LISBON — A new opportunity is being developed between the Kent State University and Columbiana County Educational Service Center.

County ESC Superintendent Marie Williams said during this month’s governing board meeting that a new program called “Pathway to Teach” will give paraprofessionals the opportunity to earn their teaching licenses.

The ESC Is partnering with Kent State University on the new program and informational meetings are being held.

According to minutes of the board meeting posted online, Williams also said the Business Advisory Council (BAC) Vision Casting Forum will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Feb. 5 at the CAT in Columbiana.

“This year will feature panel discussions from local leaders in healthcare, economic development, and government,” she said.

In addition, BAC student representatives will also have the opportunity to highlight things they have accomplished in their school districts over the past year, she added. Williams also took some time during the meeting to welcome new governing board members Daniel Winston and Alia West.

“We welcome our new board members to their first meeting. Thank you for taking the time to serve our community. A big thank you to our Opportunity Center for creating our Board appreciation gifts,” Williams said, according to the minutes.

In his report to the board, Dennis Dunham, director of teaching and learning, said the weather and recent school closures have impacted county meetings, including the county principal meetings which had to be rescheduled to February.

Dunham noted some upcoming events, which include the Columbiana County Spelling Bee at Beaver Local schools on March 7, the Robotics Finals at the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center on Feb. 7, 14 and 21, and the Art Show at the career center on Feb. 26.

Dunham also said Content Collaborative meetings will be held soon that will bring together teachers of similar content areas to share best practices across the county.

The board then acted on several matters, including the resignation of Alyssa Schubert, effective Jan. 27. Williams wished to thank Schubert for her years of service and said she will be greatly missed.

Other items were an OT affiliation agreement with the University of Mount Union that ESC Treasurer Lucas Cooper said will allow the ESC to provide clinical hours to students; approving Olivia Meredith, Anita Bailey and Olivia May as paraeducators for the 2025-26 school year; and Jack Uhl as a job coach for the 2025-26 school year.

Also approved were Janice Palmer as a substitute teacher and Ami DeMeo as long term instructional support for the 2025-26 school year.

The next meeting was set for 4 p.m. Feb. 17.