This bill amends section 79-1204 of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to redefine the role and mission of educational service units (ESUs) within the state's elementary and secondary education system. The bill specifies that ESUs will act primarily as service agencies, providing core services and additional services requested by member school districts. It emphasizes the importance of economy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in delivering educational services, while also outlining the core services that ESUs must provide, which include staff development, technology support, and instructional materials. The bill also mandates that ESUs meet minimum accreditation standards set by the State Board of Education to ensure accountability and quality in the services provided.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that allow ESUs to contract with nonmember public school districts, nonpublic school systems, other educational service units, and public agencies under specific cooperation acts. It clarifies that ESUs will not have regulatory authority over school districts unless explicitly stated in other laws. The original section 79-1204 is repealed, indicating a complete overhaul of the existing legal framework governing educational service units in Nebraska.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 79-1204