Hillsboro board approves Northwest Regional ESD local service plan required by ORS 334.175

The Hillsboro School District 1J board voted to approve the Northwest Regional Education Service District (ESD) local service plan for the 2026–27 school year after a presentation from ESD representatives and the district’s ESD liaison.

Brooke and regional staff noted the statutory requirement (ORS 334.175) that local service plans be approved on or before March 1 and summarized the plan’s three components: the ESD core services, a fee‑for‑service menu of programs districts may purchase, and the integrated guidance (Student Success Act technical assistance) grant work. Dorian Russell, Hillsboro’s Zone 3 representative on the Northwest Regional ESD board, described supports the ESD provides to Hillsboro including special education specialists, birth‑to‑five evaluations, social‑emotional learning supports and professional development in early literacy.

The ESD team emphasized services Hillsboro accesses through the ESD: special‑education specialists (PTs, OTs, augmentative communication), regional educator networks, mentoring and instructional coaching, and school performance and workforce development work. The ESD also noted potential legislative risks to some state contracts and programs and asked boards to be aware of those items during the current session.

Director Ryan moved approval of the local service plan; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call with all directors recorded as "Aye." The board’s approval allows the plan to take effect for the 2026–27 school year, provided the regional superintendents’ thresholds and component district approvals described in ORS are met.