Businesses, Educators Meet to Discuss Workforce Needs and Opportunities

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Representatives from business, industry and education attended Tuesday, November 22, the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Business Advisory Council (MVBAC) meeting hosted by I.B.E.W. Local 1105. The MVBAC is comprised of more than 140 members from seven counties and links business and educators to strengthen the pipeline of talent graduating from school districts in Coshocton, Hocking, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry and Tuscarawas counties.

During the meeting, Ashley Labaki from I.B.E.W. Local 1105 shared information she gained during a recent visit to Intel in Texas. Labaki’s insight is important as the region prepares to become home to an Intel chip manufacturing facility that will employ 7,000 people during construction, and more than 3,000 permanent workers when the facility comes online in 2025.

Also, during the meeting, Marietta-based Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C) discussed and highlighted partnerships with Mid-East Career & Technology Centers focusing on the real-world problem scenario. Additionally, Julie Mettler from the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services explained ApprenticeOhio, and the 16 career clusters in which apprenticeships can and will be developed.

“Our goal is to ensure participating districts understand the resources and programs that are available to them in order to prepare their students to meet the workforce needs of area employers,” said Justin Denius, Director, Workforce Development, MVESC. “The Business Advisory Council also allows employers to talk directly to educators making sure learning opportunities are aligned with skills necessary for success in the world of work,” he added.

Denius noted the successful launch of the MOV ESC Driving School in 14 school districts in eastern and southern Ohio is one program that helps eliminate the first barrier to workforce development. Additionally, MVESC is actively pursuing new workforce initiatives including development of a Teacher Academy, plus Medical Career Pathways for area students.

Businesses interested in joining or learning more about the MVBAC are encouraged to contact Justin Denius by calling 740-452-4518 or emailing justin.denius@mvesc.org.

MVESC December Governing Board Meeting

The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board will hold its regular December board meeting, Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, at 7:00 PM at its offices located at 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville. The meeting is open to the public.

 Please contact Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe at 740-452-4518 or lori.lowe@mvesc.org with any questions.

Legislator, Educator Recognized by the Ohio Educational Service Center Association

State Representative Don Jones and long-time educator Dr. Jim Mahoney recently were recognized during the 36th Annual Ohio ESC Association Awards event in Columbus, Nov. 14. The Muskingum Valley ESC (MVESC) nominated both award winners.

Representative Jones garnered the Legislative Leadership Award. It honors legislators and legislative support staff who have provided outstanding public service and legislative support for Educational Service Centers and public education in the state of Ohio. The MVESC’s nomination stated, “State Representative Don Jones has been instrumental in assisting the ESC with its newest program initiative. His efforts to decrease barriers and enhance the working relationship between state agencies and ESC’s have been a huge asset. Representative Jones truly has an outstanding work ethic and as a former teacher, has a compassionate understanding of our work to help every child succeed.”

Dr. Jim Mahoney earned the Lifetime Achievement Award. To be considered for the award, nominees must be or have been ESC superintendents, treasurers, board members, state/national legislators, local/state educators, and professional staff with a minimum of twelve years of demonstrated service to educational service centers and public education. His nomination highlights his many years as an educator and his continued work as a public speaker and author. “Dr. Jim Mahoney’s contributions to public education in Ohio are too numerous to count. As a former teacher, principal, school district superintendent and Muskingum Valley ESC superintendent, he has inspired many educators and students throughout his life to follow their dreams and truly make a difference in the world. Dr. Mahoney continues to motivate, encourage and inspire today through his book and his speaking engagements. This amazing, passionate and committed educator advocates for all children in Ohio to have outstanding opportunities for success.”

MVESC Board members and staff pictured with OESCA award recipients State Representative Don Jones and Dr. Jim Mahoney. Pictured (L-R): MVESC Board President Michael Smith, MVESC Treasurer Danielle Devoll, MVESC Director of Operations Adam Copeland, MVESC Board Vice President Ed Penrod, State Representative Don Jones, Dr. Jim Mahoney, MVESC Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe, and MVESC Board member Larry Good.

