CANFIELD, Ohio – The Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio has been recognized as a High Performing ESC by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for the 10th year.
To qualify for the High Performing ESC designation, ESCs must show that the services they provide help districts save money – at least 5% savings in five selected service areas. According to final fiscal year 2025 data from DEW, Ohio ESCs far exceeded this requirement. On average, ESCs saved districts 38.48%, totaling more than $108.9 million statewide in just those five areas alone, a news release states.
“The ESC of Eastern Ohio is honored to again be recognized as a High Performing ESC,” said Jeffery P. Good, president of the ESCEO Governing Board. “This achievement reflects the hard work of our staff and the strong partnerships we maintain with school districts across the region. We take seriously our responsibility to provide high-quality, cost-effective services that benefit students, educators and communities.”
The ESCEO Governing Board, which also includes Richard S. Scarsella, vice president, and members Suzanne Barbati, Marie Dockry and A. Ross Douglass, works with ESCEO leadership to ensure that the organization remains focused on innovation, fiscal stewardship and service to schools in Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties.
“Our board’s high expectations set the tone for our entire organization,” said Superintendent Traci Hostetler. “Their leadership allows our staff to deliver high-impact services that meet the needs of districts while being mindful of local resources.”
The ESC provides a range of educational services, including professional development, curriculum and instruction support, special education, student and staff wellness, technology integration and administrative and operational support. These shared services help districts expand opportunities for students while maximizing their resources.
Over the past decade, Ohio’s ESCs have averaged 36.54% annual cost savings, resulting in more than $796.5 million in statewide savings, the release states.
“Once again, Ohio’s educational service centers demonstrate how they provide their client schools and districts with exceptional services at reasonable costs,” said Craig Burford, executive director of the Ohio ESC Association. “Now, more than ever, policymakers should take notice of the return on their investment and find additional ways to leverage the ESC network.”