WINTERSVILLE – More than 80 educators from Jefferson, Harrison and Columbiana counties gathered recently to mark the start of the new school year and take a look back during the annual administrators’ breakfast.

The event, hosted by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center Governing Board, was held at St. Florian Hall and drew representatives from the Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Harrison Hills City, Indian Creek Local, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Steubenville City, Southern Local and Toronto City school districts as well as the ESC, Jefferson County Juvenile Court, State Support Team and Eastern Gateway Community College.

Board President Kenneth Simeral welcomed the crowd, while Vice President Larry George led the invocation.

County Juvenile Court Judge Joseph Corabi addressed attendants and introduced Shawn Tucker as the new school liaison in a collaborative effort between the court and school system. Tucker will be tasked with handling truancy issues that have become a growing problem.

“We’re going to perform mediation in schools this year,” the judge explained. “We’re here for you.”

He also asked administrators to provide lesson plans for students held at the juvenile detention center so they can keep up with assignments and transition more easily back into their home schools.

JCESC Superintendent George Ash highlighted the ESC’s accomplishments over the past year, including renewed accreditation through AdvancED, an international accreditation program.

“This has been an exciting time for the ESC, as well as a time of continuous growth. As the staff strives to carry out a plethora of programs and projects, all of that dedication has enabled the ESC to attain accreditation. Our ESC is only one of eight in Ohio that is accredited. Such success results from teamwork and this could not have been done without the staff and the districts we serve, so thank you very much,” he said.

Ash also mentioned increased membership in the Jefferson Health Plan to 20,000 members, how districts saved more than $250,000 by using the Virtual Learning Academy and cyber programs, collaborating with Corabi on the truancy liaison and the addition of Southern Local to the consortium as of July 1.

School leaders summarized their respective successes and introduced district and school representatives. Buckeye Local Superintendent Mark Miller welcomed the new and familiar faces as well as his district staff members. Edison Local Superintendent Bill Beattie commented his district and the area would benefit from having Tucker in the schools.

“I’m looking forward to a wonderful school year,” Beattie said. “I think there are a lot of good things happening.”

Superintendent Dana Snider spoke about plans to pass a measure on the ballot to construct a $50 million complex for grades kindergarten through 12th in Harrison Hills, and Superintendent T.C. Chappelear discussed projects at Indian Creek, such as a new roof and track at the high school and paving upgrades throughout his district.

“There’s a great vibe in the county,” Chappelear added. “It’s amazing how many organizations are in the county and their mission is to do what’s best for the kids. This is my second year as superintendent and I really feel that we’re hitting things on all cylinders.”

Mike Mehalik, superintendent of the JCBDD, said the School of Bright Promise was an extension of the districts and it was always a pleasure to work with them.

Todd Phillipson of JCJVS echoed many of those sentiments, saying his school also worked with the ESC, school districts and principals to help students.

Steubenville Superintendent Melinda Young also thanked the ESC for its assistance and recognized her staff, while Toronto City Schools Superintendent Fred Burns introduced his staff.

In conclusion, Buckeye North Elementary Principal Susan Nolan provided information about the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

Jim Baber, vice president of academic and student affairs at EGCC, said college leaders are excited about beginning a new year under the leadership of new president, Jimmie Bruce. He added the College Credit Plus program, where high school students could gain college credit, is proving to be fruitful.

“We’re excited about College Credit Plus and have students who finish college before high school. It’s an excellent head start for them,” he said.

The keynote speakers for the day included Weirton native Stacy Galloway, a professional development associate with Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center of Estes Park, Colo., and attorney Mark Jackson of Pepple and Waggoner Ltd. in Cleveland.

Galloway performed group exercises with the attendants designed to develop more trust and collaboration. She is working with ESC officials on programs for the area.

Jackson’s discussion centered on student discipline and provided legal updates that may affect districts following recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings.

“My duties are to make sure you are familiar with the policies and understand how the process works,” he said.