About
Mission Statement
Develop, deliver and implement quality educational services and programs
Governing Board Members
Meet the Wood County Educational Service Center Leadership Team
Meeting Rooms
FC2 Documents
Early Intervention
Prevention Resource Guide
No Wrong Door
Governing Board Policies
Personal Leave addendum to staff handbooks
Restrictions on the use of personal leave days are as follows:
*The day(s) may not be used in conjunction with any holidays/vacation days.
*The day(s) may not be used in the first ten (10) nor the last ten (10) working days of the school districts’ calendars.
Exceptions may be granted by immediate supervisor for the following reasons:
*In case of emergencies, e.g., an auto accident, furnace break down, frozen water pipes.
*Wedding of an immediate family member, graduation, move child into college, or legal business which cannot be addressed outside of regular school hours and the scheduling of which is not under control of the employee.
Board approved 6/22/2021
Title IX Coordinator:
Kyle Clark, Prevention Education Director
1867 N. Research Dr. Bowling Green, OH 43402
419-354-9010 ext. 251
Title IX Appeal Officer:
Mark North, Superintendent
1867 N. Research Dr. Bowling Green, OH 43402
419-354-9010 ext. 130
Title IX Administrator Training
Upcoming Board Meeting Dates and Times
March 26, 2024 @ 4:00 PM
April 23, 2024 @ 3:00 PM
May 28, 2024 @ 4:00 PM
June 25, 2024 @ 4:00 PM
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Vision Statement
1. Middle of W symbolizes a person being supported by the WCESC
2. Different colors represent the unique and diverse programs
3. All elements represent the partnerships coming together to form a W for Wood County
2024 Board Meeting Minutes
June 25, 2024
May 28, 2024
April 23, 2024
March 26, 2024
Do you need a place to hold a meeting, conference, or special event? Choose the WCESC.
WCESC employees: Click on the link below and reserve a room in our building.
Conference Room & Equipment Request Form
Non-WCESC employees: contact Stephanie Dyar at extension 210 or via email sdyar@wcesc.org for information regarding rates and availability.
Wood County Family & Children First Council
The Wood County Family and Children First Council commissioned the Psychology Department of Bowling Green State University to conduct a three phase needs assessments of Wood County Children and Families. This work was completed from 2010 through 2011 under the leadership and guidance of Drs. Eric Dubow and Carolyn Tompset.
STRATEGIC PLAN - Recommendations & Action Steps
You may access five key assessment documents below.
- Integrative Summary of six major studies 1998 to 2010
- Phase I - Wood County Assessment of Needs of Families and Children: Ages 0--12
- Phase II - Wood County Assessment of Needs of Adolescents: Parent Survey
- Wood County Assessment of Needs of Adolescents: Adolescent Survey
- Phase III - Wood County Assessment of Needs of Transitional Youth
- PowerPoint of Assessment Overview
- Agenda - Data Review & Collaborative Planning Summit of March 22, 2012
- Notes of Collaborative Planning Summit
- Recommendations to Family & Children First Council PowerPoint - August 2012
Other Resources:
Many community resources are available for expectant parents, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers of Wood County.
Click on the Help Me Grow link to access Wood County Health District Help Me Grow/Early Intervention web page. There you may learn about eligibility, services, and programs for Young Children and Families in Wood County.
NO WRONG DOOR is an initiative of the Wood County Family & Children First Council to promote awareness and ease of access to many child and family serving programs & services.
- Upcoming Trainings & Registration:
- Service Directory:
Belief Statement
We believe:
Everyone has a responsibility to the overall success of the organization
Professional and organizational growth occurs in a safe and supportive environment
Mutual respect and effective communication is fundamental to teamwork in creatively responding to emerging service needs and improvement opportunities
Each member of the team is valued and supported for his/her contributions in celebrating success in exemplary leadership and service
| Timothy F. Smith | President |
| Judith Paredes | Vice President & Penta Career Center Board Representative |
| Judith Hines | Board Member & Student Achievement Liaison |
| Kathy Limes | Board Member & Penta Career Center Board Representative |
| Joe Long | Board Member & Legislative Liaison |
The Governing Board conducts all business in open meetings. News media representatives are notified through public announcements in advance of meeting days and times. Normally, the Governing Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. at the Wood County Educational Service Center, 1867 N. Research Drive, Bowling Green, OH 43402.
Mark North - Superintendent
E-mail - mnorth@wcesc.org
Phone - (419) 354-9010
Mark North, superintendent, joined the Wood County Educational Service Center in August, 2018. Mark earned a B.A. with teaching licenses in special education and health education from the University of Akron. He also earned a M.Ed. from Ashland University. Teaching experiences revolved around serving a diverse population of special needs children.
Mark also served districts as an assistant high school principal and 7th-12th grade principal, an assistant superintendent, and a local and city superintendent for 20 years before joining the Wood County Educational Service Center.
Non-Discrimination Policy
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3207.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant's name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
1. mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email:
This institution is an equal opportunity employer
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Brad McCracken - Treasurer
Email - bmccracken@wcesc.org
Phone - (419) 354-9010 Ext. 214
Brad grew up in Bowling Green and is the son of former BGCS superintendent Dr. Robert "Bob" McCracken. After 24 years in private sector supply chain & procurement positions with GE Jet Engines, Aeroquip Vickers, Gt Technologies and Pilkington/NSG, Brad and his family decided to set their roots in NW Ohio. Brad transitioned to school finance, and since 2010, worked as the Treasurer/CFO for Firelands Local, concurrently one year with Wellington EV, followed by Eastwood Local, and now with the Wood County ESC since December 2022. Brad and his wife Bev met at BGSU, have been married 39 years and have three children and two grandsons. Through the years they have actively participated in their local church youth programs, small group ministries and overseas missions. Brad is a board member of Church Planting International. Hobbies include spending time with his family, gardening, finishing beef cattle, and golf. Brad is a graduate of Bowling Green State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. He also earned a Masters in Business Administration from Xavier University.
Joe Long, Legislative Liaison Representative
Joe Long was born and raised in Wood County. Other than the time he spent serving his country, he has lived his entire life in Northwest Ohio.
Working his way through college, he experienced various work experiences and continued to help on the family farm. He worked at Campbell Soups, LOF, in building construction, as a custodian, and delivered furniture for a Toledo department store.
Joe’s wife, Lynne, teaches piano and has performed at various venues in Northwest Ohio. They have two adult children and two grandchildren.
Joe is also a small business owner.
Joe holds degrees from The Defiance College, Bowling Green State University, and the University of Toledo.
He has taught classes ranging from junior high industrial education to college-level social science. He served as a school superintendent for over twenty years and utilized the services of the Wood County Educational Service Center during that time. This experience as a consumer of the WCESC’s programs and services allowed him to experience first-hand how the WCESC can positively impact students’ lives.
SOME OF THE HONORS EARNED AND SERVICE POSITIONS HELD:
- Recipient of the Outstanding Leadership Award presented by the Ohio Educational Service Center Association
- Recipient of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators Exemplary Educational Leadership Award
- Testified on behalf of the Wood County Educational Service Center in Washington, D.C.
- Jennings Scholar
- Former president of the Wood County Park District Governing Board
- Past president of the Wood County Committee on Aging Governing Board
- President of Friends of Wood County Committee on Aging
- Former church board president
- Served as a 4-H club advisor and athletic coach
- Honorary FFA degree recipient
- Member of Ohio Retired Teachers’ Association, American Legion, Wood County Historical Society, and local arts council
2022 Board Meeting Minutes
December 20, 2022 Regular Board Minutes
November 28, 2022 Regular Board Minutes
October 25, 2022 Regular Board Minutes
October 4, 2022 Special Board Minutes
September 27, 2022 Regular Board Minutes
August 23, 2022 Special Board Minutes
August 23, 2022 Regular Board Minutes
August 1, 2022 Special Board Minutes
July 30, 2022 Regular Board Minutes
July 19, 2022 Special Board Minutes
July 12, 2022 Special Board Minutes
June 28, 2022 Regular Board Minutes
June 6, 2022 Special Board Minutes
May 24, 2022 Regular Board Minutes
May 16, 2022 Special Board Minutes
April 26, 2022 Regular Board Minutes
March 22, 2022 Regular Board Minutes
February 22, 2022 Regular Board Minutes
Kathy Limes, Penta Career Center Representative
Since 1996, Kathy Limes has served as a member of the Wood County Education Service Center Governing Board serving as both President and Vice President. She has been active on a variety of committees and attended an assortment of seminars to benefit herself, the WCESC Governing Board, and the Wood County educational system. Mrs. Limes also received the privilege of being a Board Member when the new WCESC was constructed at its currently location in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Mrs. Limes has been married to her husband Donald for over four decades. The couple has two children (Peggy and Dana) and six grandchildren (Donyelle, Taylor, Dalton, Hunter, Mikayla, and Logan).
