Jefferson county educational service center offers a multitude of online services
JCESC Vision
The Jefferson County Educational Service Center will be a leader in educational advancement by providing services and programs to political subdivisions and educational institutions.
Mission
To build capacity through innovative cost effective programs. To improve partnerships and collaborate with educational institutions, families, and communities within public and private settings.
Belief Statements
We Believe:
* our employees drive our success.
* in being financially strong to provide leadership and services that result in educational opportunities for all.
* in providing service-oriented, data-driven, and cost-effective programs.
* in the importance of increasing student achievement and enhancing teacher instruction.
* in collaborating to enrich life-long learning opportunities.
* in 21st Century learning and technology programs.
The Jefferson County Educational Service Center will be a leader in educational advancement by providing services and programs to political subdivisions and educational institutions.
Mission
To build capacity through innovative cost effective programs. To improve partnerships and collaborate with educational institutions, families, and communities within public and private settings.
Belief Statements
We Believe:
* our employees drive our success.
* in being financially strong to provide leadership and services that result in educational opportunities for all.
* in providing service-oriented, data-driven, and cost-effective programs.
* in the importance of increasing student achievement and enhancing teacher instruction.
* in collaborating to enrich life-long learning opportunities.
* in 21st Century learning and technology programs.
Simeral Retires from JCESC Governing Board
STEUBENVILLE-Kenneth Simeral has been a staunch advocate for public education for more than three decades, having a hand in many projects and programs which have redefined learning for students in Jefferson County and beyond.
Now, he has hung up his vice presidential hat and departed the Jefferson County Educational Service Center Governing Board but will hold another title as board member emeritus. Simeral attended his final board meeting on Oct. 10 and his peers bestowed upon him the emeritus status, calling him irreplaceable and an innovator for education.
“It couldn’t come to a nicer guy,” said board President Larry George. “He’s dedicated and his sense of accomplishment and understanding is beyond reproach.”
He continued that Simeral has always made students a priority and wished him the best.
Dr. George Ash, chief executive officer of JCESC and one of the superintendents who served under Simeral’s lead, said he leaves a legacy behind with the formation of the Virtual Learning Academy (VLA), Virtual Classroom and Ohio Cyber Academy, the implementation of visual impairment classes and JHP’s infrastructure bank to aid schools.
“Those are just a few accomplishments,” Dr. Ash added. “Ken’s been a part of all this as a leader.”
“As with any successful organization, strong, consistent leadership is essential,” added JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko. “Jefferson County Educational Service Center is no exception. The board of education is a tenured board with clear goals and high expectations. Mr. Simeral has been the anchor of the board with 33 years of service and a true passion for educating youth and promoting education. His vision and dedication will be missed.”
Officials pointed out that while the vice president’s post will be filled, Simeral’s shoes could never be. Board member Bill Schaefer interjected that Simeral did a lot for the board and the children, while Simeral himself reflected upon his time and the achievements the board made together.
The Smithfield resident has maintained a foothold in local education for more than 40 years. From his work with The Ohio State University Extension Office to serving with JCESC Governing Board and the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Board of Education, Simeral has worked to improve opportunities for countless students. He is a graduate of the former Mount Pleasant High School and later obtained both his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and master’s degree in agricultural education from OSU. He would serve the OSU Extension Office for more than four decades and worked in Jefferson, Harrison, Columbiana, and Noble counties. During his tenure, he held the title of associate professor at OSU and upon his retirement became an associate professor emeritus.
Simeral was first appointed to the governing board on Dec. 1, 1983 and followed in the footsteps of friend and mentor, Bob Quinn. He would be elected eight more times and spend most of them as an officer. Simeral recalled how the board rotated posts each year, and during his first foray on the panel he became vice president. His
leadership skills ultimately put him at the helm as board president, and it was a title he proudly held for three decades. Most recently, he took on the vice president’s mantle once again with George succeeding him as president.
During his tenure, Simeral has continuously rallied for schools and education as a whole and was directly involved with, among others, the inception of such programs as the Jefferson Health Plan, Utica Shale Academy, shared services programs for legal services and public relations, and OME-RESA. He has staunchly supported the mission, vision, and goals of the JCESC and helped it achieve accreditation through AdvancED, making it one of only eight entities in the State of Ohio to earn such a distinction. Those efforts led to him earning distinctions from the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) and other organizations, while the JCESC office along Sunset Boulevard was renamed the Kenneth D. Simeral Building in 2016.
“When the board was gracious in naming the building after me, I felt undeserving of that but appreciate it very much,” he added.
