Whidden Named Next Miami County ESC Superintendent
Miami County Educational Service Center Names Bethany Whidden as Next Superintendent
(Troy - February 11, 2026) The Board of Education for the Miami County Educational Service Center has approved a leadership transition that will take effect this summer. Superintendent Dave Larson has submitted his resignation after being selected for a statewide leadership role with the Ohio Educational Service Center Association. He will remain with the ESC through July to support a smooth and orderly transition.
Larson noted that while he is preparing for this next chapter, his commitment to the ESC community remains strong. “It has been an absolute honor to serve this community and work alongside such dedicated educators,” said Larson. “While I am excited to join the team at OESCA to support districts across Ohio, a piece of my heart will always remain with the students and staff here at the Miami County ESC.”
The appointment of Bethany Whidden marks a seamless transition for the district. Whidden brings more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience within the Miami County ESC, along with deep expertise in student services, special education systems, and regional educational collaboration.
Upon receiving her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the Ohio State University in 2008, Whidden completed a Clinical Fellowship Year at the Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus. She began her career in education with the Miami County ESC in 2009 as a speech-language pathologist, working directly with students and families to support communication and inclusive educational programming. She later assumed increasing leadership responsibilities, serving as Speech-Language Pathology Supervisor and Related Services Supervisor, where she led countywide service delivery systems, supervised multidisciplinary teams, and supported districts in meeting complex special education and compliance requirements.
Most recently, Whidden has served as Director of Student Services, providing executive-level leadership for student services programming across Miami County ESC. In this role, she has overseen large, multidisciplinary teams; collaborated closely with district administrators; aligned services with board policy and state and federal regulations; and contributed to organizational planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
Whidden holds an Ohio Superintendent License and multiple professional credentials in education and speech-language pathology. She is widely recognized for her leadership at both the state and regional levels, serving in numerous roles with professional and advocacy organizations, including statewide policy and workforce initiatives that strengthen public education in Ohio.
Having grown professionally within the Miami County ESC, Whidden brings a deep understanding of classroom practice, district needs, and regional service delivery. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the organization, saying, “I am honored to serve the Miami County ESC as the next Superintendent. We have exceptional teams and strong partnerships across the county and region, and I look forward to building on that foundation to continue meeting the unique needs of every student and every educator.”
For more information, contact Miami County ESC at (937) 339-5100
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