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Montgomery County Educational Service Center (MCESC)

For nearly two decades, the Montgomery County Educational Service Center (MCESC) has been at the forefront of addressing educational challenges within the region. Operating across 16 public school districts, the center has become an indispensable resource in connecting educational institutions with community partners and state initiatives to support families and students.

Superintendent Shannon Cox emphasizes the importance of the center's mission: “Our mission is visionary leaders providing exemplary service, but our tagline is that we serve so students can be successful.” This reflection encapsulates MCESC’s dedication to facilitating access to essential resources that ensure students can thrive academically.

Early Initiatives and Adaptation

Before the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted issues like chronic absenteeism, MCESC had already initiated programs aimed at re-engaging disengaged and credit-deficient students. Recognizing that tailored approaches were necessary, the center sought partners capable of paving more flexible pathways for learners. Among these collaborators is Graduation Alliance, with whom MCESC has cultivated a partnership over the past decade to enhance educational strategies within Ohio's regulatory framework.

Cox describes this collaboration as a mutual exploration, stating, “It wasn’t like they [Graduation Alliance] said, ‘Oh, nope, that’s the way the model is.’ They were willing to figure it out with me.” This willingness to innovate has proven invaluable as the educational landscape shifted dramatically during the pandemic.

Navigating the Pandemic

During the COVID-19 crisis, the abrupt move to online learning left many students unaccounted for. MCESC stepped in, leveraging the groundwork laid through previous initiatives to lead outreach efforts. They engaged with school districts to locate missing students, confront barriers to attendance, and provide them with the necessary support. This proactive approach culminated in a local pilot program supported by Graduation Alliance, aimed at reconnecting students with their educational journeys.

Cox vividly recalls the urgent nature of their mission, asking local partners, “Can you help me find kids?” This initiative not only facilitated tracking of missing students but also enabled the identification of obstacles hindering their attendance. Their work informed the broader ENGAGE Ohio initiative dedicated to recovery of attendance statewide.

Forward-Looking Strategies

Cox notes the crucial role that relationships play in these successful endeavors. “All the work that we had done before COVID set the stage for us to be able to pivot during COVID and after COVID pretty quickly,” she says. This foundational collaboration allowed MCESC to adapt swiftly and effectively during an unprecedented crisis.

Looking ahead, MCESC recognizes that its role extends beyond K-12 education, emphasizing support for both youth and adult learners. Their perspective acknowledges the interconnectedness of education and workforce pathways. “We can’t just say, ‘Congratulations, you graduated from high school. Have a great rest of your life,’” remarks Cox, highlighting their commitment as a community member to foster continuous educational support.

Carolyn Taylor, Vice President of Program Development at Graduation Alliance, supports this vision, stating, “MCESC’s leadership demonstrates what it looks like when a regional service center keeps students and communities at the center of every decision.” Their ongoing partnership has been pivotal in ensuring that students who are credit-deficient or have dropped out receive the guidance they need to reintegrate into the education system. Remarkably, over 300 students have graduated through these joint efforts, translating to substantial savings for Montgomery County.

A Commitment to Lifelong Success

As the Montgomery County Educational Service Center embarks on the next decade, its focus will remain on innovation while adhering to its foundational mission of providing accessible pathways to success for every learner, regardless of their life stage. With steadfast commitment, MCESC aims to continue transforming educational landscapes and enhancing the prospects for students throughout Montgomery County.

About MCESC

The Montgomery County Educational Service Center offers comprehensive services to public school districts, assisting with instructional support, career readiness programs, and individualized education initiatives for exceptional learners.

About Graduation Alliance

Operating since 2007, Graduation Alliance collaborates with educational bodies to provide crucial resources and foster both educational and career advancement through effective alternative education programs.