Who are we?

Orion Education and Training is one of seven service agencies in the state of Kansas. The purpose of these organizations is to furnish more efficient and/or economical services to maximize educational opportunities for Kansas students. Service centers also act as liaisons between local districts and the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).

Unlike school districts, none of our funding comes from state allocations. By statute, our organization does not levy taxes or claim student aid. We apply for and receive competitive state, federal and private grants and also operate through support from membership dues and fee-for-service. Service centers are public entities, which operate in a highly entrepreneurial fashion. We blend the benevolence of the public sector with the spirit and ingenuity of the private sector.

Our office and meeting facilities are located in Clearwater, Kansas, just a few miles southwest of Wichita.

The National Perspective

Orion is similar to other regional support systems throughout the country, working to stretch limited dollars over demands for ever-increasing services. Our agency is part of a network of educational entities under the umbrella of the Kansas Association of Educational Service Agencies (KAESA) and the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA) nationwide. The value of these innovative service agencies has been emphasized by their ability to pool resources for the common benefit of students and taxpayers.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Orion does not discriminate in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, or activities. Contact Kris Misak, Affirmative Action/ADA Office at 620-584-3300.

DISTRICTS

• Andover - USD 385
• Argonia - USD 359
• Attica - USD 511
• Belle Plaine - USD 357
• Caldwell - USD 360
• Catholic Diocese of Wichita

• Central Burden - USD 462
• Clearwater - USD 264
• Conway Springs - USD 356
• Douglass - USD 396
• El Dorado - USD 490
• Goddard - USD 265
• Mulvane - USD 263

• Oxford - USD 358
• Rose Hill - USD 394
• South Haven - USD 509
• Sumner County SPED - USD 619
• Udall - USD 463
• Wellington - USD 353

History

The organization started in 1989 as the South Central Kansas Education Service Center located in Wellington. The first office was in an actual house. In the early 90s, the organization relocated to Clearwater due to a generous offering from a local Clearwater company that provided them with a zero percent loan to build the building they are in today. Over the years, several additions and changes have been made. The most recent being on September 20th, 2017, the name changed from South Central Kansas Education Service Center to Orion Education and Training. This was done as Orion expands services into the private sector, while continuing to serve our schools. Today, Orion employs 60 people, and 15 of those employees work out of the Clearwater location.