Some of the school districts ESC Region 11 serves are Argyle, Arlington, Carroll, Denton, Fort Worth, Grapevine-Colleyville, Keller and Lewisville.
Clyde W. Steelman Jr. is the executive director of ESC Region 11. Steelman recently answered questions from Community Impact via email, explaining the history of and services provided by Education Service Centers in Texas. He also provides insights on where funding for ESCs comes from.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What is an education service center?
In 1967, the Texas Legislature directed that the State Board of Education provide, by rules and regulations, for the establishment and operation of regional Education Service Centers. Twenty regional service centers were established to provide services to school districts throughout the state.
Where does the funding for an ESC come from?
ESCs do not possess tax levying or bonding authority, and rely on grants and contracts for funding. Revenues are received from three primary sources: state funds, federal funds and contracts with school districts.
How many school districts, charters and private schools; students; district staff and teachers, does the region provide service to?
At ESC Region 11, as of the 22-23 school year, we serve:
- 10 counties
- 76 school districts
- 17 public charter school districts
- 105 charter school campuses
- 160 private schools
- 79,027 educational personnel
- 597,543 students
ESC Region 11 offers professional development opportunities on a daily basis throughout the year. The frequency of these opportunities can vary by region and specific needs, but generally, ESCs provide:
- Workshops and seminars
- Specialized training sessions
- Conferences
- Customized on-demand training
- Online courses and webinars
In the past five years, have you noticed any trends of what school districts are needing?
Over the past five years, we've noticed a variety of evolving needs among school districts. Through our collaboration with several different educational input groups, including superintendents, Instructional Service leaders, and our superintendents advisory committee, we've been able to identify and address these needs effectively. These groups play a crucial role in determining the training and support their districts will require for the upcoming year, helping to set the trajectory for our initiatives in alignment with TEA and legislative priorities.
While the specific needs can vary, there are common themes that have emerged, reflecting broader trends in education. These trends guide our efforts to provide relevant and timely training and resources to our districts.
Learn more
To find out more about ESC Region 11, check out www.esc11.net.
