From the Archives: A Visual History of the ESC of Central Ohio

A Hidden Time Capsule

As a new school year kicked off and our team moved workstations, we stumbled upon an unexpected “time capsule” - a storage box packed with hundreds of photos from the early days of our organization, the ESC of Central Ohio (ESC). Tucked in a box underneath a desk were decades of memories that tell the story of where we’ve been, how we’ve grown, and the people who made it all possible.

These rediscovered images serve as more than just snapshots in time, they're a visual reminder of our established roots and enduring purpose. So, let’s explore the archives and reflect on the evolution of the ESC, from our beginnings to the innovative, service-driven organization we are today. Along the way, we’ll share stories of growth, impact, and the people behind the progress!

 

Flash Back to the Early Days of ESCs

In 1914, Ohio established 88 Educational Service Centers (originally called County Offices of Education) to serve primarily as regulatory agencies. Over the decades, their role has evolved significantly. Between 1950 and 1970, ESCs began offering services such as curriculum support, special education, school psychology, vocational education, bus driver training, and professional development. In the 1980s, minimum standards and plans of service were introduced, and the ESC’s support expanded to include city and exempted village school districts. By 1995, these offices were officially renamed “Educational Service Centers,” reflecting their broadened mission and impact. Our organization was named the “Franklin County ESC” and served schools across Central Ohio.

So, what exactly do ESCs do today? By law, ESCs carry out tasks assigned by the Ohio General Assembly and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. ESCs provide professional development, specialized instructional programs, behavioral and health services, technology, and fiscal and administrative services. They also function as large-scale service providers, offering administrative, academic, fiscal, and operational support services to schools and districts, including chartered nonpublic, community, and STEM schools across the state. ESCs are also required to operate Business Advisory Councils. These groups bring together education and business leaders to develop programs that align with regional workforce needs and provide students with meaningful work-based learning experiences. The day-to-day operations of ESCs are led by a superintendent, treasurer, and other administrators. Every school district with an enrollment of 16,000 or fewer students is required to affiliate with an ESC, giving them access to a wide range of services. And in the spirit of maintaining local control of public schools, ESCs work under the oversight of a locally elected Governing Board.

 

The Start of Something New

So how did we get our current name? In 2009, the Franklin County ESC merged with Delaware-Union County ESC to form the ESC of Central Ohio. Early services included a lot of what we offer today, just on a smaller scale. These services included special education classrooms and transition programs, instructional coaching, literacy consultants, student services, and a plethora of professional development opportunities. 

 

A Blast from Tech’s Past 

Check out these photos featuring ESC technology from the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s! These images offer a look back at how far we've come, not only in the tools we use but in how we support educators and students. From analog to digital, we've continually adapted to the evolving needs of our client school districts and partners.

 

Growth and Evolution: Expanding to Meet New Needs

Our purpose and scope have evolved with the growing needs of our client school districts and other partners. From originally supplying basic administrative support to evolving into a hub of specialized services designed to meet the ever-changing demands of today’s educational landscape.

Today, the ESC of Central Ohio offers a comprehensive range of services that aim to improve student learning, enhance instructional quality, promote access to resources, and increase operational and fiscal efficiency.

We currently serve 32 client school districts, including three career technical centers, across Delaware, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Ross, and Union counties—impacting more than 225,000 students.  We also provide services both regionally and statewide to the State, other public and private schools, and governmental and nonprofit partners.

To date, we’ve delivered thousands of hours of professional learning and placed thousands of substitutes in classrooms across Central Ohio, making sure to support educators, students, and school communities every step of the way.

We have various centers, each designed to meet unique needs in our region, including but not limited to:

• Center for Achievement & Leadership – Strengthening school leadership and instructional practices through coaching, consultation, and professional learning opportunities in literacy, STEM, math, English learners, gifted and more. The Center also builds pathways from the classroom to careers through career exploration, internships, and partnerships with local industries.
• Center for Student Services – Providing comprehensive support for students, including special education, mental health services, and alternative education programs.
• Center for Technology & Digital Learning – Helping districts integrate innovative technologies, digital learning strategies, and IT support to enhance teaching and learning.

Our programs and initiatives address critical needs and expand opportunities for students and educators alike. These include advancing STEM and gifted education, creating career pathways through programs like the High School Tech Internship, expanding access to mental health and wellness services, and offering high-quality professional learning and leadership development for educators.

 

Community Impact

The stories below are just a few snapshots of the impact these programs and initiatives have had on our community this past school year.

In the Classroom:

The times I’ve heard the little chuckle in the back of a student’s throat that escapes when they are sounding out a new word and they suddenly realize they’ve figured it out. That giggle is why I teach. So many students have done it over the years, and they don’t even realize it. Listen for it. It’s the best noise ever. - Kristalyn G., ESC Reading Specialist

One day, two of my quiet students who never spoke much raised their hands and shared a thoughtful answer. After class, they told me, “I finally feel like I belong.” That moment reminded me that creating a safe and welcoming space can change someone’s life. - Mhilu K., ESC Long Term Sub

Early in my career, when I was an aide, I was out with a child and told everything he could not do.... In 6 months, this student learned to walk, sign, feed himself, laugh and began potty training. When mom came in, to thank me, I told her all I did was believe he could. He did the rest. His progress was so great and being a part of his journey was an honor that inspired me to become a teacher. - Alicia Grady, ESC Intervention Specialist

Events:

The Summer Insititute is always a favorite day of mine. Not only do I learn from incredible national speakers, but I have time to connect with and learn from and with local colleagues. The relationships and conversations that happen at Summer Institute are often the beginning of something that continues throughout the school year. Franki S., Summer Learning Institute Attendee

Program Success: 

The ESC, in partnership with BridgED, applied for and received a High School Tech Internship Intermediary Grant through the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation. This grant covered the administration, marketing, and recruitment for student interns. A total of 246 student interns were placed in 70 BAC businesses in 14 counties representing an 8.85% increase in participants compared to the 2023-2024 school year in Central Ohio.

Decades of Service, One Shared Mission

At the ESC of Central Ohio, we work to create a culture in which people want to thrive and grow. These photos feature dedicated staff members who began their journeys with us in the 90’s and continue to serve today. Their commitment reflects what makes the ESC special: a shared purpose, a passion for education, and a workplace where making an impact is more than a goal—it’s a way of life!

Cindy Eldridge, ESC Executive Director of Student Services (31 of years of service) 

Lisette Tedeschi, ESC Deaf & Hard of Hearing Teacher (27 of years of service)

Susan Cronin, ESC Administrative Assistant (35 years of service)

We couldn’t highlight these staff members without recognizing the incredible contributions of former Board Member Joyce Galbraith, who retired this past June after over 36 years of extraordinary service. Throughout her tenure, Joyce was a steadfast advocate for students, educators, and the mission of the ESC of Central Ohio. Her leadership, insight, and unwavering commitment helped shape the organization we are today. We are beyond grateful for her decades of dedication, and her legacy of service will continue to inspire us for years to come.

Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future

From the grainy black-and-white photos of our early days to the colorful images of our programs today, the story of the ESC of Central Ohio is one of dedication, innovation, and lasting impact. Our history is more than a timeline, it’s a testament to the people who have worked tirelessly to support students, empower educators, and strengthen communities for more than a century.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to adapting to the needs of our client school districts while staying true to our purpose. Whether through cutting-edge technology, transformative learning opportunities, or steadfast personal connections, the ESC will continue building a brighter future for Central Ohio and beyond, one student, educator, and school at a time!