SOESC CONNECTION

Spring has a way of shifting things. 🌤️ The air changes, the days stretch a little longer, and there's a sense of momentum that's hard to ignore — in life and in schools.

Across our region right now, that momentum is real. Students are making breakthroughs. Educators are trying new things. 🌱 Districts are pushing through the final stretch of the year with intention and heart. It's a season that rewards the effort that's been quietly building since August.

The Southern Ohio ESC is honored to be part of that story — not just as a service provider, but as a genuine partner in the work. We show up because the work matters, and because the people doing it deserve support every step of the way. 🤝

So here's to the season ahead. To open windows, fresh energy, and everything that's possible when a strong community keeps showing up for its students. 🌿☀️

#Proud2BeSOESC #SOESCConnection

We are proud to recognize Mary Hiler as our MVP of the Month for February 2026! Those who nominated her shared heartfelt praise for Mary’s exceptional organization, dedication, and the steady support she provides to the team each and every day.

Mary manages an enormous volume of information, paperwork, and timelines with precision, ensuring that districts receive the services they need so students can continue to thrive. Her work creates the strong foundation that allows her and her team to focus on serving children effectively. She anticipates needs, responds quickly, and supports each team member in ways that help everyone succeed.

Mary, thank you for the countless ways you support your team and for the vital role you play in helping SOESC serve our districts and students so well. We are so grateful for all that you do! 😊

This month, we are excited to celebrate Alexis Kirk as our MVP of the Month! Nominators shared heartfelt praise for Alexis’s dedication, expertise, and the meaningful impact she makes in supporting mathematics instruction across the region.

Alexis has shown a strong commitment to advancing teaching and learning by developing high-quality professional development aligned with Ohio’s Plan for K–12 Mathematics. Her thoughtful planning, flexibility, and responsiveness ensure educators receive meaningful learning opportunities that are both rigorous and accessible. She is always willing to collaborate, troubleshoot challenges, and go the extra mile to support both staff and educators in the field.

Alexis, thank you for the knowledge, care, and leadership you bring to your work each day. We are so grateful for all that you do for Team SOESC! 😊

👏 Who will be next? Help us continue celebrating the incredible work happening across SOESC by nominating a colleague for our next MVP of the Month.

🗳 Nominations are open now through April 30th, 2026: https://bit.ly/SOESCMVP

The Southern Ohio ESC is proud to partner with the Fairfield County ESC to support and promote the Drive to Succeed program, made possible through a grant from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office. Through this grant, our ESC consortium — with Fairfield County ESC serving as fiscal agent — has received funding to provide driver education scholarships for qualifying students and young adults.

Drive to Succeed aims to expand access to driver training for Ohio residents ages 15½ to 20 who may face financial barriers. Eligible participants can receive funding to cover the state-required driver education program, helping them prepare for school-to-work transitions, employment opportunities, college, or trade school pathways.

To be eligible, applicants must:
• Be an Ohio resident
• Be 15½ to 20 years old with a valid Ohio temporary driving permit
• Demonstrate financial need by providing proof of SNAP eligibility within the past 12 months
• If under 18, have a parent/guardian complete an online parent orientation

We encourage districts, school staff, and community partners to share this opportunity with students and families who may benefit.

👉 Learn more or apply: www.faircoesc.org/page/drivetosucceed
📧 Questions: DrivetoSucceed@fairfieldesc.org

The Southern Ohio ESC, in partnership with the Clinton, Fayette, and Highland County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, is pleased to expand access to our shared Local Professional Development Committee (LPDC).

Through provisions outlined in Ohio HB 435, SOESC’s LPDC is now open to non-traditional educators—including licensed or certificated professionals who are not currently employed by a school district or an entity with its own LPDC. This allows eligible individuals to have coursework, continuing education units, or other professional learning activities reviewed for license renewal.

This expanded service supports educators working in a variety of roles and settings while maintaining the same standards and review process required by the Ohio State Board of Education.

To learn more about eligibility and how to get started, visit:
👉 https://www.soesc.org/LPDC.aspx

For any questions about the SOESC LPDC, please contact:

Debbie Mickey, LPDC Chairperson

dmickey@sst14.org

For more information regarding hiring please contact Assistant Superintendent, Casey Enochs at cenochs@soesc.org | 937-382-6921 x 1039

The upcoming SOESC governing board meeting will take place on

April 28, 2026- 6:30 pm at the Southern Ohio ESC: 3321 Airborne Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177.

For more information on our governing board, please visit soesc.org/GoverningBoard