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 emphasizes that ESUs will act primarily as service agencies, providing core services and additional services requested by member school districts. It outlines specific responsibilities for ESUs, including promoting efficiency in service delivery, collaborating with the State Department of Education, and serving as a repository for various funding sources to enhance educational quality.

Additionally, the bill specifies that core services provided by ESUs must focus on staff development, technology, and instructional materials, with an emphasis on improving educational outcomes for students, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. It establishes criteria for these core services, ensuring they are necessary, efficiently provided, and equitably funded. The bill also mandates that ESUs meet minimum accreditation standards to ensure accountability and quality in the services they provide. The original section 79-1204 is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 79-1204