SNOW HILL — Many educators in a four-county region attended a retirement event Dec. 15 in honor of Southern Ohio Educational Service Center (SOESC) Superintendent Tony Long.
Long, who is set to retire at the end of December after completing 30 years in education, began his career at his alma-mater, Blanchester High School, as a teacher and coach.
In 1992, he joined the SOESC where he served as the work-study coordinator, supervisor of technology services, distance learning director, human resource director, and assistant superintendent. He was named superintendent in 2010.
Long is known for his open-door policy and eagerness to provide leadership, support and guidance to not only his staff and member districts served by the SOESC, but non-member districts as well.
The SOESC currently serves more than 24,000 students and 2,500 teachers located throughout Adams, Clinton, Fayette and Highland Counties. The SOESC also partners with Region 14 Hopewell Center in assisting school districts with academic improvement efforts and collaborative special education services.
Long strives to create a collaborative environment to support policies and practices that support educational service centers.
Long has worked diligently to keep the doors of communication open with area legislators, state policymakers, and the state superintendent. He has been instrumental in bringing graduate-level courses for educators to Clinton County and was also instrumental in the creation of the Southern Ohio Learning Center which opened its doors in 2015.
His leadership, passion, and dedication to students and community extend beyond his commitment to the SOESC. He previously served 12 years on the board of the Clinton County American Cancer Society, five years as vice president of the Clinton County Developmental Disabilities Board, and several years for the Clinton County Special Olympics.
Long currently serves on the Clinton County Business Advisory Council, Clinton County and Highland County Family and Children’s First Council, Clinton-Fayette-Highland Safety Council, and Clinton County Youth Leadership.
At the recent Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference and Trade Show, Long was recognized for his contributions to education. He was presented the OESCA Lifetime Achievement Award for his service and leadership at the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center.
