News

The Ohio Valley Educational Service Center (OVESC) is incredibly honored to announce that Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C) has been named one of the TOP Business Advisory Councils in the state of Ohio for 2026.

This prestigious recognition, part of the annual Business-Education Leader Awards, highlights the exceptional work being done right here in our community to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce.

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What is a Business Advisory Council?

While every school district and educational service center in Ohio has a Business Advisory Council (BAC), not all are created equal. These groups consist of local school, business, and community leaders working in tandem to:

• Ensure educational opportunities align with local and state workforce needs.

• Provide students with valuable work-based learning opportunities.

• Create sustainable pathways for students to transition from graduation to a career.

As the official Business Advisory Council for the OVESC, BB2C serves as the vital link that ensures our students aren’t just graduating—they are prepared.

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Praise from State Leadership

This year’s awards come with high praise from Ohio’s top officials, emphasizing the critical role these councils play in the state’s economic future.

“We are proud to celebrate the Business Advisory Councils that are making a real impact preparing students for the opportunities waiting for them beyond graduation. Aligning education with the needs of our communities is essential to Ohio’s future.” — Governor Mike DeWine

Lt. Governor Tressel noted that this collaborative spirit is the same foundation used for the state’s new WorkOhio program, while Director Dackin commended the “innovative and forward-thinking strategies” that provide students with clear, supported pathways to high-opportunity careers.

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Why BB2C Stands Out

The 2026 award recognizes BB2C for its excellence in creating authentic, real-world experiences. By fostering collaboration between educators and industry experts, BB2C allows students to explore their interests and develop the specific knowledge and skills required for the modern economy.

We are proud of the BB2C team and our partner businesses for their tireless dedication to our students. Together, we are empowering the next generation of Ohio’s workforce to reach their full potential.

For the tenth consecutive year, the Ohio Valley Educational Service Center (OVESC) has earned the High Performing ESC designation from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW). This recognition reflects OVESC’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality services while generating measurable cost savings for the districts it serves.

To receive the annual designation, an Educational Service Center (ESC) must demonstrate at least 5% cost savings across five selected service areas when compared to districts providing those services independently or through another third-party provider. OVESC once again exceeded this benchmark, contributing to a statewide average savings rate of 38.48% in Fiscal Year 2025. According to DEW data, Ohio’s ESCs generated more than $108.9 million in savings across just five service areas last year.

“Once again, Ohio’s educational service centers demonstrate how they provide their client schools and districts with exceptional services at reasonable costs,” said Craig Burford, Executive Director of the Ohio ESC Association (OESCA).

Over the past decade, Ohio ESCs have averaged 36.54% annual cost savings to districts, totaling more than $796.5 million statewide. These results highlight the strong return on investment ESCs provide and underscore the value of leveraging Ohio’s ESC network to support schools and students.

The High Performing ESC designation is awarded based on a detailed review of each application, with DEW evaluating the total percentage of savings generated for client districts based on the primary services provided.

Ohio’s 51 ESCs operate as local education agencies (LEAs), offering professional development, technology services, instructional coaching, planning support, and administrative and operational services. Through these efforts, ESCs help improve student learning, strengthen instruction, expand access to resources, and maximize fiscal efficiency for districts across the state.

Marietta, Ohio — The Ohio Valley Educational Service Center (OVESC) proudly recognized outstanding students and influential individuals from across their membership in southeastern Ohio during its inaugural Heart of Service Awards Ceremony, held Wednesday evening at Washington State College of Ohio.

The Heart of Service Award celebrates graduating seniors who demonstrate exceptional dedication to serving others through leadership, character, and meaningful community impact. Schools across the OVESC region nominated students who exemplify a commitment to service, initiative, integrity, and lasting contributions to their schools and communities.

In addition, each Heart of Service recipient selected a Heart of Influence honoree, a school staff member who has made a profound impact on their educational and personal journey. These honorees represent the mentors, educators, family members, and community leaders who have helped shape and inspire the next generation.

“This evening represents the very best of our region,” said OVESC Superintendent Dalton Summers. “These honorees have set the standard through their service, leadership, and commitment to others.”

2026 Heart of Service Award Recipients

• Belpre High School – Liam Kocher
• Caldwell High School – Sophia Marshall
• Crooksville High School – Grayson Houk
• Fort Frye High School – Mary Kesselring
• Frontier High School – Aaden Bills
• Marietta High School – Jocelyn Arnold
• Mid-East Career & Technology Center – Buffalo Campus – Kaylee Garcia
• Monroe Central High School – Blake Yontz
• Morgan High School – Peyton Welsh
• River High School – Ava Wohnhas
• Swiss Hills Career Center – Gracie Blair
• Warren High School – Sophie Boothby
• Washington County Career Center – Sophia Parlin
• Waterford High School – Katelynn Valandingham

2026 Heart of Influence Award Recipients

• Belpre High School – Debbie Edgar
• Caldwell High School – Emma Marshall
• Crooksville High School – Jerome LaBatte
• Fort Frye High School – Tyler Hartline
• Frontier High School – Adam Olson
• Marietta High School – Paige Fleming
• Mid-East Career & Technology Center – Buffalo Campus – Tracy Brown
• Monroe Central High School – Logan Binegar
• Morgan High School – Dawn Nesselroad
• River High School – Amy Shreve
• Swiss Hills Career Center – Brian Diss
• Warren High School – Jimmy Sundquist
• Washington County Career Center – Steve Parlin
• Waterford High School – Matt Hartline

The OVESC extends its sincere appreciation to all participating schools, families, and community partners who support and inspire student success across the region.

The Ohio Valley Educational Service Center serves more than 12,000 students across six southeastern Ohio counties, providing over 50 educational services that support schools, educators, students, and families.

The Ohio Valley ESC is pleased to welcome several new team members who bring a wide range of expertise, passion, and commitment to supporting our member districts, their staff, students, and communities.

Grace Campos – Director of Data Analysis and Special Assignments
Grace Campos joins the ESC with 10 years of experience supporting district and school leaders in using data to drive meaningful decisions, ensuring EMIS compliance, and integrating educational technology to enhance teaching and learning. She is deeply committed to helping schools operate more efficiently and effectively so educators can stay focused on student success. Known for her collaborative approach and strong problem-solving skills, Grace has a talent for turning complex challenges into practical, user-friendly solutions.

Outside of work, Grace enjoys reading and listening to audiobooks, watching documentaries, and exploring new ideas through podcasts. At home, her tuxedo cat, Bear, keeps things lively and serves as a reminder to balance hard work with a little fun.

Ryan Werry – Director of Science Learning and Special Services
Ryan Werry brings 28 years of experience teaching science in Southeast Ohio to his new role at the Ohio Valley ESC. He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Ohio University and has earned an Educational Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma. Throughout his career, Ryan has served in a variety of leadership roles, including department head and Building Leadership Team member, and has dedicated 25 years to coaching six different sports.

Ryan is passionate about fostering the growth of others and supporting high-quality learning experiences for all students. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, playing board games, and spending time with his family. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Rachel, and together they have three children.

Ally Trew – Director of Gifted and Special Services
Ally Trew, a Marietta native, earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Otterbein University and began her teaching career in 2010 at Teays Valley Local Schools. After returning to the area with her husband, Scott, she served as a literacy consultant with the State Support Team, Curriculum Director for Belpre City Schools, and as education faculty at Washington State College of Ohio. She has also supported the Ohio Valley ESC in recent years and will officially join the administrative team next school year.

Ally is passionate about implementing systemic practices that enhance instruction and foster critical and creative thinking in students. She and her husband, who owns Wolfe Camper Sales, have four children and stay active supporting their many sports and activities. As a family, they enjoy spending summers at the lake and traveling to Florida in the winter whenever possible.

Together, these new team members strengthen our ability to serve and support our districts with excellence.

The Ohio Valley Educational Service Center (OVESC) is proud to announce the appointment of Angie Gussler as the new Director of Special Administrative Services.

Angie brings an extraordinary wealth of knowledge and a deep-seated passion for education to the OVESC team. With a distinguished 36-year career in education, including 26 years in administrative leadership, she has dedicated her life’s work to serving students, staff, and school communities throughout Southeastern Ohio.

A Legacy of Leadership and Expertise
Throughout her administrative career, Angie has held a diverse range of leadership roles, gaining extensive, hands-on experience in:
District Operations & Organizational Management: Ensuring schools run smoothly, efficiently, and effectively. Instructional Leadership & Staff Development: Supporting educators with the tools and training they need to thrive. Collaborative Leadership: Fostering environments where everyone has a voice and a seat at the table.

Her leadership approach is deeply grounded in open communication, collaboration, and a profound, firsthand understanding of the unique strengths and challenges facing rural and small-town school districts in our region. Angie firmly believes that strong, authentic relationships are the foundation of any successful school district. She is deeply committed to building, connecting, and sustaining meaningful partnerships with educators, students, families, boards of education, and community stakeholders alike.

Passionate about mentorship, Angie is dedicated to helping local teachers and administrators grow professionally. By empowering educational leaders, her ultimate goal remains focused on fostering positive, supportive learning environments where every student can achieve success.

Please join the OVESC family in extending a warm welcome to Angie Gussler. We are thrilled to have her leadership, vision, and heart guiding our Special Administrative Services as we continue to serve the districts of Southeastern Ohio.