13th Annual Board Recognition Meeting
Article from The People's Defender
by Carleta Weyrich
School boards, administrators and special guests from Adams, Clinton, Highland and Fayette counties gathered at the new West Union Elementary School building Tuesday evening for the 13th Annual Four County School Board Dinner and Meeting.
“This is the 13th annual Dinner Meeting of the administration and boards of education in our service area since the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center became a multi-county ESC in 1997,” said Ralph Shell, president of the governing board of the SOESC.
Superintendent Tony Long of the SOESC recognized school districts, school buildings and teachers for their achievements during the past year. He also honored a group of individuals who have contributed to some of the successes in the region served by the SOESC as the 2010 Friends of Education.
“Each year, our superintendents are asked to nominate members of our community as Friends of Education, individuals who have contributed to the many successes that we have in our schools,” Long said.
In Adams County, the recipient of the 2010 Friend of Education Award is the Gallowitz family, including Bob and Georgia Gallowitz, Connie Schumacher and Suzanne Head. The Gallowitz family owns and operates three McDonald franchises located in Adams County. Bob and Georgia moved to Adams County with their family from the Cleveland area some 25 years ago. Their first McDonald’s franchise was built in West Union. Since then, a franchise was built in Peebles and the newest McDonald’s franchise in Adams County was built in Seaman just a little over a year ago.
“Since their arrival in Adams County, and the building of their first McDonalds, Bob and Georgia and their family have made helping our schools a big part of what they do,” said Long. “Thanks to their efforts, McDonald’s annually sponsors a basketball tournament featuring our county’s four high schools, as well as a volleyball tournament and a baseball/softball tournament-all of which feature Adams County’s four high schools. “However, their generosity doesn’t stop there. McDonald’s, in Adams County, is always on the front lines to assist in any need, be academic or athletic, and at any of our schools. Over the years, McDonald’s and the Gallowitz family have been there to support schools and projects in ways that many of us are probably not even aware of, including employing some of our students and former students in their restaurants and supporting Jr. Fair Livestock Auctions at the Adams County Fair.”
In Clinton County, the recipient of the 2010 Friend of Education Award was Wilmington College. "Wilmington College has proven to be a great asset to Clinton County schools and the community," said Long. "Wilmington College alumni are area teachers, administrators, coaches and other educators in schools throughout our region. Teacher placement, practicum students and its graduate education program have been involved with research and projects that have greatly benefited our schools.
"Wilmington College has also been a leader in offering programs leading to more peaceable schools and inspiring our students to work toward going to college. The College has provided training to teachers in peer mediation and conflict resolution.
"Project Trust, which is an anti-bullying program for students, has been effective in addressing the negative effects of cliques in middle schools. Also impacting middle school students has been College Club, which puts the prospect of attending college on the radar of middle school students from families with no history of higher education success.
"In addition, Wilmington College students are partnering with our students to promote physical activity and after school tutoring, as well as a youth outreach program that encourages students to grow their own food through the AmeriCorps VISTA program. They are partnering with persons with disabilities from Clinton County DD, volunteering many hours that benefit our community schools." President Dan DiBiasio accepted the award on behalf of the college.
In Highland County, the recipient of the 2010 Friend of Education Award is Dr. Jim Vanzant, Health Commissioner, for the Highland County Health Department."Dr. Vanzant is unable to be with us this evening, however, I would like you to know about the important work that he has done on behalf of Highland County schools and their students," Long said. "Dr. Vanzant provided H1N1 vaccine information to our schools. He personally participated in the H1N1 vaccination clinics, which were held in all five of the Highland County schools.
"In addition, Dr. Vanzant and the Highland County Health Department have worked closely with each school district school nurse to ensure student safety. Dr. Vanzant has assisted all Highland County Schools with vaccination programs, kindergarten registration, and other health and safety related issues. The Health Department has always been responsive to school district questions and has communicated in a timely and effective manner. Dr. Vanzant uses a common sense approach when dealing with complex safety issues.
