The ESD 112 team is made up of more than 600 professionals with a wide range of backgrounds and experience.
Our Superintendent
Tim Merlino, Superintendent, Educational Service District 112
Tim Merlino is the Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer of Educational Service District 112. He began his educational career in 1986 in the ESD 112 business office. He was promoted to Chief Financial Officer and served in that capacity for 28 years before being named superintendent in 2014.
Since his appointment, ESD 112 has evolved into an $130 million enterprise, with significant growth in early learning programs, school construction, STEM initiatives, and innovative student support programs, including five day treatment centers for students needing therapeutic education services. Under his leadership, the ESD now owns more than $30 million in facilities and 200,000 square feet of business space to house growing programs and student services.
Regarded throughout the state as an experienced educational leader, Merlino serves on numerous boards and advisory committees both at state and local levels. He is the incoming chair of the Association of Educational Service District’s Superintendent’s Network where he presided over the 50th anniversary of the inception of ESDs. He is a trusted resource at the state legislature, where he helps inform and educate state senators and representatives about the impact of education finance and bills. Most recently, Merlino was a diligent advocate for revisions to the financial formula enacted in 2017, working to address its unintended consequences on Washington’s school funding system. The legislation dramatically altered the state’s school finance landscape and negatively impacted two-thirds of school districts, particularly small and rural districts with limited resources.
Merlino also currently serves on the advisory committees for Washington State University-Vancouver, Cascadia Technical Academy and the statewide Washington School Information Processing Cooperative.
Merlino and his wife Shelly live in Vancouver. Their daughter Regan recently graduated from Western Washington University.
ESD 112 Cabinet
ESD 112 Cabinet
An advisory cabinet comprised of seven leaders with a wide range of backgrounds and expertise provide guidance to the superintendent. Cabinet members provide a wealth of experience in instruction; early learning; communications; professional development; special education; business and finance management; technology; and legal and employee relations.
Learn more about the staff members who make up the superintendent’s cabinet by clicking on the images below:
Marnie Allen
Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Legal Services and Insurance Programs
Gavin Hottman
Assistant Superintendent, Chief Business Officer, Business and Financial Management
Mike Nerland
Assistant Superintendent, Teaching and Learning
Monique Dugaw
Executive Director, Communications and Public Engagement
Kathy Whitlock
Executive Director, Student and School Success
Jodi Wall
Executive Director, Early Care and Education
Jeffrey Niess
Executive Director, Specialized Student Services
Staff Expertise
ESD staff are team leaders!
The ESD 112 team is made up of more than 900 professionals with a wide range of backgrounds and experience. In addition to serving on state and national boards, many of our staff are asked to be part of the authoring, development and implementation of major education initiatives. Others are deeply engaged in their local communities as volunteers, coaches, mentors and advocates.
Our ESD staff is often the “go to” team when school districts and other organizations need seasoned expertise. They provide a wealth of experience in instruction; school construction; advanced training for educators; school business and finance management; communication strategy; legislative support; technology; and administrative services.
Upcoming Classes
Get Social with Us
ESD Leadership News
Navigating AI together: How ESD 112 is creating space for shared learning across the region
When tools like ChatGPT brought artificial intelligence into the spotlight in late 2022, education leaders across the region faced new questions, opportunities, and uncertainties. Rather than navigating those challenges alone, many turned to one another. [...]
Kalama Superintendent Dr. Wesley Benjamin Named NSPRA Superintendent to Watch
The National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) has named Kalama School District Superintendent Dr. Wesley Benjamin a 2025‑26 Superintendent to Watch, recognizing his dynamic leadership and strong commitment to open, transparent communication. Each year, NSPRA [...]
Honoring the ESD 112 Board during School Board Recognition Month
This January, in celebration of School Board Recognition Month, we extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated volunteers who serve on the ESD 112 Board of Directors. Their leadership, service, and unwavering commitment help [...]
John Deeder elected to ESD 112 Board of Directors
Longtime Southwest Washington education leader John Deeder has been elected to the Educational Service District (ESD) 112 Board of Directors. Deeder will officially take the oath of office during the board’s meeting on January 27, [...]
ESD 112 equalizes educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs.