Two Knox County residents have been chosen to lead the Knox Educational Service Center (ESC) Governing Board for 2026. Ken Boeshart, a longtime educator from Danville and an 11-year board member, was re-elected as president at the board’s meeting on January 14. Bruce Gregg of Fredericktown was elected vice president.
The ESC supports the county’s five public school districts and the Knox County Career Center by hiring classroom aides, substitute teachers, and specialists such as speech and occupational therapists. It also operates preschools in Mount Vernon, Centerburg, Danville, and East Knox, as well as the Learning Center—an alternative K-12 school located in the former Mount Vernon West Elementary building.
“Our role is to help all the schools in the county to meet the needs of students,” said Boeshart, who has worked for three decades as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in Danville Local Schools. “We always need to do what’s best for students. My goal is to contribute to helping our districts get the tools they need.”
Gregg joined the board two years ago after being encouraged by Boeshart following Dick McLarnan’s retirement. Both men previously served together on the Knox County Fair Board. “I was honored to be thought of as a member of this board. I am always looking for some way to contribute to my community and my county,” Gregg said. “I agree with Ken: We’re all about what’s best for students and their careers one day. Knox County is a beautiful place to grow, learn and live.”
Gregg has ties to public education through his family; his wife teaches fifth grade at Fredericktown, while his sister and brother-in-law are retired teachers. He also represents ESC on the Knox County Career Center Board. “The Career Center’s role of preparing kids for careers after high school is very important,” he said.
Other members of the five-person board include Vicki Bechtel, new member Tommy Groshong, and Donnie Rogers—who was appointed this month following Laurie Gallwitz’s resignation due to other professional responsibilities.
The board works closely with Dr. Timm Mackley, who is serving his 16th year as ESC superintendent.
Boeshart highlighted ongoing support for the Learning Center’s evolving role within ESC services. The center currently serves about 60 students from Knox and nearby counties who have struggled in their home schools due to behavioral issues, attendance problems or lack of academic motivation.
“There are lots of reasons students go to the alternative school and I’ve seen them all,” Boeshart said. “I was still teaching when Bruce Hawkins, former ESC superintendent, and Judge Ronk began the alternative school. Back then it was primarily about disciplinary issues.
“While it is still an alternative option, the Learning Center has progressed to a full-service school where kids can learn, even earn their diplomas.”
Gregg added: “Not every student adapts well to their local schools. The Learning Center does a great job of helping kids excel,” he said. “It takes a special person to teach there, someone who can deescalate situations to make learning possible.”
Nearly 30 students at the Learning Center have graduated over the past three years; six more are expected to graduate this year with diplomas awarded by their home schools.
“I consider the Learning Center to be a hidden gem,” Gregg said.
Boeshart responded: “That’s exactly what I was going to say.”
