The Washington State School Directors’ Association will conduct an election in October for board positions across the nine Educational Service Districts (ESDs) in the state.

Community members interested in helping shape regional educational policy and support services are encouraged to apply for candidacy during the official filing window, which runs from September 1 to September 16, through the WSSDA website.

Board Openings and Terms

The following positions are currently open for election:

  • District 2 – 4-year term, beginning Jan 2026 and ending Jan 2030
  • District 4 – 4-year term, beginning Jan 2026 and ending Jan 2030
  • District 5 – 2-year unexpired term, beginning Jan 2026 and ending Jan 2028
  • District 6 – 4-year term, beginning Jan 2026 and ending Jan 2030

Members up for election include:

  • Mark Hottowe, represents District 2, which includes Castle Rock, Kelso (partial), Longview, Naselle-Grays River Valley, Ocean Beach, Toutle Lake, and Wahkiakum school districts. Hottowe was appointed to the ESD 112 board in August 2019 and was later elected to represent the district.
  • District 4 is currently vacant, which includes Ridgefield, North Vancouver, and parts of Battle Ground School District.
  • Dr. Mel Netzhammer was appointed to the ESD 112 board in January 2025 and is running for election. He represents District 5, which encompasses parts of Vancouver and Evergreen School Districts.
  • Darlene Stickel represents District 6, which covers most of the Evergreen School District. She has served on the ESD 112 Board of Directors since 1998.

All three incumbents plan to run for their current board seat.

These elected board members will play a vital role in the governance of ESD 112, which serves over 100,000 students and 30 public school districts across Southwest Washington. ESD 112 is one of Washington’s nine Educational Service Districts.

Board members help set policy for ESD 112, oversee the agency’s superintendent, and support programs that impact the region’s school districts, educators, and students.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, candidates must:

  • Be a registered voter
  • Reside within the boundaries of the ESD and the specific director district for which they are filing

Potential applicants should note that individuals are not eligible to serve on the ESD board if they are currently:

  • Employed by a public school district
  • Serving on a public school district board of directors
  • A member of the Washington State Board of Education

To verify eligibility and determine district boundaries, interested candidates should contact ESD 112 or consult the director district maps.

Election Process

ESD board members are chosen by the region’s public school board members in odd-numbered years, with the next election set for October 1–16, 2025.

How to File

Candidates must file for candidacy through the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) via the ESD Elections portal.

About ESD 112

For more than 50 years, ESD 112 has provided essential services that support educational equity and success across Southwest Washington. Through partnerships with school districts and community organizations, ESD 112 delivers more than 300 programs designed to strengthen student learning, support educators, and build healthier communities.

For more information about the board, district boundaries, or the role of ESD board members, please visit the ESD 112 website. For general questions, please contact Kelly Evans, Board of Directors and Superintendent’s Office Specialist, at kelly.evans@esd112.org.