In Washington, they also provide other intermediary services between the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and local school districts.
[2] In addition to acting as a liaison between local districts and the State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to deliver programs mandated by the state, Washington's ESDs are public entities, which operate in a highly entrepreneurial fashion.
In 1967, ten school districts united to share software, hardware, and centralized technology support costs.
Eventually, that system developed into large media distribution centers, also serving as financial advisers for schools.
[3] An ESD's scope includes but is not limited to: curriculum, instructional support and assessment, business operations, transportation, youth employment, printing, public relations, data processing, payroll, fingerprinting, network support, statewide computer networks, traffic safety education, construction management, preschool programs, homeless transportation, para-educator training, and special education.