LISBON — Columbiana County educators heard from several students recently on how to provide better career readiness and exploration opportunities.

The Columbiana County Educational Service Center Business Advisory Council hosted this year’s Vision Casting Forum meeting last month and it was at that meeting that the students provided insight and input on a variety of topics related to career readiness.

County ESC superintendent Marie Williams said at the February Board of Education meeting that the student panel raised a lot of valuable insight.

According to minutes of the ESC board meeting posted online, Williams told the board that the insight showed how much work truly needs done in the county in terms of career readiness and exploration opportunities.

“The student members and their voices will help lead us to some new and exciting opportunities and programs in the future,” she said.

Board member Marilyn Parkes also appreciated the student input.

“I really appreciate how the kids laid it on the line for us and told it like it is when it comes to career readiness,” she said, according to the meeting minutes.

On other matters, Williams also took time during the meeting to thank state Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel for attending the county superintendent’s meeting and providing insight on the school funding and the state budget.

“We appreciate her taking the time to come share updates and listen to concerns and district needs,” she said.

The board then approved:

— The resignation of Shayma Hunt effective Jan. 31, 2025.

— The resignation of Erin Latimer, effective Feb. 28, 2025.

— Heather Scott, McKenzie Brown, Jamie Hostetter, and Kaitlyn Ketchum as paraeducators for the 2024-25 school year.

— Emma Dunlap as substitute physical therapist for the 2024-25 school year.

— A Science of Reading stipend for Danita Dilisio.

The next meeting was set for 5 p.m. March 18.