LISBON — An educator with more than 30 years of service locally was honored by the Columbiana County Educational Service Center recently.

ESC Superintendent Marie Williams took time during the December board meeting to give honor to board member Richard Stoudt for his years of service.

According to minutes of the meeting available online, Williams noted that Stoudt was also recognized with the Special Distinguished Service Award by the Ohio Educational Service Center Association in November.

The award is given to those with more than 30 years of service as a member of county and local school boards, she said.

“Richard Stoudt has dedicated more than three decades of his life to advancing education in Columbiana County through his steady leadership and unwavering commitment to students, families and schools,” she said.

He has served on the ESC Governing Board for 20 years, most recently as board president. In fact, Stoudt has spent 19 of his 20 years on the board as board president.

Williams went on to say that prior to the ESC Stoudt served on the United Local School Board for 12 years.

She said that while there, he helped guide district-level decisions that strengthened student achievement and supported staff.

Furthermore, Stoudt represented United Local as a board member for the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center, which Williams said ensured that career-technical education remained a vital part of the county’s educational landscape.

“Throughout his tenure, Richard has demonstrated a deep understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing education. He has been a strong advocate for keeping the ESC fiscally responsible while also expanding services to meet the ever-changing needs of the community’s schools,” Williams said.

She added that Stoudt’s leadership has ensured that county students have access to high-quality, cost-effective, and future-focused educational opportunities.

“Richard’s long-term presence and service on multiple boards reflect his unique ability to balance governance with vision, making thoughtful decisions today that build a stronger foundation for tomorrow,” she said.

ESC Treasurer Lucas Cooper and Williams were also honored at the Ohio Educational Service Center Association awards in Columbus as well.