LISBON — Two longtime members of the Columbiana County Educational Service Center Governing Board closed out their service on the board in December.

“We would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Jackie Mercer and Rob Marra for their many years of dedicated service as board members. Their commitment, leadership, and support have made a lasting impact on the CCESC. As this is their final meeting with us, we truly appreciate all they have done and wish them the very best going forward,” ESC Superintendent Marie Williams said, according to minutes of the meeting available online.

Board President Richard Stoudt also thanked them for their service.

“There is no better example of great board members than Jackie and Rob. They come from different backgrounds and bring different perspectives to the table, yet they share the same goal of making education the best it can be in our county. I truly appreciate both of you and the commitment you’ve shown to our students, staff, and communities during your time as board members at the CCESC. You will be greatly missed,” he said.

Mercer took some time during the meeting to offer thanks and comment on her experience with the board.

“I’d like to take a minute to thank all of you for the past six years. It has been a true privilege to serve alongside my fellow board members as we have navigated an ever-changing political and educational landscape, not to mention dealing with the complexities of an unprecedented global pandemic. Through it all, the members of this board and the ESC staff and administrators have kept the success of teachers and their students at the forefront,” she said.

She also said it has been incredible to see the constant innovation and educational advancement that the ESC offers to the district and its students.

“I am proud to have been just a small part of this effort, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for education in Columbiana County. I want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and your friendship over the past six years. Though I may no longer be a board member, I hope that I will still be able to collaborate with the ESC on exciting new projects and initiatives in the future through my role at Youngstown State University. Thank you for all you do for our county’s schools, teachers, and most importantly, students,” she said.