Finance & Business Operations
ESDs operate differently from other government agencies because they have no ability to tax property owners, yet provide significant value to students across Washington. Instead of relying on tax revenue, ESDs function as educational entrepreneurs, securing most of their funding through competitive grants, partnerships, and service agreements—with direct state funding covering just a fraction of operational costs. This approach to core funding creates substantial leverage.
ESDs accomplish this by pooling district resources, eliminating duplication, and creating economies of scale. They secure millions in competitive federal grants that individual districts often cannot access alone, negotiate bulk purchasing agreements that reduce costs, and provide technology systems and specialized programs that would be financially challenging for smaller districts to maintain independently. This approach improves education funding efficiency by ensuring more dollars flow directly into classrooms while students gain access to resources their districts could not afford alone.
The Business Office team at ESD 113 oversees our budget, ensuring that funds are properly allocated, spent, and accounted for. This includes managing contracts, grants, and other sources of funding. They play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the ESD and our ability to support educational initiatives.