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LISBON -- The Columbiana County Educational Service Center (ESC) had a busy September while focusing on the theme of "Every Role. Every Department. Every Student."
ESC Superintendent Marie Williams shared the extensive work done in September by the center and staff to the Board of Education during the regular meeting in October.
According to minutes of the meeting, Williams said more than 100 students attended the Kids STEAM University at the Kent State University at Salem, 22 new employees were hired by the ESC in September, and more than 1,300 students and staff throughout the county received Technology support.
Some of that support included helping districts with computers labs, student accounts and new AI tools for educators, Williams said.
Furthermore, she said that 12 districts received occupational and physical therapy services.
The ESC has new occupational and physical therapy supports in place, and Williams said that OT and PT staff began new programs and supports in several districts, including adding new services in one new district.
Williams also reported to the board that 11 districts received Teaching, Learning and Curriculum support, and 9 districts/sites received Speech-Language services through the ESC.
Six districts also received English Learner Services and 186 students received Speech Language Services.
Williams said the ESC expanded English Learner Services and increased English Learner screening and services in several districts as the need for support continues to grow.
She also said that 47 students/clients were served by the ESC Work Solutions program.
The ESC also started MAP Testing in September and began NWEA Map Testing with ESC students. NWEA is a computer adaptive K-12 assessment.
Williams said the testing will help the ESC see where students are starting and use that baseline information to better support their learning throughout the year.
The ESC also expanded support for students by opening three new Developmental Delay or Disability classrooms as well as continuing in-person speech language pathology service, mental health and behavior supports, and nursing services.
Williams also said the ESC continued investing in staff through providing Conscious Discipline training for ESC teachers and supports staff to give them practical strategies for supporting student behavior and social-emotional needs.
The ESC is continuing to build partnerships through working with schools, businesses, families, and community organizations to create ore opportunities a support for students, she said.