Educational Service Unit 7

Educational Service Unit 7 ESU 7 provides leadership and services supporting the improvement of learning & teaching in Boone, Butler, Colfax, Merrick, Nance, Platte, & Polk Counties.

05/18/2026

ESU 7 Regular Board of Education Meeting scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026 has been CANCELLED due to impending weather.

ESU 7 is hiring for a Receptionist/Administrative Secretary. For more information, go to: www.esu7.org/careers
04/27/2026

ESU 7 is hiring for a Receptionist/Administrative Secretary. For more information, go to: www.esu7.org/careers

On April 20, ESU 7 proudly hosted its 2026 Board Recognition Banquet at the Oak Room in downtown Columbus. The evening b...
04/24/2026

On April 20, ESU 7 proudly hosted its 2026 Board Recognition Banquet at the Oak Room in downtown Columbus. The evening brought together board members, staff, and guests to celebrate the dedication and service of those who help make ESU 7’s mission a reality each day.

The event began with a warm welcome from ESU 7 Administrator Marci Ostmeyer, followed by introductions of Board of Education members led by Board President Dawn Lindsley. Special recognition was given to Dawn Lindsley (District 12) and Bob Arp (District 6) for five years of service, honoring their leadership and commitment to the organization. In total, ESU 7 board members represent a combined 72 years of service.

Guests in attendance included members of the ESU 7 Agency Team, staff, and guests, all gathered to recognize a remarkable group of individuals whose contributions continue to strengthen the organization.

Throughout the evening, service award honorees were recognized for their professional contributions and personal dedication. Honorees included:
• 5-Year Honorees: Kendra Gustafson, Merridie Kaup, Stephanie Johnson
• 10-Year Honorees: Kaise Recek, Mayra Garcia, Jeri Glenn, Brooke Kavan, Brooke Koliha
• 40-Year Honoree: Linda Shefcyk
• Retirement Honoree: Larry Shefcyk

Additional honorees who were unable to attend included:
• 5-Year Honoree: Jill Wilegas
• 10-Year Honorees: Mark Brady, Hayley Kunze

Together, those recognized represent a combined total of 76 years of service to ESU 7. Each honoree has made a lasting impact through their work supporting students, staff, and school districts across the region.

During the program, Marci highlighted the broader impact of ESU 7, noting that staff collectively represent 803 years of service and support 19 public school districts, more than 1,215 teachers, and over 13,140 students. During the 2024–2025 school year, ESU 7 provided 68 unique services to districts, resulting in a total savings of $858,152. In that same year, staff devoted 5,257 hours of direct service, supporting 9,828 district staff members in their work with students.

The evening served as a meaningful reminder of the collective impact of ESU 7. As Marci shared, it is the people behind the work who make the difference—through their dedication, collaboration, and commitment to the organization’s mission, vision, and beliefs.

Platte Valley Early Learning Connection hosted 32 Child Care Directors for our Annual Child Care Directors Conference at...
04/24/2026

Platte Valley Early Learning Connection hosted 32 Child Care Directors for our Annual Child Care Directors Conference at Calvin Crest in Fremont. Huge shout out to Early Learning Connection Omaha for sharing her time with all of us!

Child Care Directors focused on leadership development, staff retention, inclusive practices, and organizational well-being, this conference equipped Directors with innovative tools to lead with confidence and compassion. Together, we explored how to cultivate professional growth, deepen engagement across teams, and build environments where every child, educator, and family feels a strong sense of belonging.

Today at ESU 7, principals and curriculum directors participating in CLSD LETRS for Administrators are in Day 2 of their...
04/21/2026

Today at ESU 7, principals and curriculum directors participating in CLSD LETRS for Administrators are in Day 2 of their in-person training. These leaders are building the knowledge and skills needed to support teachers and students in implementing Science of Reading practices across their schools.

We’re excited to see the impact this work will have in classrooms!

ESU 7 is hiring for a District Technology Coordinator. For more information go to: www.esu7.org/careers
04/21/2026

ESU 7 is hiring for a District Technology Coordinator. For more information go to: www.esu7.org/careers

ESU 7 is seeking a full time Licensed Mental Health Practitioner/PLMHP's for the 2026-2027 school year. For more informa...
04/07/2026

ESU 7 is seeking a full time Licensed Mental Health Practitioner/PLMHP's for the 2026-2027 school year. For more information go to: http://esu7.org/careers

Happy Easter from ESU 7!ESU 7 wishes you and your families a joyful and blessed Easter! May this season bring you renewe...
04/03/2026

Happy Easter from ESU 7!

ESU 7 wishes you and your families a joyful and blessed Easter! May this season bring you renewed hope, peace, and happiness.

Congratulations on Your Workiversary at ESU 7!We’re excited to celebrate the amazing milestones of our team members this...
04/01/2026

Congratulations on Your Workiversary at ESU 7!

We’re excited to celebrate the amazing milestones of our team members this month:

• 3rd - Morgan Morsett (3 Years)
• 4th - Jeremiah Salyard (4 Years)
• 25th - Kristen Cattau (2 Years)

Thank you all for your dedication, hard work, and the valuable contributions you bring to ESU 7. We truly appreciate you!

Great job, team!As the April 24, 2026 compliance deadline approaches, ESU 7’s Accessibility Team—Otis Pierce, Rich Stuar...
04/01/2026

Great job, team!

As the April 24, 2026 compliance deadline approaches, ESU 7’s Accessibility Team—Otis Pierce, Rich Stuart, Marci Ostmeyer, and Jan Marie Locket—welcomed Kaise Recek, ESU 7's Vision Coordinator and Teacher of the Visually Impaired/Orientation and Mobility Specialist, to discuss additional website accessibility considerations. The team continues to make great progress toward ensuring our website is accessible to all.

Our team met on March 6 and March 27 and has been working behind the scenes to improve the usability of the ESU 7 website, digital content, imagery, and linked documents. From enhancing navigation to improving readability, these updates help ensure all users—regardless of ability—can easily access the information they need.

Accessibility is more than a requirement—it reflects our commitment to inclusion and serving every member of the ESU 7 community.

Address

2657 44th Avenue
Columbus, NE
68601

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+14025645753

Website

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