What is an ESD?
Educational Service Districts (ESDs) were established at the state level as a vehicle to link local public schools with state and national educational resources. Initially established as Intermediate School Districts, or ISDs in 1969, ESDs have since evolved through a series of legislative directives that today serve 39 counties within Washington State. ESD programs allow districts to eliminate duplication of services, realize significant savings and receive special programs that might otherwise be unavailable to them.
As directed by Washington State law RCW 28A.310, ESDs are specifically responsible for:
- Providing cooperative and informational services to local school districts,
- Assisting the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and State Board of Education in the performance of the respective statutory and constitutional duties;
- Providing services to school districts to assure equal educational opportunities for all students.
Learn more about ESD 123.