MRESC and OHP Announce Superintendent Transitions for 2025-2026

Scott Howell

The Midwest Regional Educational Service Center (MRESC) and Ohio Hi-Point Career Center (OHP) are gearing up for leadership changes, with superintendent transitions planned for summer 2025.​

MRESC Superintendent Scott Howell, who has served in education for 33 years, announced his retirement effective June 2025.

“I’ve enjoyed my eight years with MRESC. It has been a pleasure to work with such a wonderful staff and supportive board,” said Howell.
 
Janet Moore, MRESC Board President, thanked Howell for his leadership. “Mr. Howell has been an outstanding leader of the Midwest Regional ESC. The board has appreciated his guidance and the organization's growth in serving more students across Shelby, Hardin, and Logan counties.”

During the MRESC Board meeting on Jan. 23, 2025, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center Superintendent Dr. Rick Smith was announced as the next superintendent of the MRESC.
 
“Dr. Smith previously served as interim superintendent at the ESC a few years ago,” said Moore. “We are excited to have someone with 25 years of administrative experience and a deep understanding of our mission.”

At the Feb. 26, 2025, Ohio Hi-Point Board of Education meeting, the board will name

Dr. Rick Smith

Brad Richardson

Assistant Superintendent Brad Richardson as the next superintendent of OHP, effective Jan. 1, 2026, following a six-month transition period.
 
During the transition period, from July through December 2025, Dr. Smith will divide his time between the two organizations. He will work closely with Assistant Superintendents Brad Richardson (OHP) and Shawn McElroy (MRESC) to ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity in educational programs and support for the schools, students, and communities served by both organizations.

“I’m grateful for the decade of trust,” said Smith. “It’s been an honor to work at OHP with this team. We’ve done so many great things for career education. I am confident that Mr. Richardson will continue to build on OHP’s excellence while bringing his innovative and strategic approach to push OHP to the forefront of career education.”
 
Dr. Smith also expressed his excitement for his new role with MRESC. “I’m looking forward to this new challenge and continuing to help MRESC in their mission to provide innovative educational partnerships.”
 
Ohio Hi-Point Board President Anne Reames thanked Smith for his tenure. “Ohio Hi-Point Career Center is grateful for Dr. Smith's leadership over the past 10 years. He has grown career technical education in our region, expanded workforce opportunities for students, and led us through a beautiful construction project that will serve students for generations. We wish him all the best in his new role at the ESC.”
 
On Jan. 1, 2026, Assistant Superintendent Richardson will officially assume the role of superintendent at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center. Richardson has nearly 20 years of experience in education, including the past nine years at Ohio Hi-Point, where he has served as Career Tech Supervisor, Career Tech Director, and Assistant Superintendent. During this time, he has overseen approximately 70 career tech programs across multiple locations, managed multi-million-dollar budgets and grants, and enhanced marketing and work-based learning initiatives, strengthening connections between education and industry.
 
“The Ohio Hi-Point Board has been working with Mr. Richardson and is excited to have him as our next superintendent,” said Reames. “He has proven himself to be an exceptional administrator, and we look forward to where he will lead the organization.”
 
Richardson shared his gratitude for the opportunity to lead OHP. “I’m thankful to the board for their support and excited about this next step. I look forward to continuing the great work with our staff, students, and community partners. I’m grateful to Dr. Smith for his mentorship and wish him the best of luck at the ESC as he takes on his new challenge.”
 
Both Ohio Hi-Point and the Midwest Regional ESC are excited to continue their work in preparing students for success in employment, enrollment, enlistment, or entrepreneurship in the counties they serve. As both organizations enter this period of transition, the focus remains on providing innovative educational opportunities and serving as a vital resource for their communities.

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About Ohio Hi-Point
The Ohio Hi-Point Career Center develops our most valuable resource, people, by providing quality career-technical and academic education programs. Our High School and Satellite Divisions serve juniors and seniors from 14 partner school districts and offer more than 30 career training programs, while our Adult and Continuing Education Division has a strong focus on customized training, providing businesses the training needed to strengthen and prosper in the community.
 
The Ohio Hi-Point Career Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Superintendent Dr. Rick Smith | 2280 St. Rt. 540 Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311 | 937-599-3010