MVESC Governing Board to Hold February Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular February meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, February 5, 2024. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
MVESC Awarded State Grant to Expand Driver Training for Teens
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) was recently awarded more than $1 million from the Creating Opportunities for Driver Education (CODE) grant. Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson made the announcement January 23, 2024. DeWine said, “More students in underserved areas will now have access to this vital training, allowing them to contribute to a safer, more informed generation of drivers.”
The CODE Grant Program, with an allocation of $4.5 Million, was awarded to 34 districts. Among them, 16 districts being served by the MVESC and their collaborative driving school, the Muskingum Ohio Valley Educational Service Center Driving School (MOV ESC). The MOV ESC is a cooperative endeavor involving the MVESC and the Ohio Valley Educational Service Center.
The MOV ESC Driving School, established in 2021, started with 15 school districts: Belpre, Caldwell, Crooksville, Fort Frye, Frontier, Hamilton, Marietta, Morgan, New Lexington, Noble, River View, Switzerland of Ohio, Warren, Wolf Creek, and Zanesville. “Our program achieved significant success in its first year, with nearly 1000 students earning their driver’s license,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, MVESC. “The CODE Grant will enable us to expand the MOV ESC Driving School statewide, reaching more students and districts with our proven driver training model. We’re excited about the possibilities for the future,” she added.
“Making driver education easily available is not just about personal skills; it’s a game-changer for communities,” said Eastin Lewellen, Director of Workforce Development, MVESC. “It means more skilled drivers, less transportation hurdles, and a positive ripple effect on local economies, creating a stronger, more connected community with enhanced workforce opportunities,” he added.
Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Awarded Computer Science Teaching Grant
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) was recently awarded the Teach Computer Science (CS) Grant. Only 17 education institutions statewide received this grant award. Lt. Governor Jon Husted made the announcement January 16, 2024. He stated, “To help meet the demand for more computer science teachers, we are removing barriers by covering the costs of coursework, materials, and exams for teachers who want to teach computer science in Ohio’s K-12 classrooms so they can better educate Ohio’s future workforce.”
Under the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Workforce Development Initiative, the Teach CS Grant Program, with an allocation of $8 million, aims to increase the number of existing teachers who qualify to teach computer science. This can be achieved through supplemental licensure, university endorsement programs, or alternative resident educator licenses. “Computer Science has become an essential skill in society, resulting in increased demand for educators qualified to teach this area,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent MVESC. “With the Teach CS Grant, we can assist our member districts in providing funding opportunities and programs that support the teachers and students in our region,” she added.
Leslie Charles, Digital Integration Coordinate for the MVESC, will be spearheading this work. “The integration of technology is essential for educators to be efficient, effective, and engaging,” Charles said. “In this era, educating students in a technology-infused environment is crucial. With this grant, we will be providing teachers with the tools and necessary credentials to prepare our students for a technology-infused career,” she said.
The grant award will be used to develop and implement practice courses for teachers that have taken the computer science coursework and need a refresher before taking the endorsement exam. It will also be used to create and provide professional development for teachers interested in pursuing a computer science endorsement. The MVESC will begin leading this work at the beginning of March.
MVESC Governing Board to Hold Special Board Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold a special board meeting for the purpose of employment at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 12, 2024. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
Hill to Lead Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board in 2024
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) recently announced Brian Hill from Muskingum County will serve as Governing Board President for 2024. Hill was selected January 8, during the MVESC Governing Board’s Organizational Meeting. Dr. Barb Hansen from Muskingum County will serve as the board’s vice president.
The MVESC Governing Board consists of seven members from Coshocton, Hocking, Morgan, Muskingum and Perry counties. Other governing board members include Robert Doughty from Coshocton County; Ed Penrod from Hocking County; Sharon Slowter from Morgan County; Larry Good from Muskingum County; and Michael Smith from Perry County.
