WBESC supt. gives Resource Center report

Van Wert independent/WEBSC information

The Western Buckeye Educational Service Center’s Governing Board learned that the entity earned a clean audit report from Ohio Auditor of State Dave Yost’s office and also heard an update on activity at the WBESC Resource Center during its November meeting held this week.

Superintendent Brian Gerber updated the WBESC Board on recent activities, including the Resource Center, noting that the center is operating at nearly full capacity in its second year of operation after being created from the former ACE Alternative School and Student Learning Center.

The Resource Center provides alternative educational programs that help students graduate, Gerber noted, while also offering credit recovery options and career planning.

“The Resource Center has certified, dedicated and caring professional staff members who are trained to meet the many different needs of the students they serve,” Gerber told the board.

In addition, combining the two programs in the summer of 2010 has helped WBESC provided added educational resources for students in surrounding school districts. The Resource Center serves students in Van Wert and Paulding counties, as well as students in Delphos City Schools.

The center also offers an online curriculum through its Virtual Academy program. Students enroll in the ACE Virtual Academy program with permission from their home school district on a case-by-case basis. The Resource Center, which is partially funded through grant and tuition, is located at 620 N. Cherry St. in Van Wert.

Gerber also reminded the WBESC Governing Board members that other Western Buckeye operations are running at full capacity at the Thomas Edison Preschool building and that the transition from the former Van Wert office on West Main Street has been a positive one.

“We are sharing a building in order to save money,” the superintendent said. “All entities understand the fiscal importance of sharing the building in order to reduce costs. All those involved have been very cooperative and professional during this adjustment period.”

Treasurer Gary Ginter noted that the WBESC earned the Auditor of State Award presented to local government and school districts upon the completion of a financial audit that does not contain any findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, Single Audit findings or questioned costs.

Ginter also reviewed the WBESC’s current financial reports, investments and monthly expenditures with the board.

The Governing Board also approved the Fiscal Year 2012 Family-Centered Services and Supports award and budget totaling $10,934 and approved new and replacement policies as presented.

The next WBESC Board meeting will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 14, in the Paulding ESC office.