Kathy is a proud graduate of Bowling Green High School (Bowling Green, Ohio). She has taken numerous courses on income tax preparations, real estate and estate taxes, sales and marketing, business account, and computer programming. Education has served her well as she conducts and orchestrates major financial decisions as a business partner in Limes Family Farms for over 40 years and in her endeavors with individuals throughout Wood County and Northwest Ohio.
An active participant in her community, Kathy has served on the Penta Career Center Board since 2001 where she presided as President and Vice President. During her time there, she was on the Executive & Personnel, Policy/Legislative, Building & Grounds, and Finance & Curriculum committees. She was honored to be on the Penta Board during the construction of the current Career Center located on Buck Road in Perrysburg, Ohio.
Other activities and interests include being a lifetime board member of the ARC of Wood County Board which is associated with Wood Lane School (Wood County, Ohio), a lifetime member of the Wood County Historical Society, a member of the Republican Party and the Republican Central Committee, a past candidate for Wood County Commissioner, and a member and Sunday School teacher at Dayspring Assembly of God Church (Bowling Green, Ohio).
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Kyle Clark - Director of Prevention Education
E-mail - kclark@wcesc.org
Mr. Clark serves as the Director of Prevention Education Services. This initiative partners with Wood County School Districts, law enforcement, juvenile justice agencies, mental health service providers, and other community organizations. The Initiative works towards finding solutions and implementing evidenced-based programs that address safe school environments and violence prevention, substance abuse prevention and intervention, student behavioral, social, and emotional supports, mental health services, and early childhood development where students can learn, grow, and succeed.
Mr. Clark obtained his BS degree in Education, Masters degree in Educational Administration/Supervision, and completed his post-graduate doctoral studies at Bowling Green State University. He has over thirty years of educational administration experience as a principal, superintendent, and project director.
2021 Board Meeting Minutes
December 20, 2021 Regular Board Minutes
November 23, 2021 Regular Board Minutes
October 26, 2021 Regular Board Minutes
September 28, 2021 Regular Board Minutes
August 24, 2021 Regular Board Minutes
July 27, 2021 Regular Board Meeting Minutes
June 22, 2021 Regular Board Meeting Minutes.
June 2, 2021 Special Board Meeting Minutes
May 25, 2021 Regular Board Meeting Minutes
April 27, 2021 Regular Board Meeting Minutes
March 23, 2021 Regular Board Meeting Minutes
March 1, 2021 Special Board Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2021 Regular Board Meeting Minutes
Judith Hines, Board Member & Student Achievement Liaison
Judith Hines was born in Henry County. Graduated from Liberty Center High school, and moved to Wood County in 1960 with her husband Maurice and two children. Judith was a housewife, a mother and worked on their family farm for several years. She attended business programs at Stautenburg College for two years. In 1974 she worked for USDA, ASCS office in Bowling Green and retired after 40 years. Judith has always worked with and raised children with physical and learning disabilities. She became a member of the Wood County ARC in 1974 and was very involved in their Academic and Outreach programs. She attended several State and National conferences to learn how to further education for children with disabilities. Judith has always been very interested in helping any person to improve their education and skills to achieve the best quality of life possible. Judith has been serving the WCESC since August 2014.
Judith Paredes, Vice President & Penta Career Center Board Representative
Before serving as a member of the Wood County Educational Service Center Governing Board, Mrs. Paredes committed herself to improving the Lake Local Schools District for more than 20 years. During that time, she resided on the School Board for eight years while she and her husband were also members and officers of the Athletic Boosters. They spent countless hours working at the concession stands for a variety of Lake Athletic contests. Some weeks, they spent more time at the school than at home. Through this endeavor, the couple met numerous wonderful people while enjoying every minute of the experience. The couple treasured their involvement with Lake Schools and desired to give back whenever they could. Their tireless dedication earned them a place in the Lake Schools Athletic Hall of Fame.
Mrs. Paredes was married for 33 years before her husband passed away. The couple has three children: Michael, Brian and Janea, who is the head Culinary Instructor at Penta Career Center. A few years later, she remarried and added three more children to her family: Chad, Jeremy and Nichole who are all teachers. Mrs. Paredes has always had a great respect for teachers and what they do for children. Serving on school boards has provided her with great insight on the immense effort it takes to teach well, along with the rewards that teaching brings. These insights aide her as she guides the WCESC Governing Board.
