ADVISORY COUNCIL EVENT … Randy Garner, Kerri Weir and Dr. Stephen Dackin.
PRESS RELEASE – The Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center (NwOESC) proudly convened a distinguished gathering of leaders, educators, and stakeholders for the December 19th Business Advisory Council (BAC) meeting.
Held at the NwOESC main office in Archbold, the event featured a compelling keynote address by Director Stephen D. Dackin of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW), emphasizing the critical role of partnerships between education and business to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workforce readiness.
Kerri Weir, NwOESC Superintendent, provided an overview of Ohio’s BAC framework and the accomplishments of the regional NwOESC BAC. Dave Lersch, VP of Operations at Miller Brother Construction, delivered an impactful message on advancing workforce development through innovative strategies.
Director Dackin outlined his vision for aligning K-12 education with Ohio’s workforce development strategies, stressing the need to educate students and families about career opportunities, strengthen ties between education and business sectors, and remove barriers to collaboration.
The event drew a wide-ranging audience, including BAC members, NwOESC and area principals, supervisors, directors, treasurers, and business leaders and community stakeholders from organizations such as Sauder Manufacturing, Spangler Candy Co., Kamco Industries, and Continental Plaza. Notable attendees included LuAnne Cooke (NW Region Liaison to the Lieutenant Governor), Randy Gardner (former legislator and Chancellor of Higher Education), Deb Gerken (NwOESC Board President), and Brian Baker (NwOESC Board VP).
The NwOESC BAC exemplifies a regional collaborative effort, uniting superintendents from 23 school districts and Four County Career Center, economic development leaders from Defiance, Fulton, Henry, and Williams counties, NwOESC and NWOCA STEM/STEAM representatives, Advanced Manufacturing Consortium leaders, and Northwest State Community College’s president and key staff.
The NwOESC remains committed to supporting its member districts through programs, services, and partnerships that prepare students for future success.
For more information, please contact NwOESC BAC Chairpersons: Kerri Weir, Mike Remer, or Andy Hunter.