By Dr. Laura Barrett
Through innovative programs, cooperative partnerships, and strong fiscal management, Educational Service Unit 13 (ESU 13) provided invaluable services to students, schools, and communities across the Panhandle during the 2023-24 school year.
Our Professional Learning team made a significant impact across Panhandle school districts. We offered 113 services, logging a total of 1,652 service activity hours. Our efforts extended to students as well, with 2,436 students participating in Professional Learning-sponsored events. In addition, school staff engagement was robust, with 8,681 registrations recorded for various professional learning opportunities. ESU 13 staff also contributed an impressive 6,023 provider hours, ensuring that educators received the support they needed to enhance student outcomes across the region.
Significant efforts were made to support the early childhood education landscape in the region. The Panhandle Early Learning Connections provided 96 license-required trainings and advanced learning opportunities to childcare providers, ensuring that early childhood education in the region is well-supported and of high quality. In addition, programs like Sixpence Sprouting Success and Rooted in Relationships conducted 432 coaching sessions for partnering childcare programs and providers, further enhancing the quality of care and education for young children.
ESU 13’s Head Start program marked a milestone by completing its first year of Early Head Start services in Bridgeport, serving eight infants and toddlers. Throughout the program, 28% of Head Start and 20% of Early Head Start children received services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), emphasizing the commitment to providing specialized support for young learners.
The focus on mental health and special education also expanded significantly. A total of 150 youth and families received therapeutic treatment, with 16 students participating in day treatment programs, and 22 families served through the Ecological In Home Family Treatment (EIHFT) program. Additionally, three school districts successfully implemented a comprehensive mental health initiative funded by the School Mental Health Grant.
Graduation milestones were reached across the Panhandle, with 19 students from VALTS, one Meridian graduate, and three LifeLink graduates completing their education. ESU 13 also managed to support all 21 school districts with special education services, funded by five special education grants totaling $522,325, aimed at improving outcomes for students and young children with disabilities.
ESU 13’s support extended to the migrant child population, with 267 migrant students enrolled in the region receiving support, and 99 students offered supplemental instructional services. More than 2,500 services were provided to these students through Title IC Migrant Education Program, reinforcing the commitment to equity and access for all learners.
ESU 13 also played a crucial role in ensuring that schools in the region could afford telecommunications and internet services through the E-Rate program. By assisting member districts in applying for over $700,000 in eligible services, they helped secure $544,000 in discounts, offering more than 75% savings to schools in need.
ESU 13 demonstrated a remarkable ability to leverage funding. For every dollar collected in property taxes, the organization was able to secure $11.97 in additional funding, ensuring schools received the support they needed at minimal cost. Even after accounting for the property taxes that fund schools, ESU 13 still managed to obtain $2.92 in external funding, a clear testament to their fiscal responsibility and strategic planning.
Through Cooperative Purchasing, which is run by the Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council (ESUCC), 27 entities including local public and non-public schools as well as public agencies saved more than $482,400. This program exemplifies how collaboration can lead to significant cost savings, enabling schools to invest in essential resources and services.
Furthermore, nearly $7 million was accessed through local, state, and federal grants, which enabled ESU 13 to offer supplemental services at no cost to students, families, school staff, and childcare providers. These grants made it possible to deliver high-quality services to the region, which would otherwise have been unattainable.
These achievements highlight the critical role ESU 13 plays in shaping education and community support in Western Nebraska. From securing millions of dollars in grants to providing essential mental health services, early childhood education, and specialized programs for migrant students, ESU 13 continues to be a cornerstone for progress and innovation in the region.
The 2023-24 school year was a testament to what can be achieved when dedicated educators, schools, and communities come together. ESU 13’s impact is felt far and wide, and its efforts ensure that students, families, and schools across the Panhandle receive the high-quality services they deserve. For more details, review the 2023-24 Annual Report.