MOUNT VERNON – More than 112 after its founding, the Knox Educational Service Center has settled into the most historic section of the city’s downtown.
The Knox Chamber of Commerce was on hand Wednesday afternoon to officially welcome the ESC into its new offices in the Woodward Annex, located adjacent to the historic Woodward Opera House.
“It is really beautiful here,” ESC Superintendent Dr. Timm Mackley said of the
refurbished building that was constructed in 1884.
“The location is ideal for serving our employees and our five county public school districts – Centerburg, Danville, East Knox, Fredericktown and Mount Vernon.”
The ESC central office had been located at the Knox Technical Center for many years but enrollment increases at the adjacent Knox County Career Center prompted a need for the space occupied by the ESC.
“The Career Center wants to accommodate as many students as possible. That is a good thing. The ESC wanted to help make that possible,” Mackley said just before the ESC opened its doors at the Annex on Jan. 28.
Mackley, who is completing his 16th year as superintendent, was handed the Chamber’s large gold scissors to cut the symbolic welcoming ribbon Wednesday, but he called upon Office Manager Carla Douglas to do the honors. In September, Douglas will begin her 48th year at the ESC.
Madison Server, the city’s public information officer and the 2023 Miss Ohio, welcomed the ESC on behalf of Mayor Matt Starr.
A representative of Auditor of State Keith Faber read a letter from Faber congratulating the ESC for its service to the community.
The ESC operates two programs – the Knox Learning Center, a K-12 alternative school and preschools in Mount Vernon, Centerburg, East Knox and Fredericktown. The ESC also provides a number of services to its client districts, including the vetting and hiring of 200 classroom aides.
The ESC’s Governing Board of Directors includes Ken Boeshart, president; Bruce Gregg, vice president; Vicki Bechtel, Thomas Groshong and Donnie Rogers.