"On a personal note, Dr. Jim Vanzant is a 1973 graduate of The Ohio State University and is a Greenfield McClain High School alum. Jim can often be found throughout the winter cheering on the Tigers at many basketball games. Jim’s pleasant personality, knowledge, and professional demeanor make him a real asset to Highland County."
In Fayette County, the recipient of the 2010 Friend of Education Award was architect Mark Heiny."Mark, over the past several years, has given generously of his time and talents to the Washington Court House City Schools," Long read. "Mark has served as a member of the Washington Court House Strategic Planning Committee, as chairperson of the 2005 Capture the Dream Levy Campaign, as a tutor/mentor for high school students, and as a coordinator of the fifth and sixth grade basketball program.
"He has also given liberally of his time and architectural talents to projects in the county and receives little or no compensation. All of these actions demonstrate that Mark dedicates his life to serving the students and the district, while not doing it for money or recognition.
"Mark is married to his wife, Jenni, and he has three children: Kirsten, Erin and Robert. Mark has been a life-long resident of Fayette County and is a graduate of the Washington Court House City Schools and the University of Cincinnati, where he earned his degree in architecture."
Next, Long recognized teachers from the region who gained or renewed National Board Certification. According to Long, National Board Certification is considered the highest
standard for the teaching profession. The certification process includes portfolios of student work, videotapes, a written test, other evaluations and documentation to affirm the teachers’ knowledge of their particular subject matter, as well as their ability to teach their subjects effectively and manage and measure student learning.
Earning National Board Certification from Clinton County were: Karla Bisig, an English teacher from Wilmington High School; Julie Knoblauch; an English teacher from Wilmington High School; and Mary Looney, a second grade teacher from Blanchester’s Putman Elementary; from Highland County - Abbey Weaver, An Intermediate Classroom Teacher of Hearing Impaired/Deaf from Region 14/Hopewell Center; from Fayette County - Shari West, An English Teacher from Miami Trace High School. Ray Anderson, a third grade math and science teacher from Washington Court House’s Belle Aire Elementary School; Dawn Anderson, a fifth grade social studies and reading teacher from Washington Court House’s Belle Aire Elementary School.
“National Board Certification is valid for 10 years,” said Long. “We have three teachers who have renewed their National Board Certification. These three teachers are the first in our region to renew their National Board Certification.”
From Adams County/Ohio Valley School District, Margaret Blevins renewed her National Board Certification. She teaches language arts at West Union High School. Renewing his National Board Certification from Clinton County was Doug Cooper, social studies teacher from Wilmington High School. Renewing her National Board Certification from Highland County was Lara Hamilton, science teacher from Lynchburg-Clay High School.
Other teachers recognized during the meeting have earned Master Teacher status this year. They were: Karla Bisig, Doug Cooper and Julie Knoblauch, Wilmington City Schools; and Mary Looney, Blanchester Local Schools.
"Candidates can be selected by either first becoming a National Board Certified Teacher, or by completing a portfolio that demonstrates exemplary status in leadership, collaboration, focus on students and environment, focus on content, instruction and assessment, and continued professional growth," Long explained.
The Ohio Department of Education initiated a program called Schools of Promise to recognize schools across Ohio in high poverty communities that are demonstrating high achievement for all groups of students. Blanchester Local School’s Putman Elementary School was selected by the ODE as a School of Promise for 2009.
Six districts in the SOESC region which were recognized during the meeting for earning an Excellent rating on their district’s state report card: Adams County/Ohio Valley School District, Clinton-Massie Local Schools, Wilmington City Schools, Fairfield Local Schools, Lynchburg-Clay Local Schools and Miami Trace Local Schools
Finally, 18 school buildings in the region were recognized for attaining an excellent rating on their building’s state report card: Adams County - West Union High School and North Adams Elementary School; Clinton County - Blanchester High School, Clinton Massie High School, Clinton Massie Middle School, East Clinton High School, Putman Elementary, Roger O. Borror Middle School and Wilmington High School; Highland County - Fairfield Elementary School, Fairfield High School, Hillsboro High School, Hillsboro Middle School and Whiteoak High School; Fayette County - Eastside Elementary School, Miami Trace Middle School, Washington C.H. High School and Washington C.H. Middle School.
| Award Winners from each County |
