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Board adopts Northwest Regional ESD local service plan amid concerns about proposed state cuts
Summary
After a presentation by Northwest Regional ESD leaders, the Rainier School District board unanimously approved the ESD’s local service plan for 2026–27 and discussed proposed state budget cuts that could reduce ESD technical‑assistance services by about $7.5 million.
The Rainier School District board unanimously approved the Northwest Regional Education Service District (ESD) local service plan for the 2026–27 school year after a presentation by Michelle Graham (NW Regional ESD board member) and Dr. Megan Logan, the ESD’s chief academic officer.
Graham opened the presentation and said the ESD serves 20 districts across several counties and develops a local service plan each year in cooperation with district leaders. Dr. Logan explained the plan’s structure—core services, a menu of purchaseable services, and a Student Success Act integrated technical assistance plan—and outlined how ESD funding flows: "We get money per student; it's 4.5% of the state school fund that flows through to ESDs," she said.
Logan told the board the ESD’s services include technology, instructional coaching and K–12 special education supports, and warned of proposed legislative reductions: she cited a proposal that would cut around $7,500,000 from Student Success Act technical assistance and other value‑added grants, which could reduce services the ESD provides to small districts.
Board members asked about cost and timing; presenters clarified that the ESD funds are distinct from district budgets (the state‑allocated share flows through the ESD and much is returned as menu or core services). After discussion the board moved to "authorize the Northwest Regional ESD local service plan for '26–'27" via resolution; the motion passed 7–0.
Board members said they would monitor legislative developments closely and requested earlier presentations next year to allow more time for review ahead of the March 1 adoption deadline for districts that must approve the plan.
