ESC newsletter aims to keep districts informed

LISBON - The Columbiana County Educational Service Center introduced a new publication this month aimed at keeping area school districts and partner agencies informed about ESC programs and activities.

"In each newsletter we will provide an overview of successful programs and provide additional information on other upcoming events," Superintendent Anna Marie Vaughn wrote in the first issue. "Through this communication, we hope to recognize excellence and encourage collaboration as we focus on success for all students."

Vaughn distributed copies of the first edition to members of the ESC Governing Board during their meeting Monday. The four-page newsletter will be sent via E-mail and to school districts and other agencies, with some copies available at the ESC. A copy will also be included on the ESC Web site at web.ccesc.k12.oh.us.

She said each issue will include a tech tip, with new events highlighted in each issue. The newsletter will be distributed every two months.

The first issue included a front-page article about a Mandarin Chinese language course some juniors and seniors are taking at East Palestine, Lisbon and United high schools via the distance-learning network offered by the University of Akron. Students are learning about the Chinese culture and learning the language, with the class completing their foreign language requirement.

Other stories dealt with the seniors to sophomores dual enrollment program where seniors can earn both high school and college credit with courses at Kent State's regional campuses in Salem and East Liverpool, a professional development program for history teachers and a program to help students with multiple barriers to find and keep jobs.

In other business, the ESC board accepted the resignation of gifted and talented teacher Kimberly Mayer, who received a position as a gifted and talented coordinator with the Summit County ESC. The board also employed numerous personnel as paraeducators, which are one-on-one educators, substitute paraeducators, a bus aide and a substitute bus driver.

The ESC will contract with KSU to lease one classroom at the Salem City Center for $1,800 per year . A contract was also approved for Kent State Salem to provide a seminar focusing on literacy, class preparation and evaluations, assisting in student development of professional portfolios and other course responsibilities for $4,250. The course will be taught by an ESC staff member.

The next board meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at the ESC building off of Saltwell Road in Lisbon.

Mary Ann Greier can be reached at mgreier@salemnews.net