Washington’s Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD)
The AESD brings together the nine individual ESDs in the state to collaborate and advocate for shared interests. The AESD connects all ESDs to collectively leverage resources and expertise to maximize their impact on education in the state.
Collaboration
How we work
We collaborate to strengthen relationships among ESDs and share solutions in service of students and communities.
Learning
How we grow
We build leadership capacity through shared professional development.
Advocacy
How we impact
We influence policy, build partnerships, and amplify student voices.
What is an ESD?
Educational Service Districts (ESDs) are public entities that were created by the state of Washington in 1969 to provide cooperative services to local school districts. The expressed purpose of ESDs, as defined in statute (RCW 28A.310), is to assure equal educational opportunities by: providing services to school districts to ensure equity in educational opportunities; assisting the Legislature, State Board of Education, and OSPI in the performance of their duties; and providing cooperative and informational services to local school districts.
Our National Network
The Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA) is a professional organization serving educational service agencies (ESAs or ESDs) in 45 states; there are 553 agencies nationwide. As an organization, the AESA focuses on doing three things for its members: Thought Leadership, Advocacy and Networking. AESA members have a collective impact on teaching and learning that is unmatched by any other organization.
AESD Annual Conference
Professional learning and growth is at the heart of the AESD. Each year we host an annual conference for ESD board members to learn and network together. This annual event rotates to different regions of the state to highlight and share the uniqueness of each of our regions while providing a robust program of shared learning. We welcome partners and sponsors each year who are committed to supporting and growing connections within and across the ESDs in support of our state’s 1.1 million students and over 60,000 educators. Check out our Learning Resources to learn more!