Districts in Eastern, Southern Ohio Benefit from Threat Assessment Guidelines Training

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) is providing free Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) training to school districts in Eastern and Southern Ohio. The training sessions began in September and have been held throughout the region with more than 230 school personnel from about 20 districts completing the training so far. Additional training sessions are scheduled in late November.

This training meets all requirements for House Bill 123 signed this year by Governor Mike DeWine to help schools identify threat and provide guidance on how to effectively address threat in schools. The evidence-based training, created by Dr. Dewey Cornell, is interactive and is designed for school-based multidisplinary teams.

 

Local Educator Receives Advocate of Education Hall of Fame Award

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Diane L. Jones of Zanesville was recently presented the 2022 Advocate of Education Hall of Fame Award in the Southeast Region of the Ohio School Boards Association. The award is the highest level of recognition in the Southeast Region. The region executive committee selects an individual, business or corporation that has roots in the Southeast Region and has gone above and beyond in advocating for children and public education in the region and across the state. Jones received the award in Nelsonville at the Ohio School Boards Association Southeast Region Fall Conference.

Jones began her classroom teaching career at West Muskingum Local School and served in various administrative roles at Franklin Local Schools, Zanesville City Schools and Muskingum Valley ESC. Upon her retirement, she continues to serve as an education consultant with the Muskingum Valley ESC. In partnership with Dr. Barbara A. Hansen, she developed the Appalachian P-20 Council, a collaborative of business, industry, education, government and philanthropy committed to improving the lives of students who live in the Southeast Region.

Jones earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Ohio University. She received her master’s degree in Early and Middle Childhood Education, an administrative certification from Ohio State University and assistant superintendent’s certification from Ashland University.

Diane L. Jones of Zanesville recently received the 2022 Advocate of Education Hall of Fame Award in the Southeast Region of the Ohio School Boards Association. Pictured from left are Danielle Devoll, MVESC Treasurer; Dr. Barbara Hansen, MVESC Board Member; Adam Copeland, MVESC Director of Operations; Diane L. Jones; Michael Smith, MVESC Board President; Ed Penrod, MVESC Board Vice President; and Larry Good, MVESC Board Member.

MVESC November Governing Board Meeting

The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board will hold its regular November board meeting, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, at 7:00 PM at its offices located at 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville. The meeting is open to the public.

 Please contact Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe at 740-452-4518 or lori.lowe@mvesc.org with any questions.

MVESC Governing Board October Meeting

The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board will hold its regular October board meeting, Monday, Oct. 10, 2022, at 7:00 PM in the New Lexington Middle School Library at 2549 Panther Dr. NE, New Lexington. The meeting is open to the public.

 Please contact Superintendent Lori Snyder- Lowe at 740-452-4518 or lori.lowe@mvesc.org with any questions.

Morgan Local Schools Recognized for Excellence, Parntership

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) recently celebrated its 25-year anniversary. The event was attended by former and current board members, superintendents, and administrators and board members from member districts. The program included comments from Michael Smith, MVESC Board President, Craig Burford, Executive Director, Ohio Educational Service Center Association, and former MVESC superintendents Dr. Jim Mahoney, Dr. Richard Murray and David Branch.

As part of the celebration, 12 MVESC member districts were honored recognizing their 25 years of service to students in the Muskingum Valley Region, including Morgan Local Schools. Other districts honored for their 25-year partnership included Coshocton City Schools, Crooksville, East Muskingum, Franklin, Logan-Hocking Schools, Maysville, New Lexington, Northern, Ridgewood, River View, and West Muskingum.

“We are thrilled to recognize our partner districts for their 25 years of commitment to educational excellence and community enrichment! MVESC is proud to be a part of such outstanding school districts with amazing and committed staff, students and board members,” said MVESC Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe.

Other districts now aligned with the MVESC include Caldwell, Coshocton County Career Center, Mid-East Career & Technology Centers, and Newcomerstown. Additionally, MVESC provides services to other districts in Ohio and in other states.

MVESC Board President Michael Smith presents a plaque of recognition to Morgan Local Schools Superintendent Dr. Kristi Barker. The district was recognized for its 25 years of service to students in the Muskingum Valley Region.

