MOUNT VERNON — – The Knox Educational Service Center recognized its own last week, saluting the work of nearly 300 ESC employees who support students and teachers throughout Knox County.
Wearing T-shirts color-coded to the work they do, staff celebrated the ESC’s first- ever “Unity Day with the Community” on May 5.
ESC Superintendent Dr. Timm Mackley said the central theme of the day was to emphasize the “stronger together” working relationship between the ESC and the Centerburg, Danville, East Knox, Fredericktown and Mount Vernon school districts and the Knox County Career Center.
“The ESC has vetted and hired 200 classroom aides who support the work of teachers throughout the county,” Mackley said. “We also have 51 employees who operate our Learning Center, a K-12 alternative school, and 41 staff who operate our preschools in Mount Vernon, Centerburg, East Knox and Fredericktown.
“Unity Day celebrated the dedication and hard work of all these folks who contribute to the educational success of Knox County students.”
The ESC facilitates the annual fall Youth Enrichment Series live theater experience for elementary and middle school students at Knox Memorial Theater, and coordinates spelling bees in grades 5-8 that lead to the county bee in January.
The ESC central office recently relocated to the Woodward Opera House Annex at 107 S. Main St. Staff there provide background checks, including fingerprinting, and assists applicants for state classroom aide certification and substitute teaching licenses.
The treasurer and assistant treasurer manage twice-monthly payroll and insurance issues for all staff.
The ESC’s career navigator plays a key role in assisting seniors find rewarding post graduate employment in cooperation with the Area Development Foundation and local businesses and manufacturers.
The Learning Center, located in the former Mount Vernon West Elementary, provides instruction for students in grades K-12 who had difficulty learning in their home schools for a variety of reasons, including specific learning disabilities, behavioral issues, autism or cognitive disabilities.
Smaller class sizes are taught by certified teachers who follow state curriculum requirements. The staff includes a licensed social worker, a registered nurse, a parent mentor and occupational, speech and physical therapists.
Twenty-seven seniors earned their diplomas at the Learning Center over the last three years and four others are expected to graduate this year.
The Learning Center also includes Transition U, a program for qualified students with disabilities who defer their graduation until they complete a transitional job- and life-skills program.
The ESC’s four preschool locations emphasize play-based learning for 3-, 4- and 5-year olds. Services are provided for children with special needs.
Special education teachers serve children at the ESC sites as well as private and parochial preschools in the community.
The ESC recently presented its annual Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award to one of six seniors nominated by the five county school districts and the KCCC. The recipient received a $500 scholarship and the ESC published profiles of all six outstanding seniors.
“There are many facets to the ESC’s work but all contribute to stronger schools and a stronger community,” Mackley said. “I am very proud of the work done by all of our employees to support the success of public education throughout the county.”