By Quin Welch, Building Kentucky
The Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC) recently unveiled the 2023-2024 Services Report, showcasing significant strides in providing essential educational services and support to its 14-member school districts. This year, OVEC delivered thousands of hours of consulting, direct funding, and cost-saving measures that reshaped the educational landscape for students and educators across the region.
“This year, we were proud to be intentionally present in every aspect of education, from the classroom to the boardroom,” said Jason Adkins, OVEC Chief Executive Officer. “We are committed to making educators’ work more fulfilling and sustainable while ensuring students thrive.”
A key focus of the report is OVEC’s success in providing $572,284.23 in direct funding to its member districts. This funding supported early childhood programs, exceptional children services, technology initiatives, and transformational professional learning. When compared to the membership fees paid by OVEC districts, the return on investment is 480% or for every $1 of membership fees received, OVEC generates $4.80 of direct funding for our districts.
OVEC’s extensive network of specialized consulting services empowered school districts by offering professional learning sessions, role-based work groups, and hands-on coaching. These initiatives helped schools navigate complex challenges such as implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), integrating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies, and adhering to Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS).
In addition to educational support, OVEC expanded mental health services for students in its member districts. With the help of various grants, OVEC placed school-based mental health counselors in numerous districts, ensuring students have access to essential mental health resources. OVEC continued its focus on innovative learning programs, notably through iLEAD Academy and Teach Tech Kentucky. Both programs make STEM and computational thinking more accessible for students in OVEC districts, enabling students to develop skills in high-demand career fields. Illustrated by the fact that in 2023, there were more than 3,400 job openings in computer science, with an average pay of $74,000, available across the Commonwealth.
OVEC has made significant strides in supporting teachers through its Educator Success initiatives. In 2023 alone, the cooperative facilitated tuition reimbursement for over 100 teachers and assisted more than 88 educators in achieving rank-change or certification through various pathways. These programs, coupled with $150,000 in direct funding for teacher professional development, have made professional growth more accessible and significantly improved teacher retention across the region. This effort reflects OVEC’s broader commitment to enhancing the educator experience and ensuring a sustainable and fulfilling work environment for teachers.
To read the report in full, click here.