Simeral attributed JCESC’s success to many factors, saying a president is only as good as his board and the employees and stakeholders were also vital components.
“Our society is only as good as the public education available, and I think this board, in some small way, at least has helped promote it.”
He promised to attend future meetings because he still holds great interest in what the future holds for education. Simeral concluded that it was a privilege to be part of it all.
“It’s been an honor for me. I know I’m leaving it in good hands, but I will miss this. It has given me a sense of accomplishment.”
STEUBENVILLE-Kenneth Simeral has been a staunch advocate for public education for more than three decades, having a hand in many projects and programs which have redefined learning for students in Jefferson County and beyond.
Now, he has hung up his vice presidential hat and departed the Jefferson County Educational Service Center Governing Board but will hold another title as board member emeritus. Simeral attended his final board meeting on Oct. 10 and his peers bestowed upon him the emeritus status, calling him irreplaceable and an innovator for education.
“It couldn’t come to a nicer guy,” said board President Larry George. “He’s dedicated and his sense of accomplishment and understanding is beyond reproach.”
He continued that Simeral has always made students a priority and wished him the best.
Dr. George Ash, chief executive officer of JCESC and one of the superintendents who served under Simeral’s lead, said he leaves a legacy behind with the formation of the Virtual Learning Academy (VLA), Virtual Classroom and Ohio Cyber Academy, the implementation of visual impairment classes and JHP’s infrastructure bank to aid schools.
“Those are just a few accomplishments,” Dr. Ash added. “Ken’s been a part of all this as a leader.”
“As with any successful organization, strong, consistent leadership is essential,” added JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko. “Jefferson County Educational Service Center is no exception. The board of education is a tenured board with clear goals and high expectations. Mr. Simeral has been the anchor of the board with 33 years of service and a true passion for educating youth and promoting education. His vision and dedication will be missed.”
Officials pointed out that while the vice president’s post will be filled, Simeral’s shoes could never be. Board member Bill Schaefer interjected that Simeral did a lot for the board and the children, while Simeral himself reflected upon his time and the achievements the board made together.
The Smithfield resident has maintained a foothold in local education for more than 40 years. From his work with The Ohio State University Extension Office to serving with JCESC Governing Board and the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Board of Education, Simeral has worked to improve opportunities for countless students. He is a graduate of the former Mount Pleasant High School and later obtained both his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and master’s degree in agricultural education from OSU. He would serve the OSU Extension Office for more than four decades and worked in Jefferson, Harrison, Columbiana, and Noble counties. During his tenure, he held the title of associate professor at OSU and upon his retirement became an associate professor emeritus.
Simeral was first appointed to the governing board on Dec. 1, 1983 and followed in the footsteps of friend and mentor, Bob Quinn. He would be elected eight more times and spend most of them as an officer. Simeral recalled how the board rotated posts each year, and during his first foray on the panel he became vice president. His
leadership skills ultimately put him at the helm as board president, and it was a title he proudly held for three decades. Most recently, he took on the vice president’s mantle once again with George succeeding him as president.
During his tenure, Simeral has continuously rallied for schools and education as a whole and was directly involved with, among others, the inception of such programs as the Jefferson Health Plan, Utica Shale Academy, shared services programs for legal services and public relations, and OME-RESA. He has staunchly supported the mission, vision, and goals of the JCESC and helped it achieve accreditation through AdvancED, making it one of only eight entities in the State of Ohio to earn such a distinction. Those efforts led to him earning distinctions from the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) and other organizations, while the JCESC office along Sunset Boulevard was renamed the Kenneth D. Simeral Building in 2016.
“When the board was gracious in naming the building after me, I felt undeserving of that but appreciate it very much,” he added.
Simeral attributed JCESC’s success to many factors, saying a president is only as good as his board and the employees and stakeholders were also vital components.
“Our society is only as good as the public education available, and I think this board, in some small way, at least has helped promote it.”
He promised to attend future meetings because he still holds great interest in what the future holds for education. Simeral concluded that it was a privilege to be part of it all.
“It’s been an honor for me. I know I’m leaving it in good hands, but I will miss this. It has given me a sense of accomplishment.”
Longtime official Kenneth Simeral formally retired from serving as vice president of the Jefferson County Educational Service Center Governing Board but will remain board member emeritus. Simeral, who was also a long-standing board president for 30 years, was recognized by board members during his final meeting on Oct. 10. Pictured are, front from left, board member Bill Schaefer, board member Bill Lollini, Simeral, board President Larry George and board member Barbara Cunningham. Back: JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko, JCESC CEO Dr. George Ash and treasurer Don Donahue.
