An Educational Service Center (ESC) is a regional support organization that partners with local school districts to deliver shared services, specialized programs, and professional expertise. Until 1995, ESCs in Ohio were known as County School Districts or County Offices of Education. The Ohio General Assembly changed the name to reflect a new focus on service and collaboration.
Efficient. Effective. ESCs.
The Ohio General Assembly provides for and supports a statewide network of Educational Service Centers. ESCs are student-focused, customer-driven educational service providers that maximize federal, state and local dollars — providing innovative educational and operational support services that improve teaching and learning for all kids of all abilities.
What is an Educational Service Center?
An Educational Service Center, or ESC, is a support organization established under Ohio law. ESCs serve the territory within the boundaries of a county — or a joint ESC formed by merging two or more ESCs — exclusive of territory within any city or exempted village school district. ECOESC has served East Central Ohio since 1910.
What services does an ESC provide?
Each ESC governing board is required to develop a plan of service for the local, city, and exempted village districts it serves. That plan must include:
- Fiscal monitoring of local districts
- Adequate physical facilities for the county board
- Education programs for local district and ESC personnel
- Curriculum services to local districts
- Assistance in the provision of special education
Does an ESC board have control over hiring teachers in local districts?
It depends. ORC §3319.07 provides that no teacher may be employed unless nominated by the ESC superintendent; however, a local board and the ESC board may enter into an agreement authorizing the local superintendent to make recommendations for teacher employment instead. In addition, ORC §3319.01 allows a local board and ESC board to agree that the local superintendent will direct and assign teachers, as well as assign pupils to the proper schools and grades.
How large is the ECOESC service area?
Our service region spans seven counties across East Central Ohio, covering more than 3,252 square miles — one of the largest ESC service regions in the state.
| County | Area |
|---|---|
| Tuscarawas | 567.58 sq mi |
| Belmont | 537.35 sq mi |
| Guernsey | 528.00 sq mi |
| Holmes | 423.00 sq mi |
| Harrison | 403.53 sq mi |
| Noble | 398.00 sq mi |
| Carroll | 394.67 sq mi |
| Total Service Area | 3,252.13 sq mi |
We serve 20 member districts supporting thousands of students and educators.
Who is elected to the ECOESC governing board?
You can view our current board of education members on our Governing Board page.
What school districts does ECOESC serve?
You can view a full listing of our member schools and links to their websites on our Districts page.
What payment options are accepted for ESC services?
Criminal background checks, printing services, and workshops can all be paid for with money order, Visa, MasterCard, or cash. Personal checks are not accepted.
Ohio ESC Association
Learn more about Educational Service Centers across Ohio through the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA).