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

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

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

“I am very excited to be a part of such a great organization! The MVESC is an established leader in local, state, and national educational best practices that impact student success. The reputation that the MVESC has developed under the leadership of Dr. Miller, Dr. Mahoney, Dr. Murray, Mr. Branch, and Mrs. Lowe is exemplary, and their reputation as leaders in public education is unparalleled in the state. I look forward to continuing that tradition. It will truly be an honor and privilege to work with school districts from all over the state. I want to thank the Board of the MVESC for having the confidence in me to lead such a wonderful organization,” said Monte Bainter.

“Monte’s years of district leadership will serve him well in his new role with MVESC, and we know he will be a great addition to the MVESC,” said Hill.

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

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

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

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

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

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular April meeting at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.

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

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) proudly announces that its Business Advisory Council (BAC) has been honored with a three-star rating by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW), placing it within the top 25% of BACs statewide and top 15% among ESC’s.

The esteemed recognition underscores the council’s unwavering commitment to fostering strong partnerships between educational institutions and local businesses across the region. Mr. Eastin Lewellen, Director of Workforce Development at MVESC, expressed his pride in the council’s dedication, stating, “We pride ourselves on working every day to strengthen the partnership between the schools and businesses in our region.”

Lewellen further emphasized the pivotal role of partnership programs such as the Preceptorship program, which offers high school students invaluable hands-on experience within local healthcare facilities. “These connections are strengthened through partnership programs such as our Preceptorship program, which puts high school students into local healthcare facilities, so that students can get hands-on experience in a field that may interest them,” he remarked.

The ODEW employs a star-rating system to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of BACs in facilitating meaningful interactions between schools and businesses through various programs and partnerships. Enacted in 2017 by the state legislature, the creation of BACs aimed to enhance the alignment of educational curricula with workforce demands.

Representing our partner schools, MVESC’s BAC serves as a beacon of excellence in bridging the gap between academia and industry.

MVESC Superintendent, Lori Snyder-Lowe, commended the pivotal role played by the council in fostering synergistic relationships and implementing effective programming. “The connections made and the programming in place have made our BAC, students, and local businesses more successful than ever before!” Snyder-Lowe said.

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — Nearly 60 outstanding students and teachers were honored by the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) at their Annual Awards Night held March 6 at Secrest Auditorium in Zanesville. These exceptional teachers and students from throughout Southeast Ohio were recognized for their exceptional commitment, dedication, and passion for education. More than 200 students, educators, family members, and friends attended the event to celebrate the award recipients’ achievements. At the event, the Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards, Exemplary Educator Awards, Susan Writing Awards, and Outstanding Senior and Teacher Awards were presented.

John Stamper, Coshocton City

Ashton Mason, Logan-Hocking Schools

Gianna Ewert, West Muskingum Local

Katie Franklin, Caldwell EVSD

Mason Pyle, New Lexington

Jaidyn Peoples, Newcomerstown EVSD

MVESC Superintendent Lori Snyder-Lowe stated, “This event is the highlight of the year for the MVESC. It is our chance to celebrate the amazing achievements of exemplary educators and remarkable students each year.”

The Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Awards are named after former Ohio Superintendent of Public Instruction Franklin B. Walter. Each of the 13 districts in the Muskingum Valley service region nominated one senior based on their outstanding academic achievement, community service, and leadership abilities. A panel of judges then selected one county winner who received a $500 scholarship. County award winners are John Stamper, Coshocton City Schools; Ashton Mason, Logan-Hocking Schools; Gianna Ewert, West Muskingum Local Schools; Katie Franklin, Caldwell Exempted Village Schools; Mason Pyle, New Lexington Schools; and Jaydyn Peoples, Newcomerstown Local Schools.

Park National Bank provided scholarship awards for county winners in Coshocton, Hocking, Muskingum, and Tuscarawas counties. The Community Bank sponsored the Perry County scholarship. The MVESC provides the scholarship for Noble County.

Additionally, five students received the Susan Writing Awards and $1,000 scholarships from the Susan Mahoney Writing Scholarship Fund. The 2023 scholarship recipients are Roman Gallitz, John Glenn High School; Isabella Moore, Ridgewood High School; Bailey Ryan, West Muskingum High School; Raya Taylor, John Glenn High School; and Madison Wilkin, Ridgewood High School. The Susan Writing Award was created to memorialize the tremendous writing talent of Susan Elizabeth Mahoney. Susan was the daughter of Jim and Judy Mahoney. Susan passed away during her sophomore year at John Glenn High School. Seniors from high schools in Coshocton and Muskingum counties annually provide writing samples and apply for the scholarship award.

Click here to see a complete list of award recipients by county.

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular March meeting at 6:00 p.m., Monday, March 11, 2024. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.

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

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold a special board meeting for the purpose of employment at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, February 25, 2024. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.

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

The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board will hold its regular February meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, February 5, 2024. The meeting will be held at the MVESC Zanesville office, 205 N. Seventh Street, Zanesville, and is open to the public.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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 7^th St, Zanesville, OH 43701.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.