ESD 112 remembers former superintendent
Leo Blodgett, 1919-2009
Former ESD 112 Superintendent Leo Blodgett passed away November 9. Mr. Blodgett served as ESD 112’s first superintendent from 1970-1980.
Mr. Blodgett was born Oct. 1, 1919, in Monmouth, Oregon. A Washougal resident since 1945, Leo served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Washougal. He held degrees from Western Oregon State College and the University of Oregon.
He served in various educational positions for forty years including teacher, principal, superintendent of the Washougal School District and Educational Service District 112.
Mr. Blodgett was instrumental in the development of the regional educational service district system in Washington state. The visionary lawmakers who enacted the landmark legislation in 1969 dramatically strengthened the state’s ability to provide effective, comprehensive, and economical educational programs for children. Today, 295 school districts throughout the state, large and small, benefit from the invention of regional service delivery.
Mr. Blodgett worked with Washington State Senator Al Bauer and State Superintendent Frank 'Buster' Brouillet, as well as other national leaders to create regional agencies that streamlined both educational and administrative services.
Their strong belief in the concept of regional educational delivery had a distinguishing characteristic which, today, clearly delineates the Washington model, making it nationally significant.
Leo is survived by his son Leo Bernard Blodgett Jr., daughter Catherine Smalley, sister Helen Addison, and two grandchildren.
Public Information - November 12, 2009