Accountability Report

Accountability and Evaluation

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As authorized in Oregon State Statutes, Multnomah ESD and the other 19 ESDs in Oregon, have the following mission:

The mission of education service districts is to assist school districts and the Department of Education in achieving Oregon's educational goals by providing equitable, high quality, cost-effective and locally responsive educational services at a regional level. [Oregon Revised Statutes 334.005(1)].

MESD uses many accountability and evaluation approaches to monitor operational and fiscal integrity and improve outcomes for students, families, schools and the community:

Program Advisory Committees
Formal program advisory committees, whose members are chosen by the superintendents of component districts, meet regularly throughout the year. These committees provide regular feedback which form the basis of program modifications and new service proposals.

Superintendents Council
Component district superintendents meet monthly with the MESD superintendent. The Superintendent's Council provides a forum for educational leaders to address issues in a cooperative and collaborative manner as well as provide feedback on MESD programs and services.

Financial Audit
MESD contracts for a comprehensive annual audit from a private CPA firm experienced in reviewing financial and compliance issues in large public agencies.

Program Evaluations
MESD conducts mandatory and voluntary program-specific surveys and evaluations throughout the year. MESD's surveys seek feedback from students, parents, districts and other stakeholders.

Special Audits and Reviews
Funding agencies and legislative actions often require MESD to undergo special reviews and audits which provide strategies to improve business practices and policies.