Muskingum Valley ESC earns high-performing designation from state

The Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center applied for and has received the High Performing ESC designation from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. A High Performing ESC has generated total cost savings of at least 5% for its client school districts for primary services secured from the ESC instead of another source. Muskingum Valley exceeded this 5% benchmark, with a total savings of 56.6% in 2025.

“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. “Over the past decade, Ohio ESCs have averaged 36.54% cost savings to districts per year, for a total of over $796.538 million in savings statewide. Now more than ever, policy makers should take notice of the return on their investment and find additional ways to leverage the ESC network.”

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce evaluated each application based on the total percentage of cost savings the ESC generated for its client districts calculated based on the price charged to the client by the ESC for a primary service.

“We are honored to once again be recognized as a High Performing ESC. This achievement reflects our commitment to providing exceptional programs and services to our districts at the lowest possible cost,” said Monte Bainter, superintendent at MVESC. “Our team remains committed to delivering innovative solutions, resources and training that strengthen classrooms and drive student success across the region.”

Ohio’s 51 ESCs are local education agencies or school districts that provide other schools and client school districts with professional development, technology, coaching and support, planning, and administrative and operational support services that help improve student learning, enhance the quality of instruction, expand access to resources and maximize operating/fiscal efficiencies. The Ohio ESC Association supports, educates and advocates for Ohio’s ESCs. Visit www.oesca.org.