Intermediate School Districts were created by Public Act 190 in 1962. The name "Intermediate School District" was chosen because the Michigan Legislation saw them as a link between the State Department of Education and local school districts. While several functions are mandated by the State Board of Education and the federal government, an ISD's mission is to provide service to Local School Districts. These services often require specialized personnel and equipment local school districts find too costly or impractical to provide on an individual basis.