LISBON — Insight from local students has helped the Columbiana County Educational Service Center’s Business Advisory council earn a 4-Star rating from the state.

The ESC was recently notified of the honor from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. Four stars is the highest a Business Advisory Council (BAC) can achieve.

“We believe that adding student representatives this year helped us reclaim the 4-Star designation,” ESC Superintendent Marie Williams said in her report to the board of education in February.

The ESC has earned the BAC award several times over the years.

“Special thanks to our Business Advisory Council Executive Committee for their support and commitment to the BAC and our mission,” Williams said.

The BAC award is given to councils that exhibit collaboration between school districts and businesses to improve student career skills.

Dennis Dunham, ESC Director of Teaching and Learning, noted that the ESC was one of only 11 in the state to receive the 4-Star Business Advisory Council award this year, according to meeting minutes posted online.

Education Director Marilyn Parks said the most recent BAC meeting was “outstanding” and that she was particularly impressed with the panel discussion and that she values the opportunity it provides to the local school districts and businesses.

“It is wonderful for the BAC student reps to visit and learn from other schools throughout the county,” she said.