We hope your school year has gotten off to a great start. For ESD 113 the year began with the release of our much awaited performance audit results. Nearly a year after beginning this comprehensive review of Washington's ESDs as part of Initiative 900, the final results were released in mid-September. Unlike the focused performance audits conducted thus far in several school districts, the ESDs received a comprehensive review examining all aspects of their operations. While the ESDs have been studied several times since their creation in 1969, this was perhaps the most comprehensive review to date.
Overall, the performance audit validates the outstanding cost efficiencies and quality programs offered by ESD 113 and by the state's system of ESDs. Our agency received fifteen commendations. Most of these offered general recognition for effective and efficient support for both school districts and for internal ESD operations. In addition to these general commendations, ESD 113 received specific commendations for:
Leadership and collaboration with OSPI and the other ESDs in the development and dissemination of the School Improvement Planning Guide. The creation and development of the True North Student Assistance Program which provides an integrated continuum of prevention, intervention, and treatment for chemical dependency. The Public Schools Personnel Cooperative which support school districts and job applicants in staff recruitment and in the provision of substitutes.
The audit also made over twenty recommendations to improve our ESD 113 operations. These recommendations varied considerably in scope and anticipated impact. The total projected five year savings of these recommendations was just under $2 million, but nearly all of that was anticipated savings for school districts if the ESD formed a cooperative to assist them with the eRate application process. The five year savings related directly to ESD operations was $284. Given the scope of this review, it is noteworthy that the audit found so little in the way of improved efficiency for our internal operations.
All of our school district superintendents were surveyed as part of the review, and many were interviewed. The survey had an impressive 91% response rate and the results were very positive regarding the support provided by ESD 113. A summary of those survey results is reviewed in an article on page 3 of the Fall 2007 ESD 113 Spotlight newsletter (available in the "Publications" link of this website).
So, what does the performance audit mean for those of you who we support? First, the results validate our past efforts to continually improve the services we offer. We truly appreciate that validation for the hard work already completed. The audit recommendations also provide some concrete suggestions on how we can best continue that improvement into the future. During the year we will evaluate those suggestions and take steps to implement the ones that seem most likely to increase our efficiency and effectiveness. We look forward to working with you as our key partners in this process of continuous improvement on behalf of the students we all serve.