While all ESU’s are mandated by the state to provide certain core services, ESU 5 also offers additional services requested by the member school districts.  Simply stated, ESU 5 exists because of the motivation of our member school districts to share limited resources as well as best practices. Through collaboration, ESU 5 provides educational services that include, but is not limited to, special education, professional development, technology integration and technology support and Erate services.  ESU 5 strives to meet the needs of our schools through the dedicated and knowledgeable staff that are committed to helping our member schools and communities.

Services

Alternative Education & Credit Recovery
The Southeast Nebraska Alternative Program (SNAP) combines resources and supports through an inter-local agreement between the participating school district and ESU 5.  There are two site locations: East is located in Beatrice, West is located in Hebron.
Early Childhood
Children age birth to three years old, who have developmental delays are eligible for service coordination from the early developmental network at ESU 5.  This service is family-based and paid for by Health and Human Services through Federal Medicaid Funds. The early developmental network services are designed to meet the needs of families and preparation of the children for educational entrance into preschool.
Distance Learning
Educational Service Unit No 5 offers interactive learning opportunities for schools within ESU 5 boundaries and beyond.  In these classes, the teachers reside at ESU 5 and provide class via distance learning systems. ESU 5 is currently in its 16th year of providing a variety of interactive distance learning opportunities to school districts through the use of desktop videoconferencing systems.
Mental Health Services
Licensed Mental Health Professionals (LMHP) works with school personnel to identify and help students improve their mental health and well-being.  Services include one on one and group counseling, consultation with school guidance counselors and teachers, and training staff on a variety of subjects including trauma, suicide prevention, and mental health conditions in children.
Professional Development & School Improvement
Professional Development services support AQuESTT (Accountability for a Quality Education System Today and Tomorrow), Continuous School Improvement, Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment, Instructional Model selection and implementation, Technology Integration, Federal Grant Administration and, upon request, even Special Projects.
Special Education
Educational Service Unit 5 provides services to area schools via contract for selected programs and services.  Schools that participate receive direct services and support services in special education through ESU 5 as described below.
Technology
Educational Service Unit No 5 offers a wide variety of services to all ten school districts, at no charge to the district.  ESU 5 supported services may include school district support of their connection to the Internet. ESU 5 also provides Local Area Network (LAN) monitoring and support in which we monitor over 200 devices located in the districts using a PRTG monitoring server; devices include servers, switches, and firewalls.
I am so grateful that the ESU had so many specialists to work with my son, because now I know what to do to help my child with autism. The speech pathologist and occupational therapist from the ESU have allowed him to gain more than I ever expected him to. I don’t know what I would have done without them.
Parent
The best part of working at ESU 5 is the people I work with!
ESU 5 Staff Member
ESU 5 is a wonderful place to work! My co-workers are helpful, friendly and supportive.
ESU 5 Staff Member