Personalized Solutions for Ohio Educators, Students, and Families

Fall 2025 Newsletter

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Strengthening Instruction and Literacy Across Districts
Celebrating the New Faces of Summit ESC
Welcoming a New Season of Educational Leadership
Explore Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
We’re Hiring!
Save the Date: Education Celebration

Summit ESC’s work during the 2024–2025 school year highlighted the power of partnership, where collaboration, instructional excellence, and a shared commitment to students produced lasting results. Through targeted literacy support and instructional coaching, educators across the region refined practice, aligned systems, and ensured that every learner benefited from high-quality teaching.

In literacy, Alyssa Bird, Curriculum and Instruction Consultant, worked alongside districts to strengthen ELA systems and make research-based practices feel practical and achievable. Her support included helping schools develop K–12 Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in literacy, using universal screeners and diagnostics to drive instruction, and coaching aligned with Ohio’s Instructional Coaching Model. Districts also embedded high-quality instructional materials and new writing frameworks that promoted horizontal and vertical alignment, enabling students to plan, monitor, and evaluate their own writing progress.

Across Summit ESC partner districts, these efforts led to tangible growth. In Nordonia, teachers launched a K–4 writing framework that connected all three elementary schools through shared practices and expectations, creating a stronger sense of alignment and community. Norton strengthened its WIN Time structure, using data to make every student’s time meaningful while deepening teacher confidence in adolescent literacy. And in Coventry, Alyssa’s work expanded from K–5 ELA adoption to vertical collaboration across grades 6–12, fostering coherence and shared ownership of student success. At the heart of these successes was a simple philosophy: change happens when relationships come first, and when teachers feel supported and encouraged to try new strategies.

That same commitment to teacher growth and innovation was evident in Summit ESC’s Instruction and Preschool Services led by Zach Miley. His team celebrated educators who modeled excellence and creativity, both in preschool and beyond. At Coventry Preschool, Early Childhood Intervention Specialist Marsha McCartney used a “Play Partner Schema,” inviting students to choose where and with whom they wanted to play. This differentiated approach helped students, both with and without IEPs, build language, communication, and friendship skills that laid the groundwork for social success.

At Field Preschool, Sydney Dyke brought creativity and joy to the classroom through her “Smarties for Smarties” initiative, rewarding positive behaviors and academic effort with small, meaningful recognition. The practice encouraged students to celebrate one another’s growth and cultivated a supportive classroom culture where learning and kindness went hand in hand. These examples illustrated how Summit ESC’s preschool programs provided a foundation for lifelong learning, helping districts demonstrate the essential role early education plays in academic and social development.

Through literacy coaching, instructional collaboration, and early learning innovation, Summit ESC strengthened the capacity of educators and leaders to help every student thrive. It’s all part of how Summit ESC creates personalized solutions for Ohio educators, students, and families.

For more information about how Summit ESC can support your district’s instructional and literacy goals, please contact Andrea Patt, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, at [email protected], or Zach Miley, Director of Instruction and Preschool Services, at [email protected]

Summit ESC proudly welcomes two new professionals whose experience, innovation, and leadership will further strengthen our service to districts across the region.

Dr. Kim Monachino joins Summit ESC as Director of Student Services, bringing 38 years of experience in public education. She began her career as a teacher for students with emotional disabilities and has since held a range of leadership positions, including Supervisor of Special Education, Director of Student Services at both county and district levels, and most notably, Director of the Office for Exceptional Children at the Ohio Department of Education. Dr. Monachino earned her Doctor of Education in Leadership from the University of Akron. She and her husband, Frank, reside in Twinsburg and are the proud parents of two adult children, Frank and Ashley. She looks forward to contributing her expertise and leadership in support of the students, families, and districts served by Summit ESC.

Scott Ross joins the Curriculum and Instruction Department as AI/Technology Consultant. Entering his 33rd year in education, Scott brings an enduring passion for helping teachers and students thrive. He retired from Manchester Local Schools after an accomplished 32-year career as a teacher, coach, Director of Technology, Assistant Principal, and High School Principal. For more than 25 years, Scott focused on integrating technology into K–12 instruction and leading professional development that enhanced student learning. Since December 2022, he has immersed himself in understanding artificial intelligence and its transformative role in education, exploring how AI is reshaping K–12 classrooms and helping educators navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.

And a shout-out to all of our new staff who have come aboard this year to serve and lead for the sake of children’s education. Summit ESC creates personalized solutions for Ohio educators, students, and families, and every new team member enables us to do that with excellence and focus. Each one allows us to serve school districts in unique and individualized ways when needs arise.

We are glad every new member of the team is here and that, together, we can be as dedicated as possible to making a difference for schools across Ohio.

Summit ESC is proud to recognize and congratulate several new superintendents who began their leadership roles this school year. These individuals bring a wealth of experience, vision, and dedication to their districts, and we look forward to the many ways their leadership will continue to strengthen student success across the region.

Frank Gant, Waterloo Local Schools
Lisa Tripney, Portage Lakes Career Center
Paul Milcetich, Aurora City Schools

Each of these leaders steps into their role with a deep commitment to collaboration, innovation, and community. Summit ESC values the trusted partnerships built with these districts and stands ready to support their continued growth and goals in the years ahead.

“Our region continues to be defined by strong, student-centered leadership,” said Joseph Iacano, Superintendent of Summit ESC. “We are honored to walk alongside these new superintendents as they guide their districts forward with vision and purpose.”

Congratulations to all three leaders on this exciting new chapter in their careers. We look forward to the impact they will make in the communities they serve.

For more information about how Summit ESC can support YOUR district in leadership searches or other educational initiatives, please visit our School Leadership Search Services page, or contact Joseph Iacano, [email protected], or call (330) 945-5600 x513910.

Summit ESC offers a variety of professional learning sessions designed to meet the needs of educators and administrators across Northeast Ohio. From instructional leadership to classroom innovation, our workshops provide practical tools and collaborative learning for every role. It’s another way Summit ESC creates personalized solutions for educators and leaders across our region. View the Upcoming PD Calendar

Summit ESC creates personalized solutions for Ohio educators, students, and families, and we are looking for passionate professionals to join us in that mission. If you are ready to be part of a dynamic organization that values people, purpose, and progress, explore our current openings and consider becoming part of the Summit ESC community. View Employment Opportunities

Before you know it, our 2026 Education Celebration will be here! Make sure to mark your calendar for February 5, 2026. The event will be in Stow … and, of course, many details will follow in the coming weeks. We hope you’ll join us!