DUNBAR, W. Va. – As director of communications for three school districts in southern West Virginia, Chris Williams finds himself on the road most of the day, every day. Williams told MetroNews he’s always busy and that’s how he likes it.

In March, Williams began her position at Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative (MSESC) where he serves Wayne, Lincoln and Logan County Schools in this role. Williams posts content for these counties’ social media pages and is the point of contact during news events in this valley.

Williams’ role is part of the larger MSESC which was formed in 2017 to provide educational services to its members, non-member school systems and non-profit organizations to leverage resources to meet needs. school districts and communities in the Mountain State. .

Williams told MetroNews that a rare post like his, balancing three county school districts, came to the counties’ decision in an effort to save money.

“One of the most important things we try to do here at ESC is save taxpayers money. By applying for and winning federal grants, state grants, other local grants, and sharing services,” Williams said.

MSESC members include Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Mingo and Wayne County Schools.

MSESC was formed due to the passage of HB 2711 in 2017, Williams said. Prior to the creation of ESCs, West Virginia worked with (Regional Educational Service Agencies) to create different educational regions.

MSESC administers AEPA WV, an educational purchasing cooperative that supports the 55 WV school systems, municipalities, and other 501(c) nonprofit organizations in West Virginia.

Williams said MSESC, one of three educational service cooperatives in the state, funds positions in school districts. Job openings in April include elementary and middle school counsellors, program managers and adult education coordinators.

“They work for ESC but their position could be at school. There are positions that we fund or can help fund,” Williams said.

Williams said funding for positions is often given in the form of grants. MSESC is able to develop programs and services to maximize local, state, and federal funds to meet entity needs.

MSESC is currently working on a US DOJ grant to work with schools on the Stop It app, an app that promotes school safety. Williams said MSESC is also working on a Apprentissage.com grant to provide teachers with tools to prepare students for a digital world such as coding, typing and digital literacy.

MSESC States that it operates under the supervision of a locally elected board of directors consisting of five county superintendents and five county council members.