East Muskingum Treasurer Search Application Deadline Extended

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — The East Muskingum Local School District’s Board of Education, located in Muskingum County, Ohio, is seeking a highly qualified, dynamic and experienced individual to serve as treasurer. This person will lead the fiscal office and oversee the financial stability of the district.

The board is working with Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center to conduct the search process. More information may be found at https://www.mvesc.org/careers/0822-2/

The deadline to submit the completed application packet has been extended through Monday, September 30, 2022. It can be emailed to lori.lowe@mvesc.org or mailed to Lori Snyder-Lowe, MVESC, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, OH 43701.

MVESC Recognizes Logan-Hocking Schools for 25 Years of Academic Excellence, Partnership

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) recently celebrated its 25 year anniversary. The event was attended by former and current board members, superintendents, and administrators and board members from member districts. The program included comments from Michael Smith, MVESC Board President, Craig Burford, Executive Director, Ohio Educational Service Center Association, and former MVESC superintendents Dr. Jim Mahoney, Dr. Richard Murray and David Branch.

As part of the celebration, 12 MVESC member districts were honored recognizing their 25 years of service to students in the Muskingum Valley Region, including Logan-Hocking Schools. Other districts honored for their 25-year partnership included Coshocton City Schools, Crooksville, East Muskingum, Franklin, Maysville, Morgan, New Lexington, Northern, Ridgewood, River View, and West Muskingum.

“We are thrilled to recognize our partner districts for their 25 years of commitment to educational excellence and community enrichment!  MVESC is proud to be a part of such outstanding school districts with amazing and committed staff, students and board members,” said MVESC Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe.

Other districts now aligned with the MVESC include Caldwell, Coshocton County Career Center, Mid-East Career & Technology Centers, and Newcomerstown. Additionally, MVESC provides services to other districts in Ohio and in other states.

MVESC Board President Michael Smith presents a plaque of recognition to Logan-Hocking Board of Education President Lance Bell. Also pictured are MVESC Board Vice President Ed Penrod and Logan-Hocking Board of Education Vice President Amy Black.

MVESC Offers Free Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines Training

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — The MVESC is offering FREE “Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines” training (CSTAG). This Training meets all requirements for House Bill 123 signed this year by Governor Mike DeWine to help schools identify threat and provide guidance on how to effectively address threat in schools. We are excited to offer you and your staff this training and to work together on issues related to threat and violence in schools. Trainings are currently scheduled for the following dates:

  • September 6th at the Muskingum Valley ESC located in Zanesville, Ohio
  • September 13th at the Perry County Regional office of the MVESC located in New Lexington, Ohio
  • September 15th at the Warren Local located in Vincent, Ohio
  • October 7th at Newcomerstown Middle School located in Newcomerstown, Ohio
  • October 16th at River View High School located in Warsaw, Ohio
  • October 25th at St. Clairsville ESC located in St. Clairsville, Ohio

For more information or to register click the link or contact Megan Moore at megan.moore@mvesc.org.

MVESC Recognizes Perry County Districts for 25 Years of Academic Excellence, Partnership

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) recently celebrated its 25 year anniversary. The event was attended by former and current board members, superintendents, and administrators and board members from member districts. The program included comments from Michael Smith, MVESC Board President, Craig Burford, Executive Director, Ohio Educational Service Center Association, and former MVESC superintendents Dr. Jim Mahoney, Dr. Richard Murray and David Branch.

As part of the celebration, 12 MVESC member districts were honored recognizing their 25 years of service to students in the Muskingum Valley Region, including Crooksville, New Lexington and Northern Local. Other districts honored for their 25-year partnership included Coshocton City Schools, East Muskingum, Franklin, Logan-Hocking, Maysville, Morgan, Ridgewood, River View, and West Muskingum.

“We are thrilled to recognize our partner districts for their 25 years of commitment to educational excellence and community enrichment! MVESC is proud to be a part of such outstanding school districts with amazing and committed staff, students and board members,” said MVESC Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe.

