Mt. Sterling, Ohio – October 7, 2023
Making Schools Work NEO (MSW NEO) is proud to announce its transformation from a state-funded Ohio Department of Education initiative to an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization, effective from 2023. This transition marks a significant evolution in the organization's mission to foster educational excellence in Northeast Ohio.
Executive Director Amanda Kortright leads the charge into this new era, supported by a comprehensive board of trustees. The 2023 board includes Jeremy Corbisello, Chair and Assistant Superintendent at Columbiana County CTC; Kelly Herold, Vice-Chair and Director of Educational Outreach at The University of Akron, Summit College; Cindy Rolfe, Secretary/Treasurer at MSW NEO; Ben Ribelin, Trustee and Assistant Superintendent at Ravenna City Schools; Scott Smith, Trustee and Superintendent at Mapleton Local School District; Kathy Thayer, Trustee and Middle School ELA Teacher at Mount Vernon Middle School; Melinda Young, Member At-Large and Superintendent at Steubenville City Schools; John Zehentbauer, Trustee and Superintendent at Mahoning County Career & Technical Center; and Trustees Jeremy Batchelor, Superintendent of Youngstown City Schools; Jason Gray, Superintendent of Trumbull Career & Technical Center; and Melanie DiCarlo, Director of Articulation and Transfer/Tech Prep Coordinator at Eastern Gateway Community College & Southeast Ohio Tech Prep Consortium.
Outlined in the 2023-2024 Impact Report, MSW NEO focuses on strategic priorities such as supporting college and career readiness efforts, recognizing and celebrating educational excellence, empowering educators, and strengthening regional collaboration and capacity. These priorities aim to create inclusive educational opportunities, enhance regional reputation and outreach, and optimize organizational operations.
For 2024, MSW NEO is dedicated to advancing college and career readiness, celebrating educational achievements, empowering educators and other educational stakeholders, and fostering regional collaboration. Central to its 2023 strategy are projects like Distributed Leadership for School Improvement, comprehensive Professional Development, Networking, Cohorts, and Customized Coaching Support, as well as bolstering Career Exploration and Career Pathways Program Implementation. These initiatives are integral to MSW NEO's commitment to providing cradle-to-career support for communities, schools, and students, enhancing their meaningful impact across Northeast Ohio. Additionally, MSW NEO looks forward to hosting a networking and professional development event on April 23, 2024, for MSW NEO schools, educators, and regional partners, to further these goals.
"Our transition to a non-profit organization opens new avenues for funding and impact," says Kortright. "We're dedicated to ensuring every student in Northeast Ohio has the tools for success, supported by a community committed to educational excellence."
For more information, please contact Amanda Kortright at amanda.kortright@mswneo.org or 623.980.6812.
About Making Schools Work NEO
Making Schools Work NEO, initially the HSTW Ohio Network, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving educational standards and outcomes in Northeast Ohio. Established in 2003 and transitioning to a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2023, MSW NEO operates independently to provide innovative educational opportunities and support across a network of schools, driven by a commitment to educational reform and excellence.