SOUTH CENTRAL SERVICE COOPERATIVE

Les Martisko & South Central Service Cooperative Celebrate 30 Years

In 1976 the South Central Educational Cooperative Service Unit (ECSU) was created by the state of Minnesota, and Les Martisko was employed as its’ executive director; thirty years later, they celebrate a long and productive history together.

The history of the service cooperatives began in 1967 when the state formed Educational Research and Development Councils (ERDC) to more efficiently meet the educational needs and services of the Minnesota school districts. In 1971 state legislation introduced a new system—Minnesota Educational Service Area (MESA) to service these same needs, which finally resulted in the enactment of the regional educational cooperative service units in 1976. In 1995 the Minnesota Legislature changed the name of the units to service cooperatives while expanding their breadth of service to include cities, counties, and other local agencies.

Les Martisko came to the ECSU from the Educational Service Agency in Windom, Minnesota where he served as Director of Special Education. His many years in education as an adjunct professor for various Minnesota Colleges and Universities and his background in educational psychology have provided the resources for Les to direct the organization’s efforts over the years. Reporting to a governing board of directors, composed of one appointed member and up to twelve elected members, Les has worked to shape South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC) as we know it today.

Currently, SCSC is based in North Mankato and provides a host of member driven programs and services to school districts, cities, counties, and other governmental agencies in south central Minnesota. Ranging from Student Academic Outreach programs, to Insurance, Health and Safety, Wellness, Cooperative Purchasing, and Technology Services, to mention a few, the Cooperative scope has grown to meet the needs of those we serve. “Quality through Cooperation” is the philosophy SCSC lives by in an effort to assist its members utilize resources in the most efficient and effective means.

Over the thirty year history of the Cooperative, Les has witnessed many changes—to education, legislation, environment, technology, industry, and economics. One of the most challenging areas is innovation – identifying the opportunities and needs of our members and working collaborative to meet those goals. With these goals in mind, South Central Service Cooperative continues to “work for you.”

> Next SCSC News article: Martisko and Hanson Honored at MASA Fall Conference