Hannah Feffer - Director of Community Learning Centers
Hannah Feffer E-mail: hfeffer@wcesc.org
Phone: 419-354-9010
The Community Learning Centers of the Wood County Educational Service Center provide quality enrichment and extended learning activities for elementary children - kindergarten through sixth grades. Our daily before-school, after-school, and Summer STARS program meets the care and supervision needs of parents during out-of-school hours while engaging children in fun learning experiences that complement their school-day instruction. Through the support of the Wood County Educational Service Center, 21st Century Community Learning Center program, and the United Way, this amazing program has expanded to serve thousands of kids a year, in 7 districts, at 9 sites, year-round, throughout Wood and Lucas County.
Hannah joined the WCESC team in 2013, and stepped into the CLC director position in June 2022. Hannah earned her Bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University and holds a Master's Degree in Recreational Administration from the University of Toledo. A long-term Wood County resident, she has 10 years of experience in teaching, administration, coaching, and leadership.
2020 Board Meeting Minutes
December 22, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes
November 24, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes
November 18, 2020 Special Meeting Minutes
November 12, 2020 Special Meeting Minutes
November 10, 2020 Special Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2020 Special Meeting Minutes
November 3, 2020 Special Meeting Minutes
October 20, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes
September 22, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes
August 25, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes
August 4, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes
June 23, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes
April 28, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes
Timothy F. Smith, President
Timothy Smith returns to the governing board of the Wood County Educational Service Center, having previously served from 1994 to 2015, including four years as board president.
Throughout his career, Smith served as Assistant Dean of Students at Bowling Green State University from 1965 to 1975; Wood County Administrator from 1975 to 1981; Director of Sales for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio from 1981 to 1995; and Senior Vice President of Sky Insurance from 1995 to 2005.
He then retired from active employment for several years before becoming Associate Vice President of Research and Economic Development at BGSU from 2009 to 2013.
Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and a Master of Arts degree in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University. He also graduated from Krannert Graduate School of Management at Purdue University.
Teresa Kitchen - PATHE Center Supervisor
Teresa Kitchen E-mail: tkitchen@wcesc.org
Phone: 419-352-7588
The Wood County Educational Service Center's PATHE Program services students with Emotional Disabilities (ED) and other unique needs. The program is designed to provide educational opportunities for children to learn the academic, social, and functional skills that he/she will need to be a happy, healthy, and productive adult. We recognize that each child is unique and it is with this mindset that we approach our work daily. Additionally, the PACE program is a vital part of PATHE that services students ages 16 and up. This program focuses on strengthening vocational skills and gives students the opportunity to work in the community in a variety of fields.
Teresa Kitchen has worked for Wood County Educational Service Center for 15 years as an Intervention Specialist, Behavior Support Specialist, and Pathe/Pace Program Supervisor. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Bowling Green State University, a Masters of Education Administration from Grand Canyon University, and over 20 years working with students with social emotional, behavioral, and educational needs. Teresa focuses on providing specially designed instruction and behavior, social emotional, and academic supports to students and district schools.
If you have any questions about the PATHE program you can contact Ms. Kitchen by email at tkitchen@wcesc.org.
2019 Board Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2019 - Regular Meeting Minutes
October 22, 2019 - Regular Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2019 - Regular Meeting Minutes
August 27, 2019 - Regular Meeting Minutes
July 23, 2019 - Regular Meeting Minutes
June 25, 2019 - Regular Meeting Minutes
May 28, 2019 - Regular Meeting Minutes
April 16, 2019 - Regular Meeting Minutes
March 26, 2019 - Regular Meeting Minutes
February 26, 2019 - Regular Meeting Minutes
Diane Witt - Coordinator of Special Education Programming
Diane Witt E-mail: dwitt@wcesc.org
Phone: 419-354-9010
Wood County Educational Service Center's L.I.F.E. Skills-Specially Designed Programming for Low Incidence is designed to provide educational opportunities for students with moderate to intensive needs in preparation for an independent adult life to each individual’s maximum potential. With multi-age classrooms located throughout Wood County Local School Districts, staff develop and implement programming focusing on individual preferences, interests, needs and strengths. WCESC’s specially designed programming utilizes systematic instruction and evidence based practices with a focus on the generalization of skills through community based instruction, work experiences, and integration with same aged peers in and out of the school environment. Students receive a comprehensive education including functional academics, social skills training, communication, adaptive behavior skills, and occupational therapy, physical therapy, and adapted physical education according to the IEP. A continuum of services is offered dependent on student need, with options of self-contained classrooms and resource room settings for students in grades K-12 and a community based classroom in a local apartment, The Living Classroom, for students, (grade 23), 18-21 years old.
