Westbrook Public Schools

LEARN is a Regional Educational Service Center (RESC) Learn Website

What is a RESC?

RESCs may be one of the best kept secrets in Connecticut. Yet, RESC programs and services benefit almost every student, teacher, administrator, business and taxpayer in our district! RESCs or Regional Educational Service Centers are public educational collaboratives in Connecticut that function as extensions of local school districts. LEARN is the RESC for Southeastern Connecticut. RESCs are able to provide services that school districts may be too small to offer on their own or that would be more economical to offer cooperatively. The function of a RESC is to provide shared service to the member school districts in a manner that is effective, efficient and fosters equity for students.

Who is responsible for running a RESC?

A RESC Board of Directors consists of members who are elected to local Boards of Education and are then appointed by that Board to serve as a RESC Board member. The Executive Director of a RESC also serves as a superintendent of schools and works closely with local districts.

How does a RESC work?

A RESC helps school districts save money by pooling their resources and sharing costs. RESC services are created when two or more school districts have similar needs that can be met by sharing staff members, office space, equipment and time. This eliminates duplication and allows schools to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. This translates to real savings for taxpayers. RESCs also expand opportunities for students. Alone, school districts may not be able to afford the educational programs they desire without increasing the tax burden on the residents. Together, through RESCs, districts can provide a rich variety of experiences for students of all interests and ability levels. RESCs open doors to innovative and exciting programs at a price that districts can afford.

How are RESC services paid for?

Districts pay a membership fee to a RESC. The membership fee for LEARN is $250, $350 or $500 based on the size of the district. Districts then pay only for the specific RESC services they use. These expenses are incorporated into each district's annual budget. Some RESC services are directly funded by the state or federal government or by private foundations through competitive grants.