Celebrating 40 Years!

The Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

ESSDACK was founded in 1983 by a group of educators who were committed to providing quality educational services to their students.They were visionaries who recognized that not all of their needs could be met individually and came together to create a positive solution to provide a variety of educational services to school districts. The Buhler, McPherson, Sterling, Pretty Prairie, and Nickerson school districts were committed to working collaboratively to improve student learning. 

ESSDACK is grateful for the vision and dedication of its founders.

Where We’ve Been

Over the past 40 years, ESSDACK has served well over 100 school districts and has touched the lives of over 1 million students. During this time, ESSDACK has provided a wide range of direct teaching and learning services, including:

  • Professional learning for teachers and administrators

  • Guidance on curriculum and instructional resources

  • Assessment and evaluation services

  • Technology support

  • School improvement planning

  • Student support services

Beyond the classroom and schools, ESSDACK also provides services that support a variety of school district needs including:

  • Employee health insurance 

  • Employee retirement planning

  • Print and copy services

  • District payroll support

  • Federal funding coordination

Although ESSDACK was established in the fall of 1983, the organization wasn’t officially recognized as an Interlocal Agency until July 1, 1989.  As a fledgling start-up, ESSDACK shared office space with RCEC on Highway 50 and literally operated out of one notebook and one filing cabinet drawer before leasing space and moving to the Nickerson district office in the 87-88 school year. By 1990 the staff had grown from 1.5 to 8, and once again the organization was on the move and established a new home at the Trade Center located at Lorraine and 17th in Hutchinson where they would remain until 2000.  Having grown to a staff of 24, ESSDACK moved to their current location at the Hutchinson Uptown Mall.

ESSDACK has been recognized for its work by a variety of organizations, including the Kansas State Department of Education, the National Staff Development Council, the American Association of School Administrators, and the Association of Educational Service Agencies. This recognition is the result of the outstanding leadership of Dayna Richardson (1983-1994), Dr. John Heim (1994-1997), and Dr. Mike Cook (1997-2021), our amazing and dedicated employees, and the collective efforts of member school districts and their leadership. Having been a member superintendent and now having been a part of ESSDACK as an employee, I am proud to be a part of a truly student-centered group of educators.

Where We’re Going

ESSDACK is committed to continuing to provide quality educational services and support in the rapidly changing environment of education. The ESSDACK vision is to become an integral part of the day-to-day operations and professional growth of member school districts and educators. We aim to lead educators towards a continual growth mindset. Area of focus include:

  • Instructional leadership

  • Personalized learning for students and educators

  • Blended and virtual learning

  • Social-emotional needs awareness and development

  • Career and technical education expansion

  • District office support services growth

  • Diversity of educational partnerships

ESSDACK has plans to expand its partnerships with other public and private sector organizations to provide even more comprehensive services to its members. ESSDACK is confident that it can continue to play a vital role in the education of students in central Kansas. Systemic and lasting change remains at the heart of ESSDACK’s passion.  Although committed to supporting  the immediate needs of schools, ESSDACK recognizes that meaningful change happens as a result of deep, ongoing, embedded professional learning.  To this end, ESSDACK continues to lead the way by putting innovation into practice.

From a humble start of five member districts to 60 current members, ESSDACK is proud to celebrate its 40th anniversary as well as the vision we have for what the organization will look like at its 50th!