Other districts now aligned with the MVESC include Caldwell, Coshocton County Career Center, Mid-East Career & Technology Centers, and Newcomerstown. Additionally, MVESC provides services to other districts in Ohio and in other states.

MVESC Board Member Robert Doughty present a plaque of recognition to Crooksville Schools.

MVESC Board President Michael Smith presents a plaque of recognition to New Lexington Schools.

MVESC Board President Michael Smith presents a plaque of recognition to Northern Local Schools.

MVESC Recognizes Coshocton County Districts for 25 Years of Academic Excellence, Partnership

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) recently celebrated its 25-year anniversary. The event was attended by former and current board members, superintendents, and administrators and board members from member districts. The program included comments from Michael Smith, MVESC Board President, Craig Burford, Executive Director, Ohio Educational Service Center Association, and former MVESC superintendents Dr. Jim Mahoney, Dr. Richard Murray and David Branch.

As part of the celebration, 12 MVESC member districts were honored recognizing their 25 years of service to students in the Muskingum Valley Region, including Coshocton, Ridgewood and River View. Other districts honored for their 25-year partnership included Crooksville, East Muskingum, Franklin, Logan-Hocking, Maysville, Morgan, New Lexington, Northern and West Muskingum.

“We are honored to be able to recognize our partner districts for their focus on academic excellence over the last 25 years, and we are proud to be able to serve these outstanding staff members, students, and community members in reaching their goals,” said MVESC Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe.

Other districts now aligned with the MVESC include Caldwell, Coshocton County Career Center, Mid-East Career & Technology Centers, and Newcomerstown. Additionally, MVESC provides services to other districts in Ohio and in other states.

MVESC Governing Board Member Robert Doughty congratulates Coshocton City Schools for their academic excellence and 25-year partnership with MVESC.

MVESC Governing Board Member Robert Doughty congratulates Coshocton City Schools for their academic excellence and 25-year partnership with MVESC.

MVESC Governing Board Member Robert Doughty congratulates Ridgewood for their academic excellence and 25-year partnership with MVESC.

MVESC Governing Board Member Robert Doughty congratulates Ridgewood for their academic excellence and 25-year partnership with MVESC.

MVESC Governing Board Member Robert Doughty congratulates River View Local Schools for their academic excellence and 25-year partnership with MVESC.

MVESC Governing Board Member Robert Doughty congratulates River View Local Schools for their academic excellence and 25-year partnership with MVESC.

 

MVESC Recognizes West Muskingum’s 25 Years of Partnership

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) recently celebrated its 25 year anniversary. The event was attended by former and current board members, superintendents, and administrators and board members from member districts. The program included comments from Michael Smith, MVESC Board President, Craig Burford, Executive Director, Ohio Educational Service Center Association, and former MVESC superintendents Dr. Jim Mahoney, Dr. Richard Murray and David Branch.

As part of the celebration, 12 MVESC member districts were honored recognizing their 25 years of service to students in the Muskingum Valley Region. MVESC Board President Michael Smith presented a plaque to West Muskingum for their partnership. Other districts honored for their 25-year partnership included Coshocton City Schools, Crooksville, East Muskingum, Franklin, Logan-Hocking, Maysville, Morgan, New Lexington, Northern, Ridgewood, and River View.

“We are honored to be able to recognize our partner districts for their focus on academic excellence over the last 25 years, and we are proud to be able to serve these outstanding staff members, students, and community members in reaching their goals,” said MVESC Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe.

Other districts now aligned with the MVESC include Caldwell, Coshocton County Career Center, Mid-East Career & Technology Centers, and Newcomerstown. Additionally, MVESC provides services to other districts in Ohio and in other states.

 

MVESC Governing Board will meet Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Zanesville, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board will hold its regular August Board meeting at 7:00 p.m., August 10, 2022. The meeting will be held in the Muskingum Valley ESC office at 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville. The meeting is open to the public.

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

Coshocton Elementary School Teacher Selected District 9 Teacher of the Year

COSHOCTON, Ohio — Coshocton City Schools elementary teacher, Leslie Croft, was recently selected as this year’s recipient of the 2023 State Board of Education District 9 Teacher of the Year.   Mrs. Croft is a second grade teacher at Coshocton Elementary.

