Policy ESU-1102

Organization and Community Relations

Statutory Role

Reviewed and affirmed by the Board: 
Last Revision: 
Original publish date: 06/26/2018
Related policies & regulations:  
Legal references:  Sections 79-1204; NDE Rule 84.003.05

 The statutory role of ESU No. 18 is to serve as an educational service provider for LPS and, as appropriate, to other ESUs or school districts in Nebraska’s system of elementary and secondary education.  ESU No. 18 shall:

1. Act primarily as a service agency in providing core services and services identified and requested by its member school district;
2. Provide for economy, efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the cooperative delivery of educational services;
3. Provide educational services through leadership, research and development in elementary and secondary education;
4. Act in a cooperative and supportive role with the State Department of Education and LPS in development and implementation of long-range plans, strategies and goals for the enhancement of educational opportunities in elementary and secondary education;
5. Serve, when appropriate and as funds become available, as a repository, clearinghouse and administrator of federal, state and private funds on behalf of LPS when it chooses to participate in special programs, projects or grants in order to enhance the quality of education in LPS and, where appropriate, in other Nebraska schools.
6. Provide core services as appropriate to LPS:
   1. In order of priority, the core services are:  (i) staff development which shall include access to staff development related to improving the achievement of students in poverty and students with diverse backgrounds; (ii) technology, including distance education services; and (iii) instructional materials services;
   2. Core services shall improve teaching and student learning by focusing on enhancing school improvement efforts, meeting statewide requirements and achieving statewide goals in the state’s system of elementary and secondary education;
   3. Core services shall provide schools with access to services that:  (i) ESU No. 18 and LPS have identified as necessary services; (ii) are difficult, if not impossible, for most individual school districts to effectively and efficiently provide with their own personnel and financial resources; (iii) can be efficiently provided by ESU No. 18 to LPS; and (iv) can be adequately funded to ensure that the service is provided equitably to LPS schools.
   4. Core services shall be designed so that the effectiveness and efficiency of the service can be evaluated on a statewide basis; and
   5. Core services shall be provided by ESU No. 18 in a manner that minimizes the costs of administration or service delivery to LPS.
7. Meet minimum accreditation standards set by the State Board of Education.
8. In fulfilling its role and mission, ESU No. 18 may contract to provide services to:
   1. Nonmember public school districts;
   2. Nonpublic school systems;
   3. Other educational service units; and
   4. Other political subdivisions under the Interlocal Cooperation Act and the Joint Public Agency Act.
9. ESU No. 18 will not regulate LPS unless specifically provided pursuant to law.