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2	Overview of Presentation Background on Washington’s ESDs System Strengths & Weaknesses Long-Term Vision ESD Role with Current Priorities Keys to a More Effective System
3	Background on Washington’s ESDs Statutory Authorization Legislature established ESDs as political subdivisions Purpose, Powers & Duties (RCW 28A 310) Provide cooperative & informational services Assist state education agencies, OSPI, State Board of Education with constitutional duties & statutory duties Provide services to assure equal educational opportunity for all students, including schools for blind & deaf
4	Background on Washington’s ESDs A National Successful Model Washington’s leadership in developing a national regional service model Model now found in 44 of 50 states Federally recognized (NCLB) for ability to serve schools Research cites ESD model “best idea for turning around failing schools” (Arsen, Bell & Plank, 2003)
5	Washington’s ESDs – Who, What, Where
6	Background on Washington’s ESDs Sources of Funding
7	System Strengths & Weaknesses Overall ESD Strengths Provide affordable, effective programs & service to local district clients Staff expertise & technical knowledge Nimble & responsive to emerging needs Ability to quickly take programs to scale Strong partnerships with districts, community organizations, OSPI, State Board of Education & other educational agencies A preferred provider for district professional development Strong relationships & knowledge of local district context
8	System Strengths & Weaknesses A Few Specific ESD Achievements ESDs bring $30-$60 million additional funding into the state annually to support Washington students Statewide student & fiscal data cooperative funded by member districts Rapid deployment & ongoing support of K-20 telecommunications network Created foundation for statewide school improvement process ESD fiscal services have helped many districts avoid insolvency
9	System Strengths & Weaknesses Statutory Core Services for Each District Administrative services for fiscal grant management, special education, & transportation Curriculum services, inservice training, & assessment Personnel services Learning resource/media services District requested services Administration/non-employee related costs
10	System Strengths & Weaknesses Additional Services Provided by Each ESD School Improvement Professional Development Programs for At-risk Youth Special Education Assistance Education Technology Training & Support Safety Planning District Support with State Standards
11	System Strengths & Weaknesses Erosion of Core Funding
12	System Strengths & Weaknesses Analysis of Weaknesses Growing gap between ESDs’ statutory core responsibilities & funding Demands on districts have increased as ESD funding declined Unfunded core costs are shifted to districts & federal grants Erosion of state support shifted balance of ESD activities to market driven & federal resources
13	System Strengths & Weaknesses ESDs Successful
14	System Strengths & Weaknesses Analysis of Weaknesses Reliance on leveraged funding creates fragmented system of ESD support Each ESD tailors programs to meet local market needs Service offerings based primarily on market viability rather than equitable support of student learning needs Legislative intent of ESD system to support equal education opportunity has been seriously eroded
15	Long-Term Vision A Statewide System in Which ESDs… Are fully utilized as an integrated part of statewide K-12 system Are funded to “assure equal educational opportunity for all students” (RCW 28A 310) Are the primary regional delivery system to implement statewide K-12 programs ESDs continue bringing added funding to support Washington education Implement OSPI programs with fidelity & accountability while accommodating unique local challenges
16	ESD Role with Current Priorities We’re Here to Help Washington Learns Improving student learning Support for early learning Dropout prevention & intervention strategies Creating more transparent fiscal reporting Other priorities Monitoring & support of district fiscal health Training to address growing needs (autism, etc.) Assist state with rapid data collection & analysis for critical decisions
17	Keys to a More Effective System What it Will Take ESDs used as integral part of the statewide education system Involved in the early stages of program design Seen as primary K-12 regional delivery system Ample funding provided for the statewide system ESDs provided adequate resources for effective program implementation Core service costs funded as essential foundation to supporting for all schools in the state Broader statutory authority to better serve educational partners
18	Keys to a More Effective System What it Will Take Base (Core) funding required to reestablish the regional system Current base funding proposed for 2007-2009: $8,019,000 Additional funding required to rebuild system: $10,455,526 Total request for core funding for 2007-2009: $18,474,526
19	We’re Your ESDs…