JCESC Earns High-Performance Designation
STEUBENVILLE- The Jefferson County Educational Service Center has been designated by the state as a high-performing ESC for its efforts to provide myriad services in a cost-effective manner.
Officials learned of the distinction through the Ohio Department of Education’s Office of Budget and School Funding after making an application this past summer. ODE officials indicated that ESC’s across the state reported more than $54 million in savings for the services they submitted to the department. This represents significant value that ESC’s are providing to local school districts, which is only a fraction of the total savings provided each year.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said documentation was provided to the department for consideration and information included such services as psychologists, speech therapists, legal services, occupational therapists, and a teacher for the visually impaired. In all, the services yielded a total savings of $654,370-- or 36 percent over independent or private vendor costs. According to the ODE, cost savings across all five of the primary services must generate a minimum of 5 percent for an ESC to be classified as high-performing.
“Our goals are to provide quality services in the most cost-effective manner possible,” Dr. Kokiko added. “We’re very pleased to receive this designation and that we’re able to provide that level of savings to the districts so they can re-invest and repurpose those funds for other needs.”
In the application, officials noted that JCESC embraced a system-wide culture of service to help meet a wide array of client needs.
“JCESC coordinates collaborative programs to eliminate duplication of human and financial resources, participates in interagency collaborative programs across Columbiana, Jefferson and Harrison counties to provide efficient, cost-
effective responses to at-risk student issues, and provides collaborative, cost-effective direct services for students with disabilities,” it stated. “JCESC client districts are located in the Appalachian region of Ohio covering more than 800 square miles and serving a little more than 11,000 students. Given the vast region and limited resources, collaboration enables the necessary services to be provided in the most economical manner possible.”
JCESC serves Buckeye Local, Edison, Harrison Hills, Indian Creek, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Southern, Steubenville, and Toronto City Schools in Ohio as well as St. Paul School in Weirton, W.Va.
JCESC Named Effective Sponsor
STEUBENVILLE- The Jefferson County Educational Service Center has earned a rating as an effective sponsor, making it among only five sponsors in the state to achieve that distinction.
Leaders were recently informed via correspondence from Paolo DeMaria, superintendent of public instruction for the Ohio Department of Education. Sponsors are defined as those who provide oversight and ensure that community schools are upheld to meeting the highest standards. The sponsor rating, which comprises the 2015-16 school year, is based on three equally rated components: academic performance, adherence to quality practices, and compliance with all applicable laws and rules. Based on the scores of each component, JCESC received an effective rating and was among only five of the 65 sponsors statewide to achieve the designation. The others include the Buckeye Community Hope Foundation, ESC of Central Ohio, St. Aloysius Orphanage, and the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation.
The sponsor rating scale includes seven to eight points to be considered exemplary; five to six points to be effective; two to four points to be ineffective; and zero to one point to be poor. JCESC obtained an overall score of five points and was found to be effective under the compliance component for meeting all relevant laws and rules and for monitoring their schools’ compliance with the codes.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said the state hired a third-party entity to interview the sponsors and a bevy of documentation and evidence was submitted for review. The ESC submitted initial evidence through the ODE to the evaluator and a four-hour phone conference took place in July to provide further dialogue and evidence. Sponsors also had a 24 hour window following the interview to submit additional data for review if necessary.
“I was very excited about the rating the ESC received, knowing the amount of hard work and dedication our staff put into the sponsorship process,” Dr. Kokiko added. “The fact that only 7 percent of the sponsors in the state reach the Ohio Department of Education. Sponsors are defined as those who provide oversight and ensure that community schools are upheld to meeting the highest standards. The sponsor rating, which comprises the 2015-16 school year, is based on three equally rated components: academic performance, adherence to quality practices, and compliance with all applicable laws and rules. Based on the scores of each component, JCESC received an effective rating and was among only five of the 65 sponsors statewide to achieve the designation. The others include the Buckeye Community Hope Foundation, ESC of Central Ohio, St. Aloysius Orphanage, and the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation.
The sponsor rating scale includes seven to eight points to be considered exemplary; five to six points to be effective; two to four points to be ineffective; and zero to one point to be poor. JCESC obtained an overall score of five points and was found to be effective under the compliance component for meeting all relevant laws and rules and for monitoring their schools’ compliance with the codes.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said the state hired a third-party entity to interview the sponsors and a bevy of documentation and evidence was submitted for review. The ESC submitted initial evidence through the ODE to the evaluator and a four-hour phone conference took place in July to provide further dialogue and evidence. Sponsors also had a 24 hour window following the interview to submit additional data for review if necessary.
