The House Appropriations committee heard testimony, but took no action on Senate Bill 76 on Wednesday.

 

SB 76 appropriates funding for Education Service Agencies. ESAs would have to apply to the Department of Education to receive the funds.

 

“School boards are very supportive of Education Service Agencies,” Executive Director Wade Pogany testified. “ESAs are the vehicle… that can help all districts.”

 

Established in 2004, ESAs serve school districts in one of six regions through professional training or student assistance among other things, but had most of its state funding cut in 2009. Pogany noted a key attribute of ESAs is their assistance with professional development training of staff members.

 

“We are in a time when there is a great need for (professional development training),” Pogany said, pointing to the implementation of Common Core Standards, development of teacher evaluation practices and the establishment of the state’s new accountability system initiatives.

 

ASBSD supports the bill.

 

For updates on SB 76, check the ASBSD blog and bill tracker.