CHAMPION -- Trumbull Career and Technical Center high school director Paula Baco has been named the 2024 OSBA Northeast Region Administrator of the Year by the Ohio School Boards Association.
This accolade recognizes outstanding leadership and dedication in educational administration.
"We are incredibly proud of Paula and this well-deserved recognition," said TCTC Superintendent Jason Gray.
"Her unwavering commitment to our students, faculty and community exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional leader. This award is a testament to her hard work and dedication," Gray said.
He said Baco is "a true professional and educational leader."
"She is kind, compassionate and brilliant. She is very deserving of this honor." Gray said.
TCTC Board President Ronda Bonekovic of Brookfield said "the board is very proud of what she has accomplished."
"We are honored to have her here and appreciate all that she does for the career center."' Bonekovic said.
Baco will be honored at the OSBA fall conference on Oct. 2 at the Galaxy Restaurant in Wadsworth.
Baco has been at TCTC for 22 years. She has been in administration since 2013 and is director of the career center, a position she has held since 2021.
Baco was the 2021 recipient of the High Schools That Work Career Technical Education Leadership Award.
Gray said under Baco's guidance, the school has achieved significant milestones, including:
In 2021, Baco led the opening of an on-campus health and wellness clinic where students can be referred for basic care at no cost through the use of Student Wellness and Success Funds from the Ohio Department of Education.
Baco helped TCTC become a fully integrated digital learning environment. The school became nationally recognized after receiving its first Apple Distinguished School award in 2017. With three consecutive, multi-year recognitions, TCTC remains an active Apple Distinguished School.
Baco spearheaded the addition of three new programs that opened this school year. In collaboration with the Trumbull County Educational Service Center, TCTC will launch an aviation and drone technology program with the help of a federal grant received by the ESC. In addition, TCTC opened digital marketing and management and industrial technology programs.
Baco and her administrative team proactively seek competitive grants to support the expansion of in-demand programming and student needs. The school has obtained $7,842,500 in improvement grants between 2022-24.
Under Baco's leadership, several curriculum changes occurred to accommodate shifting occupation demands. These include launching a dental assistant program and three newly structured programs -- culinary arts academy, education and family services, and fire & EMS academy.
In 2023, Baco was involved with TCTC renovation of the Culinary Arts Academy kitchen. The remodel includes a collaborative teaching lab and additional space to increase enrollment capacity. The school also began construction on an equestrian center with an estimated completion date in December. The former structure did not include classroom instructional space, heat or restrooms. The new center will provide students more instructional time with less time spent on facility management.