ESC looks to bring in paraprofessionals as part of ‘Grow Your Own’ program
LISBON — The Columbiana County Educational Service Center is doing what it can to “Grow Your Own” when it comes to teachers and those in the field.
During the January board of education meeting Special Education Director Cheryl McGrath said the ESC is working on bringing in three paraprofessionals who are pursuing teaching degrees.
According to ESC meeting minutes posted online, McGrath provided an update on the “Grow Your Own Program” during the meeting, noting that the three paraprofessionals may have an opportunity to receive a grant to cover the cost of college courses.
According to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Grow Your Own Teacher Scholarship Program is designed to help school districts in the state recruit their own students and staff to become teachers within the district.
Scholarships up to $7,500 are available to those who agree to teach for a minimum of four years at their home school district.
According to highered.ohio.gov, staff at qualifying schools are expected to proactively recruit their own students and employees to participate in the program.
“Each school district interested in participating in the Ohio GYO Teacher Scholarship Program must attest that it has difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified classroom teachers,” the website states.
The county ESC has discussed a shortage of paraprofessionals, specifically with regard to speech language pathologists, over the last few months.
In other business during the January board meeting, ESC Superintendent Marie Williams said that there are many college students coming to complete their clinical and preclinical work as well as student teaching.
“We are thrilled to have multiple student teachers this year,” she said.
Williams also said the ESC is navigating the school closures and changes in the daily schedule to ensure the safety of all students.
Board member Richard Stoudt asked about the feasibility of the county implementing a common calendar, to which Williams replied that it has been discussed in the past but to do so would be challenging
to get all schools on the same page.
“Some schools prefer longer days with fewer total days, while others favor the traditional school calendar,” she said, as stated in the minutes.
The board then took time during the meeting to recognize January as School Board Member Appreciation Month.
“Thank you to our board for their hard work and support,” Williams said.
During the reorganizational meeting prior to the regular meeting the board approved Stoudt to continue serving as board president and nominating Marilyn Parks as vice-president for the 2025 school year.
The next meeting was set for 5 p.m. Feb. 18.