“I was very excited about the rating the ESC received, knowing the amount of hard work and dedication our staff put into the sponsorship process,” Dr. Kokiko added. “The fact that only 7 percent of the sponsors in the state reached the standard speaks to the rigors of the process. The Ohio Department of Education has tasked sponsors with holding charter schools accountable and to ensure they provide a quality education to the students they serve.”
JCESC serves Buckeye Local, Edison, Harrison Hills, Indian Creek, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Southern, Steubenville, and Toronto City Schools in Ohio plus St. Paul School in Weirton, W.Va.
STEUBENVILLE- The Jefferson County Educational Service Center has earned a rating as an effective sponsor, making it among only five sponsors in the state to achieve that distinction.
Leaders were recently informed via correspondence from Paolo DeMaria, superintendent of public instruction for the Ohio Department of Education. Sponsors are defined as those who provide oversight and ensure that community schools are upheld to meeting the highest standards. The sponsor rating, which comprises the 2015-16 school year, is based on three equally rated components: academic performance, adherence to quality practices, and compliance with all applicable laws and rules. Based on the scores of each component, JCESC received an effective rating and was among only five of the 65 sponsors statewide to achieve the designation. The others include the Buckeye Community Hope Foundation, ESC of Central Ohio, St. Aloysius Orphanage, and the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation.
The sponsor rating scale includes seven to eight points to be considered exemplary; five to six points to be effective; two to four points to be ineffective; and zero to one point to be poor. JCESC obtained an overall score of five points and was found to be effective under the compliance component for meeting all relevant laws and rules and for monitoring their schools’ compliance with the codes.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said the state hired a third-party entity to interview the sponsors and a bevy of documentation and evidence was submitted for review. The ESC submitted initial evidence through the ODE to the evaluator and a four-hour phone conference took place in July to provide further dialogue and evidence. Sponsors also had a 24 hour window following the interview to submit additional data for review if necessary.
“I was very excited about the rating the ESC received, knowing the amount of hard work and dedication our staff put into the sponsorship process,” Dr. Kokiko added. “The fact that only 7 percent of the sponsors in the state reach the Ohio Department of Education. Sponsors are defined as those who provide oversight and ensure that community schools are upheld to meeting the highest standards. The sponsor rating, which comprises the 2015-16 school year, is based on three equally rated components: academic performance, adherence to quality practices, and compliance with all applicable laws and rules. Based on the scores of each component, JCESC received an effective rating and was among only five of the 65 sponsors statewide to achieve the designation. The others include the Buckeye Community Hope Foundation, ESC of Central Ohio, St. Aloysius Orphanage, and the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation.
The sponsor rating scale includes seven to eight points to be considered exemplary; five to six points to be effective; two to four points to be ineffective; and zero to one point to be poor. JCESC obtained an overall score of five points and was found to be effective under the compliance component for meeting all relevant laws and rules and for monitoring their schools’ compliance with the codes.
JCESC Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko said the state hired a third-party entity to interview the sponsors and a bevy of documentation and evidence was submitted for review. The ESC submitted initial evidence through the ODE to the evaluator and a four-hour phone conference took place in July to provide further dialogue and evidence. Sponsors also had a 24 hour window following the interview to submit additional data for review if necessary.
“I was very excited about the rating the ESC received, knowing the amount of hard work and dedication our staff put into the sponsorship process,” Dr. Kokiko added. “The fact that only 7 percent of the sponsors in the state reached the standard speaks to the rigors of the process. The Ohio Department of Education has tasked sponsors with holding charter schools accountable and to ensure they provide a quality education to the students they serve.”
JCESC serves Buckeye Local, Edison, Harrison Hills, Indian Creek, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Southern, Steubenville, and Toronto City Schools in Ohio plus St. Paul School in Weirton, W.Va.
Launched in 1985, Jefferson Health Plan (JHP) is a non-profit, partially self-insured consortium designed to provide economical services and health care related benefits to non-Federal political subdivisions through group purchasing. The JHP is dedicated to serving the financial needs of its members’ group benefit programs while responding to the employee’s desire for access to high-quality care. JHP maintains strong cash reserves providing groups in JHP greater security and stability with their overall healthcare benefit plans.
JHP’s membership includes over 250 schools, colleges, libraries, health districts, housing authorities, cities, townships and villages all across Ohio. Types of plans provided include medical benefits, prescription drug benefits, life and AD&D insurance, dental benefits and vision benefits. Members have access to almost every healthcare network and a wide variety of third party administrators in Ohio.
We brought on 10 new organizations in the past fiscal year which covers over 21,000 employees and approximately 57,000 individual lives.