Latest News

Mansfield, OH (October 14, 2026) – Mid-Ohio ESC will host a FREE Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) training for school teams and leaders. The Initial Training (Levels 1 & 2) is a full-day session designed for new multidisciplinary teams and team leaders, covering the fundamentals of behavioral threat assessment, school safety, the CSTAG decision-making process, evidence-based practices, case management and implementation strategies. The Level 3 Refresher Training is a half-day workshop for existing teams who have completed Levels 1 & 2 and meets Ohio's three-year state training requirement. Participants will review threat assessment concepts, interviewing techniques, case management, FERPA considerations, fairness and equity and engage in practical case-based exercises to strengthen their skills.

Initial Training: Level 1 & 2 (full day) - Designed for New Teams

Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This training is designed for new teams and new team leaders who will be trained to use CSTAG at the district and build level. This is a full-day program that covers the following Level 1 and 2 topics:

Level 1: Fundamental Knowledge

• Concept of behavioral threat assessment and management
• Prevention and school safety
• Introduction to the CSTAG decision-tree
• Scientific evidence supporting CSTAG (Safety outcomes; Fairness and equity)
• Best practices (Pathways to violence; FERPA and information sharing; Special education)

Level 2: Application of the CSTAG model

• Transient threat cases
• Serious and Very Serious Substantive threat cases
• Case management 
• Implementation

Anyone wishing to attend should email Dr. Mark Burke, Executive Director of Achievement and Leadership, at burke.mark@moesc.net. 

Refresher Training Level 3 (half-day) - Existing teams who completed Levels 1 & 2. New members on established team welcome

Date: Friday, November 13, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Level 3 Refresher training is available through a half-day workshop. This training is designed for existing teams who have completed Levels 1 and 2 of CSTAG. This is Level 3 CSTAG. 

Refresher training is a half-day workshop that meets the State mandated three-year training requirement. 

• Concept of threat assessment
• Interviewing to identify the four threat categories; the safety interview
• Best practices (3 case exercises on errors in threat assessment; review of meetings, coaching, and threats to self)
• FERPA and information sharing
• Fairness and equity, role of law enforcement
• Case management and interviewing exercise.

CSTAG Training Flyer

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center partners with school districts to provide leadership, expertise, and specialized services that support student achievement and organizational success. In addition to facilitating strategic planning and organizational improvement efforts, MOESC provides professional development and specialized academic and student support services to 13 school districts serving more than 20,000 students across Crawford, Morrow, and Richland counties. Services include curriculum, gifted and special education consultation, speech-language pathology, psychology, special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other supports designed to meet the evolving needs of schools and students.

Mansfield, OH (October 8, 2026) – The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center is offering Title IX training on October 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with lunch on your own for superintendents, directors, principals, assistant principals and school leaders.

This training will equip educational leaders with a practical understanding of Title IX requirements, current guidance, key responsibilities, common pitfalls to avoid, and proven best practices for creating safe, equitable, and compliant learning and work environments for all students and staff.

During the morning session, participants will receive training covering all the legal responsibilities associated with Title IX. In the afternoon, teams will have time to navigate board policy and local process and procedures to conduct Title IX investigations.

The cost for Title IX training is free for client members and $100 for non-client members per person.

Registration is required. Anyone with questions can call Mark E. Burke, Jr. at 419-774-5520 or email burke.mark@moesc.net.

Title IX Training Flyer

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center partners with school districts to provide leadership, expertise, and specialized services that support student achievement and organizational success. In addition to facilitating strategic planning and organizational improvement efforts, MOESC provides professional development and specialized academic and student support services to 13 school districts serving more than 20,000 students across Crawford, Morrow, and Richland counties. Services include curriculum, gifted and special education consultation, speech-language pathology, psychology, special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other supports designed to meet the evolving needs of schools and students.

Mansfield, OH (October 6, 2026) – The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (MOESC) is excited to announce a series of upcoming events in October designed to support and enhance the skills of our educational professionals.

First, Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center will host Crisis Prevention Institute, or CPI, Training. Registration is open for the Initial CPI Training, which will be held on October 13 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m, and CPI Refresher Training which will be held on October 14 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The client/member cost for the course is $75 while the non-client cost is $90.

Lastly, Intervention Specialist Network meetings, A Q&A Driven Virtual Meet Up, will be held on October 19 from 8 to 9 a.m., October 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and on October 21 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. You are welcome to attend any sessions, days and times that meet your needs. 

Join fellow Intervention Specialists for a virtual networking opportunity where you set the agenda. This isn’t your typical meeting with formal presentations. Instead, you’ll dive straight into the topics that matter most to you. Before the meeting, you can submit your burning questions, challenges, and success stories. During our time together, we’ll use your submissions to guide the conversation. Think of this time as a collaborative brainstorming session, and live Q&A, and a support group all in one. Come ready to share your questions and insights, learn from your peers, and build connections with other professionals who understand the day-to-day realities of your role.

Registration is not required. To access each meeting, you will need to follow the link at the top of this Google Doc, which will also be used as a submission form for your questions, challenges and success stories. 

CPI Training Flyer

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center partners with school districts to provide leadership, expertise, and specialized services that support student achievement and organizational success. In addition to facilitating strategic planning and organizational improvement efforts, MOESC provides professional development and specialized academic and student support services to 13 school districts serving more than 20,000 students across Crawford, Morrow, and Richland counties. Services include curriculum, gifted and special education consultation, speech-language pathology, psychology, special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other supports designed to meet the evolving needs of schools and students.

Mansfield, OH (October 1, 2026) – The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (MOESC) Business Advisory Council (BAC) recently convened for its September 30 meeting, bringing together regional education and business leaders to collaborate on workforce development strategies, review county action plans and preview the economic future of the region.

Casie Grau, School-Community Partnership Coordinator, started the meeting by highlighting the Business Advisory Council Plan and sharing insights from recent pre-meeting survey results. “Our team at Mid-Ohio ESC looks forward to the continued impact of career-connected programs organized under our Business Advisory Council umbrella this school year,” said Grau.

Attendees heard comprehensive updates from county action teams, including reports from Crystal Dean, Workforce Development Manager with the Crawford Partnership, and Randi Spoon, Workforce Development Coordinator/Grant Specialist with the Morrow County Development Office.

The event featured a forward-looking presentation on the "Future of Work" by Clint Knight, Workforce Development Director for the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development. Additionally, Ron Bise, Plant Manager II at Charter Next Generation (CNG), presented on the "Current State of Business." After his presentation, attendees had the option to go on a facility tour of CNG.

Business owners, community partners and educators are encouraged to save the dates for the remaining BAC meetings for the 2026-2027 year:

• Wednesday, November 18, 2026: Located in Crawford County (Exact location and topics to be determined)
• Wednesday, February 24, 2027: Located in Morrow County (Exact location and topics to be determined)
• Wednesday, April 21, 2027: Location and topics to be determined

Expanding Student Opportunities Through TurboCert

In addition to regional development updates, Mid-Ohio ESC continues to expand its TurboCert program offerings this semester, providing high school students with industry-recognized credentials and fast-track career training. Current semester programs include:

• Crawford County (The Crawford Success Center): Phlebotomy and Drone Operations & Safety
• Morrow County (The Miller Center in Cardington): OpTIC Fiber Splicing Training
• Richland County (MOESC): Phlebotomy

Students interested in participating in TurboCert second semester should speak to their guidance counselor or email their county’s program coordinator:

• Kevin Fourman (Crawford County), email address: fourman.kevin@moesc.net
• Bethany Rachel (Morrow and Richland Counties), email address: rachel.bethany@moesc.net

High School Mentorship Program Recruitment Underway

Mid-Ohio ESC is also actively recruiting students for its highly specialized Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and School Psychologist Mentorship Program. High school students interested in exploring these critical education and healthcare fields must submit their applications by the end of October. The program is scheduled to officially kick off in January 2027.

