Ohio Educational Service Center Association’s (OESCA) Distinguished Service Award
Ralph Shell, a member of the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center (SOESC) Board of Education, was recently honored with the Ohio Educational Service Center Association’s (OESCA) Distinguished Service Award for 20 years of service. This award was presented at the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) 56th Capital Conference on November 14th, 2011 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
The OESCA Distinguished Service Award honors those who have completed twenty years of service to school boards throughout Ohio. Only six educational service center governing board members in Ohio received the Special Distinguished or Distinguished Service Award honor this year.
Mr. Shell served on the Highland County Board of Education from 1985 until 1997 when the Highland County Board of Education merged with the Clinton and Fayette County Boards of Education to form the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center. “He was instrumental in the consolidation of the single-county offices into a regional ESC, which created greater efficiencies and higher levels of service for all school districts,” stated Tony Long, Superintendent of the SOESC.
Mr. Shell has served in many roles on the board including Legislative Liaison, Finance Committee member, Vice-President, and President. He has also been very active on other boards in Highland County, including the Southern State Community College Board.
During the recent election, Mr. Shell decided not to seek re-election to the Southern Ohio Education Service Center Governing Board. He will, therefore, complete his term ending December 31, 2011.
“Mr. Shell is a very thoughtful board member, who bases all of his decisions upon what is best for all students. His educational experience and knowledge will be missed,” stated Superintendent Long.
