Educational Service Unit 1 Revenue and Competitors

ESU #1, located in Northeast Nebraska, is one of seventeen ESU's statewide that provide services to Nebraska children through their local school districts. Educational Service Units were created by the Unicameral in 1965 and were initially independent. They were later placed under the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Department of Education. Although school districts and entire counties have the option of not being included within a unit, most recognize the advantages of such a partnership. Historically, the purpose of the Units was to provide services which a school district could not economically or efficiently provide for itself. As the schools within the units identified their needs, a diversity of services offered by units developed. The size of school districts served by ESU #1 varies from eight students to approximately 3,018. Every Unit is financed by a combination of property tax funds, state funding and service contracts with individual school districts. A "lid" limits the property tax rate to a maximum of 1.5 cents per hundred dollars of assessed valuation. Because the service area includes several counties, the modest contribution of taxpayers provides a base from which the Unit functions. Contracts are individualized based on a school district's specific requirements. Rates charged for special education services are monitored and approved by the Department of Education. ESU #1 is governed by a ten-member elected board. Each member serves a four-year term. One member is elected from each of the principal six counties, and four are "at large" members. The meetings are held in open public session on the second Tuesday of each month at the central office in Wakefield, Nebraska. Members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend. The public is also invited to visit the Unit, view facilities, discuss the operation, or inquire about specific services.