In 1976, Indiana Education Service Centers (ESCs) were authorized by legislative action to provide joint services for Indiana K-12 schools. With definitive geographical boundaries in nine (9) regions, covering all ninety-two (92) counties, local school corporations may voluntarily cooperate and share programs and services which they  cannot individually provide, but collectively may implement (Indiana Code 20-1-11.3). Presently, over 90% of Indiana’s public school districts are members of a regional ESC. The ESCs provide supplemental programs and services to over 720,000 students and  49,543 educators. Statewide ESC programs, services, and cooperative endeavors are determined by local needs and IDOE initiatives.