Educational Service District 105: Supporting Learning Success in South Central Washington
Educational Service Districts (ESDs) play a crucial role in the educational landscape of Washington State. Created in 1969, these public entities provide cooperative services to local school districts, operating in an entrepreneurial fashion to support student success. Among these, Educational Service District 105 (ESD 105) stands out for its commitment to the learning success of over 66,000 students in South Central Washington. This article provides a comprehensive overview of ESD 105, its services, programs, and its impact on the region's educational community.
The Role of Educational Service Districts in Washington State
Educational Service Districts (ESDs) are public entities established by the state of Washington to offer cooperative services to local school districts. Unlike school districts or government agencies that primarily rely on state funding, ESDs operate with a more entrepreneurial approach. The majority of their funding comes from grants, cooperatives, and self-directed initiatives, with direct legislative appropriations accounting for only a small percentage of their total revenue.
As one of nine ESDs in Washington State, ESD 105 acts as a liaison between local school districts, the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the State Board of Education. This role is crucial for ensuring effective communication and collaboration across the educational system.
Serving South Central Washington: ESD 105's Reach
Educational Service District 105 supports the learning success of more than 66,000 students who attend the 25 public school districts and more than 20 state-approved private and tribal schools in South Central Washington. This extensive reach highlights the significant impact ESD 105 has on the region's educational landscape.
Programs and Services: Enhancing Educational Opportunities
ESD 105 implements and manages a variety of programs and cooperatives designed to help schools save money and provide access to services they might not be able to offer independently. These programs are developed based on the specific needs of the school districts within the region. By leveraging resources effectively, ESD 105 pools public and private support to secure new resources for the region.
Read also: Career Paths at West Shore Educational Service District
One notable area of focus is Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). MTSS is a framework for enhancing the adoption and implementation of evidence-based practices to achieve important outcomes for every student. The MTSS framework builds on a public health approach that is preventative and focuses on organizing the efforts of adults within systems to be more efficient and effective. ESD 105 provides coaching, training, and technical assistance around the implementation and scale-up of MTSS, ensuring that students have equitable access to the instruction and supports they need to thrive.
Key Initiatives and Events: A Glimpse into ESD 105's Activities
ESD 105 actively engages in various initiatives and events to support educators, students, and the community. These activities reflect the district's commitment to fostering a collaborative and enriching educational environment.
Regional Knowledge Bowl Finals
On February 11, ESD 105 hosted the 2026 Regional Knowledge Bowl Finals, bringing together 11 teams to compete for a chance to advance to the Knowledge Bowl State competition. This event highlights ESD 105's commitment to academic excellence and providing opportunities for students to showcase their knowledge and skills.
ATTEND Network
The ATTEND Network team brought together educators from Toppenish, Yakama Tribal, East Valley, and Granger to address chronic absenteeism and its impact on students and families. Through coaching, data review, and collaboration, districts are developing shared strategies to improve attendance and student outcomes.
Regional Educator of the Year Awards
ESD 105 actively seeks nominations for the Regional Educator of the Year Awards, recognizing teachers, staff members, and educators who make a significant difference in the lives of students. This initiative celebrates the dedication and hard work of educators in the region.
Read also: Educational services in Washington
Supporting Instruction
The Teaching and Learning team at ESD 105 partners with school districts to support instruction across classrooms. For example, they collaborated with Sunnyside School District to plan and model Building Thinking Classroom routines, providing educators with strategies to boost engagement and support learning across subjects. Middle school Social Studies staff also worked on standards alignment and created a third-trimester pacing guide.
IT & EdTech Showcase
ESD 105 hosted its first IT & EdTech Showcase as part of a regional series with five ESDs across the state. The event welcomed vendors, sponsors, and attendees for a hands-on afternoon focused on discovering tools and solutions that support schools and classrooms.
Color of Justice Student Conference
The 2026 Color of Justice Student Conference invited 8th-grade students to a full day of learning, exploration, and connection. Students learned about the court system, participated in a mock trial, and met local judges and attorneys.
Climate Science Education
ESD 105 promotes a deeper, more connected approach to climate science education. This course brings together science, engineering, and literacy through climate-focused learning grounded in story, systems thinking, and Indigenous ways of knowing.
The Board of Directors: Guiding ESD 105's Vision
The board members of ESD 105 generously dedicate their time and leadership to guide the agency's work and support the students, families, and districts it serves. Their continued dedication and service are essential to the success of ESD 105.
Read also: Explore ESD 112
Adapting to Changing Needs: The Four-Day School Week Consideration
Recognizing the evolving needs of school districts, ESD 105 remains adaptable and open to exploring innovative approaches. One example of this is the consideration of a four-day school week by some districts within the region. While this decision is made at the local level, ESD 105 provides support and resources to help districts navigate the complexities of such a transition.
One such district is River Valley Community School District, which unanimously approved a four-day school week for the 2026-2027 school year. Superintendent Scott Bailey noted that the shift was prompted by positive feedback from other districts and a desire to attract more students and staff. While details are still being decided, the district is exploring options to address potential challenges, such as daycare issues and meeting mandatory hour requirements.
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