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.
