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JCESC Recognizes Districts for Navigating Difficult Year

STEUBENVILLE-Area school districts were recognized for their efforts to maintain education while navigating these unprecedented times. The Jefferson County Educational Service Center presented a resolution of appreciation during the June 4 superintendent’s meeting and heralded leaders for keeping studies and safety at the forefront amid the challenges of COVID-19. Schools in the area had a mix of face-to-face, hybrid and remote learning over the past year but have worked their way back to a more normal learning environment. The resolution states, in part: “Whereas the school year has been subject to well-known difficulties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and many school districts in the State of Ohio and across our nation have not been able to conduct in-person education for various reasons...and schools served by [JCESC] have for most, if not all, of the school year provided in-person education as well as related extracurricular activities and remote education opportunities when necessary in spite of COVID-19 difficulties. The JCESC Board of Education and administration recognizes and congratulates schools and commends all school board members, administrators, teachers and support staff on a job well done.” The JCESC Governing Board members were on hand and thanked the superintendents, their schools and employees for helping students stay on track. “Congratulations on a great year,” said member Barry Gullen. “We are thankful for your dedication and are very proud of what all the districts were able to accomplish,” added President Larry George. Several superintendents reflected upon the year, saying it was a joint effort between faculty, staff, administration, parents and students. Edison Local Superintendent Bill Beattie noted that despite the disruption of some remote learning, he was pleased with the work his district was able to accomplish. “We have some truly dedicated administrators, faculty and staff, and certainly the parents and students did their part to make it work,” Beattie said. “Now we can hopefully look ahead to a more normal school year.” “We were lucky to have in-person learning this year and are looking forward to next year,” said Harrison Hills Superintendent Dana Snider. On a similar note, leaders discussed learning plans and JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said leaders should look at all available options when they create safe opening plans for the 2021-2022 school year. Some of the accommodations made this past year were only possible through temporary health orders and legislation and officials will keep informed on the possibilities for next year. “As a state and nation, we had some districts that never went back to face-to-face learning this year,” said Dr. Kokiko. “Locally, we may have had some hiccups along the way, but our districts and students did a great job maximizing face to face learning. We will work on developing multiple operational plans but hope next school year has us back to a normal school experience. JCESC will continue to make the safe operation of schools our priority as well as develop a plan to address any learning losses students may have experienced.”(Photo Cutline: The Jefferson County Educational Service Center recognized school districts for their efforts to navigate these unprecedented times amid COVID while continuing to educate students. Pictured are, from left, JCESC Board President Larry George, board member Barry Gullen, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent Michael Zinno, Edison Superintendent Bill Beattie, Indian Creek Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Superintendent Dr. Todd Phillipson, Toronto Superintendent Maureen Taggart, Buckeye Local Superintendent Kimberly Leonard, Harrison Hills Superintendent Dana Snider, JCESC Governing Board member Toni Dondzila and JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko.)