Students located within Morrow and Richland Counties can apply for the mentorship program by having their guidance counselors contact Bethany Rachel, Connected Coordinator, at Rachel.bethany@moesc.net. For Crawford County, students should have their guidance counselor contact Kevin Fourman, Educational Consultant & Special Programs Coordinator, at fourman.kevin@moesc.net.

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center partners with school districts to provide leadership, expertise, and specialized services that support student achievement and organizational success. In addition to facilitating strategic planning and organizational improvement efforts, MOESC provides professional development and specialized academic and student support services to 13 school districts serving more than 20,000 students across Crawford, Morrow, and Richland counties. Services include curriculum, gifted and special education consultation, speech-language pathology, psychology, special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other supports designed to meet the evolving needs of schools and students.

Mansfield, OH (September 24, 2026) –The Clear Fork Valley Local School District has officially completed the development of a new five-year strategic plan that will guide the district’s priorities, decision-making, and growth through the coming years. Grounded in the district’s core values of Community, Honor, and Pride, the plan reflects a shared vision for ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn, lead, and succeed. 

The strategic planning process was designed to be collaborative and data-driven. Throughout the development of the plan, the Board of Education carefully reviewed multiple sources of information to gain a clear understanding of the district’s strengths and opportunities for improvement. This process included the analysis of local and state performance data, partner surveys, and feedback gathered through in-person focus groups. 

The district partnered with the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (ESC) throughout the process. Mid-Ohio ESC conducted stakeholder surveys, facilitated focus groups, met with key community and district stakeholders, and led strategic planning work sessions with the Treasurer, Superintendent, and Board of Education. By incorporating the voices of families, staff members, students, and community partners, district leaders worked to create a roadmap that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Clear Fork Valley community. 

Board President Brian Johnson emphasized the significance of the district undertaking a formal strategic planning process. 

"It has been awhile since Clear Fork has engaged in strategic planning," said Johnson. "The Clear Fork Board of Education is excited about the alignment of all four schools and the opportunities this plan creates to benefit the students of the Valley." 

At the heart of the new strategic plan is the district’s vision statement: “Clear Fork empowers every student to learn, lead, and succeed.” This vision serves as the foundation for three key goal areas that will shape district initiatives over the next five years: Achievement, Culture, and Transparency. 

The first goal area, Achievement, focuses on strengthening academic outcomes and preparing students for future success. District leaders will work with internal and external partners to align courses, curriculum, and program offerings with desired student outcomes while maintaining a strong emphasis on academic excellence for every learner. The plan also calls for creating opportunities that support individual student pathways, recognizing that success can look different for each student. In addition, Clear Fork Valley aims to expand access to academics, co-curricular programs, and athletic opportunities to ensure students receive a well-rounded educational experience. 

The second goal area, Culture, emphasizes creating an environment where all students feel respected, valued, and supported. District leaders recognize that student success is closely connected to a positive school climate. As a result, the plan prioritizes safe and welcoming learning environments grounded in fairness, consistency, and mutual respect. The district also seeks to strengthen relationships among students, families, staff, and community partners to promote a strong sense of belonging throughout the Clear Fork Valley community. 

The third goal area, Transparency, reflects the district’s commitment to open and effective communication. Key priorities include developing clear and streamlined communications, providing easily understood information about district finances, and enhancing meaningful two-way communication with stakeholders. By creating additional opportunities for feedback and dialogue, district leaders aim to ensure that all partners have a voice in informing district operations and future decisions. 

Superintendent Cody Reese said the strategic plan serves as an important guide for the district's future while reinforcing the value of community input. 

"It is a pivotal piece of clear communication from our community and Board of Education, as it will pave the path forward and provide the district with direction as we humbly serve the students of the Valley," said Reese. 

District leaders also expressed appreciation for the support and expertise provided by Mid-Ohio ESC throughout the planning process, helping ensure the final plan was informed by data, stakeholder feedback, and meaningful community engagement. 

As Clear Fork Valley Local School District begins implementing the new strategic plan, district leaders are confident that the roadmap will help guide continued growth and success. By focusing on achievement, culture, and transparency, the district is reaffirming its commitment to empowering every student while strengthening the partnerships that make Clear Fork Valley a vibrant educational community. 

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center partners with school districts to provide leadership, expertise, and specialized services that support student achievement and organizational success. In addition to facilitating strategic planning and organizational improvement efforts, MOESC provides professional development and specialized academic and student support services to 13 school districts serving more than 20,000 students across Crawford, Morrow, and Richland counties. Services include curriculum, gifted and special education consultation, speech-language pathology, psychology, special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other supports designed to meet the evolving needs of schools and students.

Mansfield, OH (September 22, 2026) – The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (MOESC) has been awarded funding to continue its work through the Speech-Language Pathologist and School Psychologist Regional Consultant initiative for the 2026–2027 school year. The initiative provides regional professional learning, consultation and targeted coaching to strengthen speech-language pathology and school psychology services across Ohio.

The statewide project includes six regions, each with school psychologist and speech-language pathologist consultants, and is designed to strengthen special education practices and procedures while supporting professional retention and addressing workforce shortages in these critical fields.

Eric Turlo, MOESC Director of Student Services, said, “Our regional consultants provide professionals with something that can be difficult to find, particularly in smaller and rural districts—a network of colleagues and access to experienced professionals who understand both the technical requirements of the work and the realities of serving students in schools. This grant allows us to continue building professional capacity while helping districts strengthen services for students.”

MOESC's regional consultant team includes Johanna Gilland, Speech-Language Pathologist, and School Psychologists Kylie Dennison-Rebon and Julia Pilla. Together, the consultants provide regional support to practitioners, districts and educational partners through professional development, consultation, coaching and opportunities for professional connection.

Key areas of the work include:

• Professional Learning and Targeted Coaching: Providing broad professional development along with individualized and team-based support responsive to practitioner and district needs.
• ETR and IEP Practices: Supporting professionals and districts in strengthening Evaluation Team Report (ETR) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) practices and procedures.
• MTSS and Evidence-Based Practice: Helping professionals connect related services and evaluation practices with integrated Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and effective educational decision-making.
• Workforce Development and Retention: Supporting mentoring, professional learning and professional connections that build capacity and help retain school psychologists and speech-language pathologists.
• Regional Access and Collaboration: Ensuring professionals throughout the region, including those working in smaller or underserved districts, have access to consultation, resources and opportunities to collaborate with colleagues.

These priorities reflect the statewide project's emphasis on consistent practices, equitable access to resources and improved decision-making across districts. The initiative also connects with professional mentoring efforts through the Ohio School Psychologists Association and the Ohio School Speech-Language Pathology and Educational Audiology Coalition IDEA Communities of Practice.

A featured component of MOESC's workforce development efforts is its High School Mentorship Program, which introduces high school students to career pathways in speech-language pathology and school psychology. Through exposure to professionals working in school settings, students have opportunities to learn more about these specialized careers and the impact these professionals have on students, families and school communities.

Throughout the year, MOESC’s consultants will provide regional professional development, virtual learning opportunities, consultation, targeted coaching and resources addressing current issues in school psychology, speech-language pathology and special education. Together with the High School Mentorship Program, these efforts create a continuum of workforce development—introducing students to career pathways, supporting professionals as they enter the field and strengthening the skills and connections of current practitioners. By investing in both today’s professionals and the next generation, MOESC is working to strengthen services for students while building a sustainable workforce for the future.

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services, including professional development, to 13 school districts and over 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow and Richland Counties. Client districts receive services from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.