Several districts will join together and make a list of supplies they need for the school year. The ESC will handle the bid process for these supplies. This means that all of the districts get their materials for less money than they would if they bought the supplies independently. Service centers can not levy taxes. The cost of doing business is supported by monies from the federal government, state government and local ISDs.
Some money comes to ESCs through grants.
The sole purpose of ESCs is to assist districts in improving student performance and increasing the efficiency of district operations. The relationship between districts and ESCs is one of collaboration. They get the support, service, or assistance they need by requesting it and by responding to programs initiated by ESC staff. They may request services from any of the state's 20 ESCs. Some services are delivered at no cost to the districts and some services must be purchased.