Over 200 Administrators from 22 districts/agencies/departments gathered Friday at The ECO Center for the 2026 Administrative Kick-Off, an annual event hosted by the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center (ECOESC) to prepare district leaders for the upcoming school year.
This year’s event was built around the theme “Sometimes the Apple Bounces.” ECOESC Superintendent Randy Lucas and Executive Director of Educational Services Lori Robson welcomed attendees before a lineup of regional updates.
Representatives from partner organizations across the education field also joined the morning agenda to share updates from their respective areas. Adam Truex, executive director of OME-RESA, discussed technology and shared services supporting 56 school districts across 13 counties in southeast Ohio. Susan Siemer, director of State Support Team Region 12, shared updates on school improvement, special education, literacy and instructional support initiatives across eastern Ohio.
David Larson, deputy director of the Ohio Educational Service Center Association and former superintendent of the Miami County ESC, closed out the morning updates with a legislative briefing. Larson, who brings more than two decades of leadership experience to his role with OESCA, works alongside the association to advance statewide initiatives, strengthen partnerships and support Ohio’s educational service centers in serving schools, educators and students. His update gave administrators a look at legislative issues currently shaping the entire field of education and the work of schools and ESCs across Ohio.
The morning’s keynote address came from Tom Burton, CEO of WeEmpower LLC, and retired superintendent of Princeton City Schools. A nationally recognized leader in organizational culture and change, Burton works with organizations through coaching, consulting and keynote presentations to help leaders and teams align purpose, vision and action. Drawing on his own experience leading a school district, Burton built his keynote around the message “Sometimes the Apple Bounces,” challenging the assumption that a child’s circumstances determine their future. Burton reminded attendees that when educators truly understand and support those needs, they have the power to change the trajectory of a child’s life.
The event was held at The ECO Center located at 68332 Bannock Road in St. Clairsville.