They help teachers improve so they can improve your child's education, but South Dakota lawmakers cut a majority of the funding for Education Service Agencies last year. Now, 23 districts are now working together to keep the services going in their schools.

Teachers get a little instruction of their own whenever the Education Service Agency comes to town. It provides training and support for school staff in everything from technology to teaching techniques.

"It's just nice to have that resource and somebody to knock off a few ideas, to say, "Yeah, that might work." They can coach you through the processes," Amy Hiedeman said.

Hiedeman is West Central's K-5 technology integrationist and gifted education coach, among other things. You can bet there's not another staff member at West Central with the same title, but she can call on the ESA representatives for support.

"They're working with a number of districts so they're working with people in the same situation, but not necessarily within your district. So they can come in and share other ideas they're working with," Hiedeman said.

Each of the schools contributes a little bit to keep the ESA alive. In West Central's case, it's about $15,000.

Hiedeman says it's a wise investment, and benefits not just teachers, but kids as well.

"They're trying to help us provide the best-case scenario for our students," Hiedeman said.

Each of the 23 schools contributes a base amount and then pays based on enrollment. And while it's working out well, West Central's superintendent hopes the legislature can soon restore that funding so districts don't have to take it upon themselves.