Bill > LB680

This bill modifies the role and mission of Educational Service Units (ESUs) in Nebraska, clarifying their purpose as educational service providers in the state's elementary and secondary education system. The bill emphasizes that ESUs should primarily act as service agencies, providing core services to member school districts with a focus on improving teaching and student learning. The core services, prioritized in order, include staff development (especially for students in poverty and with diverse backgrounds), technology and distance education services, and instructional materials services. ESUs are expected to help school districts access services that are difficult or impossible for individual districts to provide efficiently, while minimizing administrative costs. The bill also maintains that ESUs must meet minimum accreditation standards set by the State Board of Education to ensure accountability, equitable educational opportunities, and quality of educational programs. Additionally, ESUs are permitted to contract services with non-member public and nonpublic schools, other ESUs, and public agencies, but are explicitly prohibited from regulating school districts unless specifically authorized by law. The bill allows ESU boards to use their funds to pay membership dues in school board associations.