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.
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.