Board of Governors

The Board of Governors for Mid-Ohio ESC includes representation from each of the counties we serve. Members include: (seated L-R) Linda McFarland, Mary Jean Theaker, Mary Dixon; (standing L-R) Douglas Theaker (President), Bill Hope, Howard Koons (Vice-President), Dennis Leader.

The Board of Governors meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center. Click here to view agendas and minutes of past meetings.

Douglas Theaker, Board President

Year you were elected to the Board:  1994

Why did you want to serve on the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center’s Governing Board? With 20 years of experience on the Ontario Board of Education and 30 years as an educator and two degrees in education, I believe I had the skills and experience and know-how to be a county-wide board member.

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the education system in our region?  To convey to the public the utmost importance of education.

What is the one thing you are most excited about for the future of Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center?  Staff

Howard Koons, Crawford County, Vice President

Year you were elected to the Board: Elected to Colonel Crawford Board in 1978-1981. Served on the Crawford County Board from 1982-1997. Richland, Crawford, Morrow Consolidation 1998 – Ran in 2011

Why did you want to serve on the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center’s Governing Board? Mid-Ohio ESC has been one of the top in the state providing services to districts. We have a great staff at Mid-Ohio ESC.

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the education system in our region?  Funding and getting every school on the same page with technology.

What is the one thing you are most excited about for the future of Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center? We have a great staff that is working hard on changing the direction of Mid-Ohio ESC and the state educational changes.

Mary Dixon

Year you were elected to the Board: My election to the Mid-Ohio ESC Governing Board took place in November 2009, and the term began in January 2010 and runs through the calendar year.

Why did you want to serve on the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center’s Governing Board? Since my previous classroom experience included services from what began as the county board of education and then later became the Educational Service Center, it seems logical I feel that the need to assist in some way those teachers currently in the classroom and continue to give back quality educational enrichments and directions.

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the education system in our region? Currently, the  biggest challenge for education seems to be the indecisions involving the State of Ohio regarding funding and guidelines on how best to deliver quality education to each student every day of his/her school experience.

What is the one thing you are most excited about for the future of Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center? We have put together outstanding leadership in the person of Linda T. Keller and her well-qualified, dedicated cabinet. With this team, good things are happening with the learning process for students.

Bill Hope, Richland County

Year you were elected to the Board: I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Toledo. I served 8 years on the Clear Fork school board and was elected to the Mid-Ohio ESC Governing Board in 2010.

Why did you want to serve on the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center’s Governing Board? I have seen in my own life how an education can present opportunities and career options. I hope to use my time on the Mid-Ohio ESC Governing Board to improve the quality of education for all of our member districts.

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the education system in our region? Schools are continually being asked to do more and more with limited and dwindling resources. Planning, creativity and innovation give way to trying to survive. Mid-Ohio ESC needs to be viewed as an inseparable partner in helping our districts to succeed.

What is the one thing you are most excited about for the future of Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center? MOESC is in a unique position to be an innovator and laboratory for developing staff and programs to help our member districts achieve their goals.

Dennis Leader, Morrow County

Year you were elected to the Board:  Nov. 09 Election /  1-1-10

Why did you want to serve on the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center’s Governing Board?  Education, Education, Education! I believe with hard work and education the sky’s the limit!

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the education system in our region?  Lower enrollment, lighten expenses. Tax levies are much tougher to pass.

What is the one thing you are most excited about for the future of Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center? New staff. Closer relationships with member schools and ODE. Increased facility utilization moving forward. Mid-Ohio ESC Pride!

Linda McFarland

Year you were elected to the Board: I was first elected in 2008. I was just elected for my second term starting in 2012.

Why did you want to serve on the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center’s Governing Board? After serving on the Lucas board for eight years, I decided I wanted to see what Mid-Ohio ESC board was all about because I knew a little about Mid-Ohio after serving on the Lucas Board of Education.

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the education system in our region? The way in which education is delivered is a challenge to be able to serve all students to achieve in every school district and every type of learner to reach your potential.

What is the one thing you are most excited about for the future of Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center? The team of dedicated professionals committed to making Mid-Ohio ESC the place to go for educational excellence, whether it is for students, staff and districts we serve or other community entities.

Mary Jean Theaker

Year you were elected to the Board: 1989

Why did you want to serve on the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center’s Governing Board?  I started school in 1942 and was a student until I became a teacher and retired in 1988. I just had to be a part of education – learning constantly and contributing. It’s been 70 years!

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the education system in our region? The importance of working together, sharing and working together in these stressful economic times.

What is the one thing you are most excited about for the future of Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center? Mid-Ohio ESC being able to support and assist the many programs, some we aren’t even aware of yet.

Mid-Ohio ESC Board of Governors Meeting Agendas/Minutes

2013

2012

2011