SOESC Board Members Honored during School Board Recognition Month
(Wilmington, Ohio) – January is School Board Recognition Month. Southern Ohio Educational Service
Center (SOESC) celebrates its board members' dedication and commitment to serving over 20,000
students and 2,000 teachers in Adams, Clinton, Fayette, and Highland counties while supporting and
serving as the fiscal agent for the Region 14 State Support Team and Hopewell Center. Assisting
school districts with their academic improvement efforts and a wide range of educational services and
supports, Southern Ohio ESC board members remain committed to teaming with our districts to
maintain a focus on children and their needs.
“With the leadership of the Southern Ohio ESC Governing Board, we remain steadfast in providing
high-quality services,” states Curt Bradshaw, SOESC Superintendent. “During School Board
Recognition Month, we take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to our dedicated
Governing Board members. Their unwavering commitment and thoughtful leadership are essential to
the success of the students in our region and the future success of our schools.”
On January 14, 2025, the board was honored with a special recognition dinner to acknowledge their
dedication, commitment, and vision as school board members, held in conjunction with the Southern
Ohio ESC Organizational Governing Board meeting.
As Bradshaw explains, “School board members give the community a voice in education
decision-making. Even though we make a special effort to show our appreciation in January, their
contribution is a year-round commitment. We are truly fortunate to have a team that works so diligently
to ensure that children all throughout our region have the opportunity to thrive. On behalf of the
Southern Ohio ESC, we thank our board members for their invaluable contributions and service to our
communities served.”
Governing Board members serving the Southern Ohio ESC are Ms. Martha Gausman, Mr. Todd Hixson,
Dr. Norma Kirby, Mr. Rod Lane, Mr. Dennis Mount, Mr. Richard Peck, Mrs. Ruth Ann Ruth, Mrs. Linda
Stepp, and Mr. Roger West.
About Southern Ohio ESC:
Southern Ohio Educational Service Center (SOESC) provides innovative solutions and dynamic
partnerships to empower excellence in education and community success. Serving school districts
across Southern Ohio, SOESC is committed to transforming education for students and communities.
The Southern Ohio ESC employs over 100 professional educators dedicated to supporting the needs of
students and schools. In addition to the SOESC Wilmington office, SOESC employees are
headquartered at the Region 14 Hopewell Center, the Southern Ohio Learning Center, and within the
public school districts of Adams, Clinton, Fayette, and Highland counties, Ohio.
Front Row: Ms. Martha Gausman, Mrs. Linda Stepp, Dr. Norma Kirby, and Mrs. Ruth Ann Ruth.
Back Row: Mr. Roger West, Mr. Dennis Mount, Mr. Rod Lane, Mr. Richard Peck, and Mr. Todd Hixson. (Left to Right)