The Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services (NKCES) was formed to assist school districts in addressing educational questions of the present day. Services have been designed to respond to educational ideas and needs expressed by the school districts in the Northern Kentucky area. The history of NKCES spans a period of 20 years. It was originally established to respond to the need of providing cooperative services in special education. In May 1986, the Northern Kentucky Superintendents Association formally organized the cooperative under an Interlocal Cooperative Agreement and expanded its purpose to include all educational programs. The governance of the cooperative resides with the Board of Directors comprised of the Superintendents of the member districts, Gateway Community and Technical College, and Northern Kentucky University. The Board of Directors meet monthly to oversee the administration of NKCES. The meetings provide the opportunity to share ideas and concerns and to discuss critical issues. Through these meetings, superintendents give input into NKCES programs and activities. NKCES is a service structure working exclusively for and at the direction of the local member school districts. NKCES works closely with the Kentucky Department of Education and collaborates with other educational cooperatives and a variety of other organizations to promote understanding and to provide mutual benefit.