2024 Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) Governing Board President Brian Hill (left) and Vice President Dr. Barb Hansen. Hill and Hansen were selected President and Vice President during the MVESC Governing Board Organizational Meeting on January 8, 2024
General Purpose GAAP Financial Statements Available
The Muskingum Valley ESC’s General Purpose GAAP Financial Statements for the year ended June 30, 2023, are available on request. For information, contact Danielle Devoll, Treasurer, Muskingum Valley ESC, at 740-452-4518 or visit 205 N 7th St, Zanesville, OH 43701.
MVESC Governing Board to Hold Organizational, January Regular Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its 2024 Organizational Meeting at 6:45 p.m., Monday, January 8, 2024. The board’s regular January meeting will be held immediately after the conclusion of the organizational meeting. The meetings will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and are open to the public.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
Perry County Judge Luann Cooperrider Recognized for Outstanding Leadership
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Perry County Probate-Juvenile Court Judge Luann Cooperrider was recently recognized by the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) for her community leadership service which has significantly benefited students through her ALPHA Program. Judge Cooperrider was presented the Outstanding Leadership Award December 15, 2023, by Ed Penrod, Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) Governing Board President, and Lori Snyder-Lowe, MVESC, Superintendent.
The ALPHA Program is sponsored by Perry County Juvenile Court and is administered by MVESC. The program helps school districts’ adjudicated students get back on the right track by helping them with credit recovery, behavioral issues, and social-emotional well-being.
“Judge Cooperrider’s dedication and commitment to helping area youth grow into productive citizens is unparalleled,” said Snyder-Lowe. “She continues to advocate for helping every child find a path to graduation and success as adults, regardless of the obstacles they face,” Snyder-Lowe added.
OESCA announced recently Cooperrider’s award at the Ohio School Boards Association’s Capitol Conference. Judge Cooperrider had also been recognized 24 years ago for her leadership and strong advocacy for students in the region.
MVESC Garners Industry Sector Partnership Grant to Support Mid-East CDL Training Program
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) is a recipient of a $250,000 Industry Sector Partnership Grant from the State of Ohio to support Mid-East Career and Technology Centers’ (MECTC) new CDL training program. Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, announced December 11, 2023, 26 grants totaling $5 million.
“We are proud to assist our member districts in providing funding opportunities and programs that support students in our region,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, MVESC. “This grant will provide greater training capabilities for Mid-East while also providing MVESC with funding to help students earn their driver’s licenses so they can enroll in programs such as the Mid-East CDL program or other workforce pathways, including internships, apprenticeships, and careers,” she added.
Eastin Lewellen, MVESC’s Director of Workforce Development, identified the partnership opportunity through conversations with Matt Sheridan, Superintendent, MECTC. Steven Foreman, MVESC’s Grants Administrator, then completed and submitted the grant application that was one of only two partnerships selected for funding in southeast Ohio.
The grant award will be used to purchase a CDL training simulator, and help promote the program through scholarships, advertising, and outreach to local school districts. MVESC will administer the grant award working collaboratively with MECTC to meet the grant’s objectives.
“It’s important that we encourage collaboration throughout communities so we can train our students with the skills businesses in their regions need and expose them to opportunities available in their own back yards,” said Lt. Governor Husted.
Muskingum Valley ESC Hosts Legislators, Discusses Educational Issues
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – School superintendents met recently with legislators in Zanesville to discuss educational issues impacting schools and students in the region. The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) hosted the event December 11.
State Senator Tim Schaffer, State Representatives Adam Holmes, Kevin Miller, Don Jones, and Mark Johnson, and Brad Kennedy, Legislative Aide to U.S. Senator J. D. Vance, participated in the roundtable discussion with superintendents from MVESC districts. Topics included HB 187, HB 312, HB 71, sustainability of educational initiatives started because of learning loss related to the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce development and many other issues.
“MVESC extends a heartfelt thank you to all the legislators for taking time out of their very busy schedules to talk with our superintendents and learn about concerns and suggestions for improving education in our region,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, MVESC.
MVESC Governing Board to Hold December Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular December meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 11, 2023. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
MVESC Governing Board to Hold December Meeting
The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular December meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 11, 2023. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.
Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, at 740-452-4518 for more information.
MVESC Governing Board Schedules Special Meeting
The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Governing Board will hold a special meeting on Monday, November 27, 2023, at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held in the MVESC’s Zanesville office at 205 North Seventh Street, Zanesville. Contact Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, for more information.
