MANSFIELD – Jennifer Crum, former Mid-Ohio ESC Director of Student Services, has received the Dr. John Opperman Outstanding Contribution Award from the Ohio Association of Public School Administrators.

Crum retired in January 2026 after serving as the Director of Student Services for seven years.

The Dr. John Opperman Outstanding Contribution Award is awarded to an OAPSA member who has contributed greatly to the profession over the course of their career.  Candidates for this award have demonstrated that they are a highly successful school administrator who is commonly acknowledged as such in his/her/their district or agency and beyond.  

“Jennifer Crum’s impact on Mid-Ohio ESC and the students we serve cannot be overstated,” said Superintendent Kevin Kimmel. “Her visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to the ‘whole child’ and dedication to building strong systems of support have left a lasting legacy across our region. This recognition is a testament not only to her professional excellence, but to the passion and integrity she brought to her work every day. We are proud to celebrate her many contributions and the difference she has made in the lives of students, families and educators.”

Crum was nominated by the MOESC Staff including Shelly Patrick, Assistant Director of Student Services.

“It was an honor to nominate Jennifer Crum for the Dr. John Opperman Outstanding Contribution Award,” Patrick said. “She exemplifies our Student Services mission of passionately serving the whole child through innovation, collaboration and dedication. She is dedicated to growing leaders while always keeping students’ best interests at the heart of her work, and her forward-thinking leadership established systems that will endure well beyond her time at MOESC.”

The Dr. John Opperman Outstanding Contribution Award is presented to an administrator who meets the following criteria:

  • A highly successful school administrator who is commonly acknowledged as such in his/her/their district or agency and beyond.
  • Has been or is an active OAPSA member.
  • Has made a significant contribution to improving pupil services, student services and/or special education work in his/her/their district or agency and/or beyond.
  • Candidates are also:
    • actively involved in school pupil services, student services and/or special education administration and is an OAPSA member OR
    • a former school pupil services administrator who was an OAPSA member while in that role and has taken another position in education, OR
    • a retired school pupil services administrator who has been, or is a retired OAPSA member.

“It is a privilege to have joined the Mid-Ohio ESC staff in nominating Jennifer for this recognition,” said Eric Turlo, Director of Student Services.

“Jennifer didn’t just lead student services; she transformed them. From building regional workforce pipelines to the creation of a student-focused behavior support services team, her forward-thinking work has left a lasting impact on students across our region,” Turlo aded. “This award is a fitting tribute to her career of innovation, advocacy and unwavering dedication to the ‘whole child.’ “

Crum’s nomination honors a career defined by visionary leadership and a steadfast commitment to modernizing special education systems through high-level compliance and collaborative trust. Her legacy includes successfully managing complex statewide grants, dramatically increasing support for English Language Learners and fostering a professional culture rooted in mentorship and continuous growth.

“Being selected for the John Opperman Outstanding Contribution Award by OAPSA is truly meaningful to me, and I am deeply humbled to be recognized among such dedicated professionals in our field,” said Crum.

“I am sincerely grateful to OAPSA for its leadership in recognizing and celebrating the work of student services administrators across Ohio, as well as for the invaluable networking opportunities, conferences and ongoing commitment to advancing our profession.

“More importantly, an award like this is never the result of one individual—it reflects the collective work of a team committed to making a difference. I have been fortunate to work alongside Superintendent Kevin Kimmel and the MOESC board who believed in me, opened doors and encouraged me to bring ideas to life, even allowing space to learn through failure while continuing to move forward. I have also had the privilege of collaborating with MOESC directors who intentionally break down silos, think beyond the expected and build meaningful programs and opportunities for those we serve. I am especially thankful for our entire MOESC Student Services Department, whose commitment helped refine the vision, implement it with fidelity and sustain an unwavering belief that together we could achieve greater things. This recognition truly belongs to all of us,” Crum added.

Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services to 13 school districts and over 20,000 students in Crawford, Morrow, and Richland Counties. Client districts receive services from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.