The Mercer County Educational Service Center is now operating as the Grand Lake Regional Educational Service Center.

The new name officially took effect July 1 and is intended to better represent the organization’s expanding reach beyond Mercer County.

Superintendent Shelly Vaughn said the ESC has provided services in surrounding counties since 2019. The decision to rebrand followed a strategic planning process that included input from school leaders, community partners, board members and staff.

The transition will continue throughout the summer as signs, email addresses and other materials are updated. The organization’s new website is expected to launch after its staff opening day on August 11.

Officials emphasized that the change is not a merger or consolidation. The same leadership, employees and services will remain in place under the Grand Lake Regional ESC name.

The organization employs approximately 115 people, with most working directly inside the school districts they serve. Services include special education, speech therapy, school psychology, gifted education, professional development, career navigation and workforce transition programs.

Treasurer Kurt Wendel said the regional model allows smaller districts to share highly trained employees they may not need or be able to afford on a full-time basis.

Grand Lake Regional ESC receives approximately 4% of its annual budget from the state. The remaining 96% comes from districts purchasing the services they need.