Key Personnel in Regional Driver Education Program Honored
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Dr. Richard Hall and Homer Weekley were honored November 13, 2023, with the Torch Award from the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA). The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) nominated Hall and Weekley for the honor based on the instrumental roles they played in creating a school-based driver education program that serves districts throughout Ohio. Both MVESC and Ohio Valley Educational Service Center (OVESC) collaborated to create and launch the program throughout Ohio.
OESCA’s Torch Award is presented to individuals or organizations who have rendered outstanding service or made significant contributions to OESCA and ESCs as a whole. The award was presented in Columbus during the Ohio School Boards Association Capitol Conference.
Dr. Hall is a former teacher, coach, principal, superintendent and now serves as Executive Director of Operations and Special Projects for Ohio Valley Educational Service Center. Weekley is a former teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal who now serves as Driver Education Supervisor for MVESC.
MVESC’s nomination read in part, “Their work has brought driver education back into schools, resulting in a top quality program that ensures students get the best training possible. Their work in the field of driver education has focused on workforce development and the direct connection between a driver’s license and a career. The partnerships created provided a platform for collaborative teamwork among Ohio ESCs and school districts.”
MVESC Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe noted that without Hall and Weekley’s numerous contributions, the statewide driver’s education program would not be possible. “These two individuals have dedicated countless hours to serving the needs of districts across Ohio to ensure students have access to a high quality driver training program that will help students reach their goals.” Lowe added.
State Rep. Edwards Honored for Legislative Leadership
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – State Representative Jay Edwards from Ohio’s 94th House District was honored November 13, 2023, with the Legislative Leadership Award from the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA). The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) nominated Edwards for the honor.
OESCA’s Legislative Leadership Award is presented to legislators and legislative support staff who have provided outstanding public service and legislative support for Educational Service Centers and education in the state of Ohio. The award was presented in Columbus during the Ohio School Boards Association Capitol Conference.
“It’s an honor to receive an award from such a great organization,” said Edwards. “Ohio Educational Service Centers are crucial to not only rural Ohio but the state as a whole,” he added.
MVESC’s nomination read in part, “State Representative Jay Edwards understands the needs of rural school districts and the diverse challenges they face. He is extremely supportive of education and is always willing to listen and learn. Representative Edwards has also been a strong supporter of ESCs and understands the benefits of collaboration among districts.”
“State Representative Edwards is an outstanding advocate for rural schools and students,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, MVESC. “He understands the unique challenges faced by districts in rural parts of the state and shows exceptional leadership and passion for ensuring legislation helps address those challenges,” Lowe added.
Muskingum Valley ESC Superintendent Earns State ‘Teamwork Award’
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC), was honored November 13, 2023, with the Teamwork Award from the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA). The award was presented in Columbus during the Ohio School Boards Association Capitol Conference.
“In the 24 years I have been the executive director of OESCA, only two other ESC superintendents have ever been recognized with the Teamwork Award,” said Craig Burford, Executive Director, OESCA. “It is great to see an ESC superintendent be recognized based upon the nomination by her peers,” Burford added.
Brenda Luhring, Superintendent, North Central Ohio ESC, nominated Lowe for the award. The nomination read in part, “Lori Snyder-Lowe is an example of what it means to be a team player. If she sees an opportunity to help districts and ESC’s anywhere in the state, she will roll up her sleeves and get to work. She is always willing to share ideas, processes, and her time. She does not seek recognition or credit; she just wants what is best for children and school districts.” Superintendent Luhring went on to give examples of Lowe’s many contributions to innovative education initiatives statewide.
“I am honored to be recognized with the Teamwork Award and truly feel being nominated by my peers is the highest honor I can receive,” Lowe said. “I want to acknowledge the amazing MVESC team because without their dedication and teamwork behind the scenes every day, this award would not have been possible,” she added.
Lowe has also earned statewide recognition from the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA), winning the Warren Russell Leadership Award and from the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS), winning the Legislative Leadership Award and the President’s Award.
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.