Diane Witt joined the Special Education staff at Wood County ESC in 2007 as the MD Program Supervisor. She currently holds the role as Coordinator of Special Education Programming, which includes transition coordination and alternate assessment preparation. Diane focuses on the development of specially designed programming and curriculum, working with teachers and districts to meet the individual academic, behavioral, social/ communication, and adaptive living needs of students. Diane has almost 30 years experience in special education, teaching K-12, supervising in Wood County schools, and teaching at The University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University, including working as a consultant and co-developer of the TTW programs.
2018 Board Meeting Minutes
November 23, 2018 - Regular Board Meeting Minutes
October 23, 2018 - Regular Board Meeting Minutes
September 25, 2018 - Regular Board Meeting Minutes
August 28, 2018 - Regular Board Meeting Minutes
July 24, 2018 - Regular Board Meeting Minutes
June 28, 2018 - Regular Board Meeting Minutes
June 6, 2018 - Special Board Meeting Minutes
June 1, 2018 - Special Board Meeting Minutes
May 31, 2018 - Special Board Meeting Minutes
May 22, 2018 - Regular Board Meeting Minutes
April 24, 2018 - Regular Meeting Minutes
March 27, 2018 - Regular Meeting Minutes
February 27, 2018 - Regular Meeting Minutes
Christy Spontelli - Supervising the JRC, JDC and ALC Education Programs
Christy Spontelli E-mail: cspontelli@wcesc.org
Phone: 419-353-4406
The Juvenile Residential Center of Northwest Ohio located at 1012 South Dunbridge Road in Bowling Green is a Community Corrections Facility. This is a State of Ohio facility that houses male students ages 12 to 19. The education portion of the day is provided by the Wood County Educational Service Center with three teachers, an intervention specialist and an education coordinator. Students attend school daily from 8:00 to 2:00 within the facility. School is provided for the academic year and an additional summer quarter.
The Wood County Juvenile Detention Center is located at. 1032 South Dunbridge Road in Bowling Green. This facility houses students 12 – 21 years of age, both males and females. The education portion of the day is provided by the Wood County Educational Service Center. Two intervention specialists provide the classroom staffing along with an education coordinator. Students attend school daily from 8:00 to 2:15 for the academic calendar year.
The Wood County Alternative School is located at 126 South Church Street in Bowling Green. Students grades 6-12 are welcome to attend. This program is open to students from all Wood County school districts, and referral to attend the program begins with the home school. An intervention specialist and Outreach Coordinator staff the ALC along with the education coordinator. Students work both online with Pearson Conexus curriculum, as well as in class groups. The students have the opportunity to participate in community service while at the ALC. Intake packets can be found on the Wood County Educational Service Center’s website.
Christy Spontelli has been employed at the Wood County Educational Service Center since 1985 working with at-risk youth. She has served as the Education Coordinator since 1995, supervising the JRC, JDC and ALC education programs. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Consumer Education and Multi-Area Job Training and a Master’s of Education in Career and Technology Education, from Bowling Green State University. Secondary Principal’s Licensure was earned at the University of Findlay.
2017 Board Meeting Minutes
December - No Meeting
November 28, 2017 - Regular Meeting Minutes
October 17, 2017 - Regular Meeting Minutes
September 26, 2017 - Regular Meeting Minutes
August 22, 2017 - Regular Meeting Minutes
July 25, 2017 - Regular Meeting Minutes
June 27, 2017 - Regular Meeting Minutes
May 23, 2017 - Regular Meeting Minutes
April 11, 2017 - Regular Meeting Minutes
March 28, 2017 - Regular Meeting Minutes
February 28, 2017 - Regular Meeting Minutes
Joe Taylor - Special Education Supervisor
Joe Taylor E-mail: joetaylor@wcesc.org
Phone: 419-354-9010 ext. 232
The Related Services Department of the Wood County Educational Service Center provides Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech/Language Therapy, Adaptive Physical Education, and School Psychology services to Wood County school districts. The Related Service providers work with children ages 3-21 who require evaluations and specialized therapies, as well as providing consultative services to both families and school district personnel.
Joe Taylor joined the WCESC team in 2015 as the MD program supervisor. In 2017, he also assumed the responsibility of supervision of the Related Services program which he continues to oversee along with the direct supervision of the Life Skills programs. Joe is a long-term resident of Northwest Ohio and received undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Toledo. He has over twenty years of experience as an educator, both as a teacher and a school administrator, working with students and families in a number of districts throughout the area.
