MANSFIELD—A former Bucyrus High School principal and director of student services has been hired to take over the position of executive director of achievement and leadership at Mid-Ohio Educational Services.

Dr. Mark Burke will officially assume the position on Aug. 1 and his contract runs through July 31, 2024.

The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center Board of Governors held their monthly meeting on February 17 during which they approved Burke’s employment.

Burke will provide leadership for Mid-Ohio ESC’s full range of administrative staff development and improvement services in support of its partner school districts.

Dr. Burke comes from Mohawk Local Schools, where he served as the superintendent. Previously, he served in several positions at Bucyrus City Schools and has also been an adjunct professor of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Policy at Bowling Green State University. He received his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration at Ashland University and his Doctorate of Leadership Studies from Bowling Green State University in 2013.

Dr. Burke was selected from a field of 33 applicants for the position and throughout the selection process, it became clear to the interview team that he was the right fit to join the Mid-Ohio ESC team. He will be leading professional development, training, leadership opportunities and support of our member district administrators.

Mid-Ohio Superintendent Kevin D. Kimmel worked with Burke when he was the superintendent of Bucyrus City Schools.

“I am very excited to have Dr. Burke join our administrative team at Mid-Ohio ESC. It had become evident that this position was needed to expand our services and support to our member districts. I want to commend the Mid-Ohio ESC Board of Governors for supporting this new position as we continue to explore ways to restructure our organization to develop relationships, build trust, and add value for member districts,” said Kimmel. “I look forward to working with Dr. Burke and our administrative team to strengthen our organization.”

Burke said he is excited about the new opportunity.

“Building relationships will be my highest priority. I will be able to serve our districts once I can learn more about their communities, culture, goals, expectations, and areas of district focus. It is my sincerest hope to be out of the office visiting our partners and developing a plan on how I can be of service,” said Burke.

In other business, all organizational and personnel items were approved. The 2021-2022 calendars for Abraxas and F.I.R.S.T. Schools were also discussed.

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services, including professional development, to 10 school districts and over 17,000 students in Crawford, Morrow and Richland Counties. Client districts receive services from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.