Who we are

NCES in an educational service provider with membership from School Administrative Units 3, 7, 9, 20, 23, 35, 36, 58, 68, 77 & 84. Professional development, itinerant services such a school psychology and occupational therapy, and a lending resource library are among NCES' primary functions. NCES is one of four Enhancing Education Through Technology regional centers in the state.

Mission

Promoting excellence in education for SAUs and their learning communities through cost-effective collaboration.

Vision

• educational leader providing quality education service in response to needs
• recognized as a source for high quality professional development and technology infusion
• attract and build intellectual capital to address the needs of existing and future educational programs

History

North Country Education Services, first called North Country Education Services Foundation, (and then North Country Education Foundation) was established in September of 1969. It was the result of project "ARISE" which was a cultural arts project funded from 1966-1969.
The concept of NCEF was written by its first director, Victor Walton, and was started from Title III project monies. Title III monies came from Federal Legislation that provided the allocation of money for innovative projects which would not normally be undertaken by school districts.

NCES first opened its doors in North Conway for the purpose of providing:

1.) In-service training for teachers
2.) Resources for improving human relations in the North Country
3.) Administrative training and services in order to build technology to improve education
4.) A central agency for the dissemination of information and materials
Throughout the years, NCES has increased its services to meet the needs of the North Country. With the inception of Public Law 94-142 (Federal Act for free and appropriate education of all individuals regardless of handicap), NCES began to provide the North Country with special education services in a shared, cost-effective manner. Along with the expanding services, came the need for NCES to relocate. Our locations have been in Stratford Hollow, Gorham, Berlin and finally to its present location of 300 Gorham Hill Road in Gorham, New Hampshire.

Today, although NCES does not receive any federal monies, the agency is still meeting the present and changing needs of the North Country. The following are among the services currently provided by NCES in some capacity: Special Education Services, Adult Tutorial, Resource and Media Library, Professional Development, Distance Learning, on-line Media & Resource Center catalog, and administration of grants. These services are provided to the SAU’s of the North Country.