Mrs. Croft has taught for 22 years, and has taught in both private and public schools. She serves as a teacher mentor and takes on student teachers, as well. She believes that all students can learn and she differentiates instruction to meet the needs of a variety of learners in the classroom. Mrs. Croft was also the recipient of the 2021-22 MVESC Exemplary Educator, for which she was recognized among other exceptional teachers in our region.

Each year the Ohio Department of Education asks each Ohio school district to submit their candidate for the Ohio Teacher of the Year. The program identifies exceptional teachers who inspire others inside and outside the classroom. A committee in each of Ohio’s eleven State Board of Education Districts reviewed applications and selected Mrs. Croft as this year’s award winner! She will continue to move ahead in the selection process for the 2023 State Teacher of the Year.

“Leslie Croft is an exceptional educator who inspires her students and colleagues on a daily basis.  She is highly respected and most deserving of this distinguished award, and Coshocton City Schools is extremely proud of her many accomplishments,” stated Superintendent Dr. David Hire.

The Ohio Teacher of the Year program began in 1964. In 1996, Coshocton High School Social Studies teacher, Cathy Priest was selected as Ohio’s Teacher of the Year.

MVESC’s Lindsay Rayner, Director of Curriculum & Learning, served as the Ohio Teacher of the Year District 9 Territory Lead.

MVESC Garners $25,000 Parent Mentorship Program

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center is receiving $25,000 to support its Parent Mentorship program. The federal funds are distributed through the Ohio Department of Education. A Parent Mentor is the parent of a child with a disability who is employed by a local educational service center to help school districts and families by providing training, support and information services.

The MVESC Parent Mentor program services include:

  • Guiding families through the special education process and helping them understand their rights and responsibilities.
  • Listening and providing support to families and educators on an individual basis.
  • Providing information and resources to families and school personnel on education laws, district programs and services and community resources.
  • Attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and other meetings at parent or staff request.
  • Organizing and conducting information sessions or workshops based on the needs of families and professionals.
  • Building collaborative partnerships among families, schools and communities to benefit students with disabilities.

All Parent Mentor services are provided to families free of charge.

Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board’s July Meeting: July 11, 2022

Zanesville, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board will hold its regular July Board meeting at 7:00 p.m., July 11, 2022. The meeting will be held in the Muskingum Valley ESC office at 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville. The meeting is open to the public.

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

MVESC Receives Afterschool Grants for Programs in New Lexington, Morgan and Ridgewood Local Schools

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center is receiving $961,150 in grants to launch a new afterschool program at New Lexington Schools and expand current afterschool programs at Morgan and Ridgewood Local Schools. The Ohio Department of Education announced April 28 a total of $89 million in Summer Learning and Afterschool Opportunities Grants to 161 community-based partners. The grant programs must be provided during periods of time when school is not in session and be designed to meet the needs of students who have experienced disruptions to learning in school during the pandemic. 

An Afterschool Create grant of $885,000 will support establishment of an afterschool program for New Lexington Schools, which will begin August 2022 and end June 2024. New Lexington Schools partnered with MVESC for the grant which will serve students in grades K-12. The program will be housed in the New Lexington Workforce Development Center with students being transported there after school each day. A Technology Coach will be assigned to students and many services will be offered, such as: health and wellness, social-emotional learning, STEM lab, Makerspace, Agriculture Technology, projects at the school farm, family, and community events. 

The second grant awarded to MVESC is an Afterschool Expand grant for $76,150.24 which will also begin August 2022 and will end June 2024. Ridgewood Local Schools and Morgan Local Schools are the partners for this grant, and the programs will serve K-12 students. These programs will expand on the districts’ current afterschool services by providing additional STEM resources and social-emotional learning. 

Through these grant opportunities, the goal of MVESC and the partnering districts is to increase student achievement, improve school attendance, and provide ongoing support to students and families who have been affected by the pandemic. 

Let’s work together to improve education.