simulation of the global capital markets that engages students grades 4-12 in the world of economics, investing and personal finance. It is coordinated locally by the Muskingum Valley ESC’s Gifted Education Department with Park National Bank providing funding for all student licenses, so they could access the game.
“Park National Bank is proud to have sponsored The Stock Market Game in conjunction with Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center,” said Pat Nash, Regional President, Park National Bank. “We would like to congratulate all of the seventh and eighth grade students who represented districts from our area. We continue to be amazed by their skills and accomplishments. We wish them the best of luck in all of their future endeavors,” Nash said.
Students started September 26, 2022, with $100,000 to build a stock market portfolio, and results were tracked through April 14, 2023. The value of each student’s portfolio determined their rankings. The top 10 students from Muskingum Valley ESC districts include:
| MVESC # | MS/JHS # | OVERALL # | STUDENT | DISTRICT | PORTFOLIO VALUE |
| 1 | 2 | 5 | MAXWELL PAUL | FRANKLIN LOCAL | $132,468.10 |
| 2 | 3 | 9 | KARSON KEHL | RIVER VIEW | $122,393.37 |
| 3 | 4 | 10 | GRAY SEIBERT | RIDGEWOOD | $122,184.40 |
| 4 | 7 | 14 | WYATT TYSINGER | FRANKLIN LOCAL | $118,638.17 |
| 5 | 8 | 17 | KIRA HEPNER | RIVER VIEW | $117,289.30 |
| 6 | 9 | 19 | MAGUIRE WERNTZ | RIVER VIEW | $116,873.55 |
| 7 | 10 | 20 | AIDEN KESTERSON | COSHOCTON | $114,704.42 |
| 8 | 11 | 21 | SOPHIA MONNIER | RIVER VIEW | $114,704-26 |
| 9 | 12 | 24 | AIDEN WORTEL | RIVER VIEW | $113,499.13 |
| 10 | 13 | 25 | TRISTAN HARTMEYER | COSHOCTON | $112,562.51 |
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 8, 2023. The meeting will be held at the MVESC 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 Meet April 10
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular April meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 10, 2023. The meeting will be held at the MVESC 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 Assisting Coshocton City Schools with Superintendent Search
The Coshocton City Schools Board of Education is seeking a new leader for the district. The board will be replacing Dr. Dave Hire, who has resigned after 16 years with the district.
The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) is assisting the board of education with its superintendent search. MVESC has created the marketing materials for the search and is promoting the available position through numerous professional organizations, online and direct marketing.
The tentative timeline for the superintendent search requires application packets be submitted to MVESC no later than noon, April 5, with the board of education starting its interviews shortly after the application deadline passes. Interested candidates can access information about the opportunity at www.mvesc.org/careers/coshocton-search/.
More than 60 Students, Educators Honored During Awards Night
ZANESVILLE, Ohio — The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center presented Wednesday, March 8, 2023, more than 60 awards to students and educators from 16 districts during its annual Awards Night celebration held at Secrest Auditorium. 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.
The Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards are named after former Ohio Superintendent of Public Instruction Franklin B. Walter. Each of the 16 districts in the Muskingum Valley service region nominated one senior based on his or her 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 Cohen Cabot, Ridgewood Local Schools; Blake Hunt, Logan-Hocking Schools; Isabella Heigley, Morgan Local Schools; Haylie Stemm, Franklin Local Schools; Raegan Wheeldin, Caldwell Exempted Village Schools; Egan Hoffman, New Lexington Schools; and Marlie Moner, Newcomerstown Exempted Village Schools.
Raegan Wheeldin, Caldwell EVSD
Haylie Stemm, Frankling Local
Blake Hunt, Logan Hocking Schools
Isabella Heigley, Morgan Local
Marlie Moner, Newcomerstown EVSD
Egan Hoffman, New Lexington Schools
Cohen Cabot, Ridgewood Local
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 Henery Family Scholarship was presented to the Morgan County winner.
Additionally, five students received the Susan Writing Awards and $1,000 scholarships from the Susan Mahoney Writing Scholarship. The 2023 scholarship recipients are Roberta Donathan, Ridgewood High School; Selah Murphy, West Muskingum High School; and Marina Nicolozakes, Daniel Swartz, and Lee Wilkins from John Glenn 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, Morgan 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.
Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Provides New Mental Wellness Resource for Parents
As the pandemic’s unseen costs begin to unfold on the mental health front, some wonder how school children will be impacted. Despite the massive challenge we face, there are growing resources to help families who are struggling.
Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) is partnering with The Cook Center for Human Connection to host a free virtual Family Mental Health night on February 8, 2023, from 8:00-9:00 PM. Participants will hear from a leading clinical psychologist, be able to ask questions, and learn about free resources available. Register now by going to https://cookcenter.info/Feb8 .
If you miss this event or can’t make it live, check out https://ParentGuidance.org where you can access on-demand virtual courses, professional support, and a safe community for parents to learn how to support their children and get answers to mental health questions. There are courses on anxiety, depression, self-worth, grief and loss, suicidal ideation, and other mental health concerns. All courses are created by therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other certified mental health practitioners. There is even a portal where you can “Ask a Therapist” your tough questions, as well as see questions and answers from other parents.
The Cook Center for Human Connection has made these resources available to help increase hope in a time of continuing uncertainty and growing mental health concern. There are good people in your community working to provide solutions and help for those who are struggling. If you or anyone you know is in a mental health emergency, reach out immediately to the suicide prevention lifeline here: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HOME to 741741.
MVESC Records Commission Meeting, February Governing Board Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Records Commission Meeting will be held at 6:45 p.m., Monday, February 13, 2023. The meeting will be held at the MVESC office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville. The Board’s regular February meeting will begin immediately following.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lower, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
Muskingum Valley Business Advisory Council Earns 3-Star Designation for Excellence
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction Stephanie Siddens and Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced Ohio’s 2023 Business-Education Leader Awards for Excellent Business Advisory Councils. The 26 Business Advisory Councils being honored demonstrate excellence developing professional skills for the future, building partnerships and coordinating experiences, which contribute to preparing students for success.
The awards recognize educators, business partners, staff, schools, businesses, educational service centers, joint vocational school districts and communities who come together to create dynamic, career-focused learning environments for students.
“We are thrilled to again be recognized as a three-star Business Advisory Council, and one of only 19 statewide to earn a four or three-star designation,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC). “The Business Advisory Council is a cornerstone of our workforce development initiatives,” she said. “Connecting business leaders and educators is critical to ensure students are ready to enter the world of work after graduating from high school,” Snyder-Lowe added.
“Every career is rooted in foundational skills and experiences,” Lt. Governor Husted said. “Business and education partnerships add to each of these so students are ready for in-demand opportunities both now and in the future. These Business Advisory Councils continue to be great examples of how local partnerships benefit our school communities and Ohio’s workforce.”
“When students graduate, we want to make sure they carry with them a portfolio of knowledge, skills and real-world learning,” Interim Superintendent Siddens said. “Business Advisory Councils continue to add meaningful, dynamic and collaborative connections for students throughout the preK-12 experience that will benefit them now and in their future careers.”
Ohio is proud to be home to more than 120 Business Advisory Councils that engage with schools and collaborate about business and workforce needs, as well as educational programming that responds to those needs. To highlight the work of these councils, the Ohio Department of Education, in partnership with the Ohio Business Roundtable, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, Ohio Excels, Ohio Restaurant Association and Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, developed Ohio’s Business-Education Leader Awards for Excellent Business Advisory Councils.