One of the questions I get most often is how are Services Centers funded. ESC (Educational Services Centers) are self funded. We are truly like any business we have to generate revenue and watch expenses to survive.  We receive no direct money from the State. other than the occasional grant.

The term Interlocal is used when describing a ESC.  Meaning we are bound by our membership.  This legal construct extends all the rights and privileges of a School with the exception of being able to levy taxes.

Our revenue stream comes from several sources, which include the following:

• Membership
• Learning Centers/Charter School Administration
• Consulting Services in and out of state
• Program development/Partnerships (Blackboard, IKON, PD360, etc)
• Grants

This is by no means an exhaustive list. , but is used to illustrate the breath of services we provide to our members and non-members alike.

From the perspective of the CFO our biggest challenges is out thinking the economy.  Budgeting occurs on a day to day basis and requires constant monitoring.  Unlike a school (with the exception of recent years), when the budget is set the district can anticipate a very specific amount of FTE dollars from the state.

I hope this helps answer any questions. Until next Time…..

Pete