2025-26 MESD Annual Report
Table of Contents
Message from the Superintendent
The Blueprint ’28 Journey Roadmap
Message from the Superintendent
A Message from Dr. Coakley
As we reflect on the past year at Multnomah Education Service District, I am continually inspired by the dedication, creativity, and resilience of our staff, partners, and students. Together, we have advanced our mission: to partner with school districts and communities in Multnomah County to educate, engage, and empower every learner. Through responsive systems of support (spanning education, health, wellness, and technology) we ensure students, families, and educators can thrive.
This annual report highlights the progress we have made toward the goals outlined in our Strategic Plan: The Blueprint ‘28. From fostering inclusive learning environments to strengthening community partnerships, our work is grounded in a commitment to excellence and equity. Each initiative, program, and collaboration represent a step forward in our shared vision: a Multnomah County where ALL students have access to high-quality educational opportunities and the resources they need to succeed. MESD continues to lead by aligning systems, practices, and partnerships to remove barriers and unlock potential across our region.
We are deeply grateful to our partners and funders whose collaboration and support make our work possible. Your commitment to students, families, and educators strengthens the impact of our programs and helps ensure that every learner has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. From local school districts and community organizations to state and federal funding agencies, your investment in education and equity enables MESD to innovate, expand services, and respond to the unique needs of our communities. Thank you for standing with us as we work together to create meaningful, lasting change.
I am grateful for the contributions of every individual who makes our work possible. Your dedication to students and families strengthens the fabric of our community and ensures that MESD continues to be a leader in educational innovation and support.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to building on these successes, addressing emerging challenges, and advancing opportunities for every learner we serve. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paul E. Coakley
Superintendent
Multnomah Education Service District
OUR MISSION
To educate, engage, inspire, and empower through systems of support.
OUR Vision
MESD is taking a systemic approach toward equity through creative, responsive, educational, health and technology services for all students regardless of race, ZIP code, ability, identity, or country of origin.
OUR VALUES
MESD is committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment where all students, staff, and families are treated with dignity and respect.
We believe diversity strengthens our schools. Every student deserves access to a supportive learning environment where they can learn, grow, and succeed.
We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or exclusion. We work to remove barriers so every student has equitable access to high-quality education, opportunities, and outcomes.
We partner with school districts, community organizations, and families to design and deliver services that meet the diverse needs of the students we serve.
Our work is guided by five core values:
- Equity – We identify and remove barriers so all students can access opportunities and succeed.
- Integrity – We act transparently and take responsibility for our decisions and outcomes.
- Innovation – We develop practical, effective solutions to meet evolving student needs.
- Collaboration – We work in partnership with districts, families, and communities.
- Excellence – We hold high standards for our services and continuously improve.
About MESD
Multnomah Education Service District is a nationally accredited educational cooperative that provides a wide variety of programs, services, and academic placement options on a regional basis to school districts in Multnomah County and beyond. MESD is one of 19 ESDs in Oregon. Learn more at multnomahesd.org.
Our Impact
Working together with our eight component school districts on behalf of approximately 82,000 students, our staff of more than 700 respond to the unique and pressing needs of local school districts and communities. Over 100 languages are represented across MESD. Each school district has different needs, and we offer a broad spectrum of solutions.
With an annual budget of approximately $141 million, MESD facilitates inter-organizational coordination among education, social service, health care, and employment training agencies.
Our major areas of service include:
- School Health Services
- Special Education
- Alternative Education
- Technology Services
- Outdoor School
- School Improvement
- Career Pathways
In the past year, we have led over 800 professional learning opportunities, providing training for more than 7,000 individuals.
Blueprint ‘28 Overview
MESD’s Blueprint ’28 is an action plan that identifies goals, strategies, metrics, and tactics (action steps). It relies on continuous improvement processes to “course correct” and address changes and trends.
As part of the Blueprint ’28, we:
- Take a systemic approach toward equity through the services we offer across the region.
- Use data consistently. This work builds organizational capacity to implement continuous improvement cycles.
- Intentionally focus on partnerships based on mutual trust. These partnerships ensure that all the students in our district receive an equitable education to reach their highest potential.
- Are aligning our systems, structures, processes, policies, and practices to support our students and staff from an equity standpoint.
The Blueprint ‘28 Journey Roadmap
The Blueprint '28 didn't begin as a plan — it became an operating system. Over five years, MESD moved from diagnosing inequities to embedding equity into every hiring decision, budget line, and service delivery model. These three shifts define what that journey produced:
- From programs → systems: Early initiatives like equity teams and affinity groups grew into an organization-wide structure guided by the Blueprint '28
- From values → operations: Equity moved from a stated commitment to a driver of hiring, budgeting, data, and services
- From plan → operating system: The Blueprint '28 became the decision-making framework, resource allocation model, and accountability structure for the entire organization
This year, MESD celebrated key milestones on our Blueprint ’28 journey, a strategic roadmap guiding our efforts to support students, staff, and the wider community. From innovative programs to collaborative initiatives with districts and community partners, every step has been driven by our commitment to equity, opportunity, and excellence. Along the way, we’ve seen students thrive, staff grow, and programs evolve to better meet the needs of those we serve. The completed Blueprint ’28 process not only marks the progress we’ve achieved, but also highlights the foundation we’ve built for continued impact — ensuring that MESD remains a catalyst for meaningful change in education across Multnomah County.
This visual captures the completed process, showcasing major milestones and the progress made along the way:
Strategic Priorities
MESD’s strategic priorities guide our work to ensure that every learner has access to equitable, high-quality educational opportunities. These priorities were created through a collaborative process that included committees made up of MESD staff, school partners, executive leaders, and board members. We also heard from many voices across our community — families, students, staff, and external partners — through interviews, focus groups, and surveys. Their input helped shape our direction. Read on to learn about MESD's progress towards these strategic priorities.
Blueprint ’28 Highlights
Strengthening Systems. Advancing Equity. Supporting Students & Communities.
2025–2026 School Year
These updates reflect how the Blueprint ’28 continues to shape our work, to ensure ALL students regardless of race, ZIP code, ability, identity, or country of origin, benefit from our strategic priorities:
1. A High‑Quality Learning Experience for All
2. Operationalize Systems That Engage & Empower Communities
3. A Culturally Responsive Workforce
This is MESD!
Strategic Priorities - Progress Highlights
Goal 1: Create A High-Quality Learning Experience for All
- 🎓 College Access, Scholarships & Postsecondary Momentum
- 📈 Student Achievement & Reengagement
- 🏫 Student & School: Expanding Access, Leadership, and Inclusion
- 🗣 Student Voice & Leadership in Action
- 🩺 Removing Barriers to Learning
- 📚 Strengthening Instruction & Regional Learning Systems
- 🌐 Regional Work & Partnerships
- 🌟High‑Quality Learning Experience for All
🎓 College Access, Scholarships & Postsecondary Momentum
📈 Student Achievement & Reengagement
🏫 Student & School: Expanding Access, Leadership, and Inclusion
🗣 Student Voice & Leadership in Action
🩺 Removing Barriers to Learning
📚 Strengthening Instruction & Regional Learning Systems
🌐 Regional Work & Partnerships
🌟High‑Quality Learning Experience for All
Strategic Priorities - Progress Highlights
Goal 2: Operationalize Systems That Engage & Empower Communities
Strategic Priorities - Progress Highlights
Goal 3: Build A Culturally Responsive Workforce
Blueprint ’28 in Action — Closing Summary
Across our schools, departments, programs, and services, the Blueprint ’28 is guiding MESD to:
- Embed equity across systems
- Align services to district and student needs
- Strengthen accountability and continuous improvement
- Center student voice and community partnership
- Build inclusive, accessible environments
Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to equitable outcomes for every student in Multnomah County.
Acknowledgements
Our sincerest gratitude to our generous funders, donors, and partners for believing in our mission. Your support allows us to continue to advance opportunity, expand access, and strengthen the systems that serve our region's students, families, and educators. Because of your commitment, MESD is able to innovate, respond to emerging needs, and build the foundation for long-term, sustainable impact across our programs and services.
Thank you for standing with us as we work toward the full realization of Blueprint '28 and a future where every learner is supported, included, and empowered.
Looking for last year's Annual Report?