Redmond board unanimously adopts High Desert ESD local service plan

The Redmond School District Board of Directors unanimously approved the High Desert Education Service District’s Local Service Plan at its Jan. 21 meeting.

Dr. Sarah Johnson, representing High Desert ESD, told the board that the LSP lists four categories the state requires ESDs to offer — administrative support, children with special needs, technology and finance — and explained how districts choose services from the menu each year. "You have in your packet an electronic copy of the LSP, and I brought our local service plan at a glance," Johnson said during the presentation.

Why it matters: The plan sets the services Redmond and other component districts can buy through the ESD’s pooled funding. Staff stressed that many services are paid as used — substitutes, some special‑education supports and entrepreneurial programs are billed only when districts use them — so budgeted amounts can be adjusted year to year.

What the board heard: Johnson walked the board through how component districts decide what to purchase and how the ESD tries to create cost efficiencies by sharing staff and services. She said technology and translation services are significant parts of Redmond’s purchases and described an outside technology audit the ESD is commissioning to check return on investment.

Board action and next steps: Board member Carrie Lopez moved to approve the plan "as presented"; Liz Goodrich seconded. The board voted unanimously to adopt the LSP. With adoption, staff will proceed through the ESD’s budget process and return to the board as needed for budget approvals tied to selected services.

The High Desert ESD menu and related budget discussions will determine which services Redmond purchases for the next academic year.