Educational Service District 112 (ESD 112) announced the preliminary results of its 2025 board elections, reaffirming the leadership of two longtime board members and one first-time elected, previously appointed, nominee. A runoff election will be held for the ESD 112 District 4 seat.
These elections ensure community representation on the ESD 112 Board of Directors, which sets policy for ESD 112, oversees the agency’s superintendent, and supports programs that impact the school districts, educators, and students across Southwest Washington.
Election Results
- Mark Hottowe was re-elected to serve as the representative for District 2.
- Darlene “De” Stickel was re-elected to serve another term representing District 6.
- Mel Netzhammer was elected to represent District 5 after his interim appointment in January 2025.
Runoff Election Process Explained
The election process for ESD board members is governed by state law and includes provisions for a runoff when no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote. This year, District 4 requires a runoff election because the initial vote, held in October 2025, included three candidates, none of whom received more than 50% of the vote.
The runoff election will start on October 27 and end at 12:00 PM on November 10, featuring only the top two vote-getters from the initial round. These candidates are John Deeder and Alfred Roe.
Eligible voters include board members from local public school districts within the ESD region, in accordance with Washington State RCW 28A.310 regulations.
Meet the Elected Board Members
Mark Hottowe – District 2 (Re-Elected)
Representing Castle Rock, Kelso (partial), Longview, Naselle-Grays River Valley, Ocean Beach, Toutle Lake, and Wahkiakum school districts.
Mark Hottowe has over 40 years of experience in public education. He started his career teaching Native American students in Neah Bay and progressed through roles as a principal, district administrator, and superintendent, ending his career as superintendent of Battle Ground School District in 2017. A strong supporter of student mental health and well-being, Hottowe was first appointed to the ESD 112 board in 2019. He lives in Longview with his wife, Marcie.
Darlene “De” Stickel – District 6 (Re-Elected)
Representing most of the Evergreen School District.
First elected in 1998, Darlene Stickel brings decades of dedication to educational leadership and workforce development. She has been a longtime member of Cascadia Technical Academy’s advisory committees and has served twice as board president. A retired Hewlett-Packard professional, Stickel holds advanced degrees in management and organizational leadership. Her focus remains on preparing students for the changing workforce and supporting high-quality educational opportunities throughout the region.
Mel Netzhammer – District 5 (Elected)
Representing portions of Vancouver and Evergreen School Districts.
Dr. Mel Netzhammer was appointed to the board in January 2025 and was elected to a full term. He recently retired as chancellor of Washington State University Vancouver after a distinguished 13-year tenure and a 40-year career in higher education. A dedicated community leader, Netzhammer serves on several regional and national boards related to education, economic development, and civic engagement. A New Orleans native, he holds a doctorate in communication and brings a passion for public service to his role on the ESD board.
About the ESD 112 Board of Directors
The ESD 112 Board has seven members, each representing a specific geographic region within the agency’s service area.
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.
Elections for board positions take place every odd-numbered year, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and regional representation in educational leadership. The board also appoints a member to serve on the AESD Executive Board, helping with broader statewide initiatives.
For more information about ESD 112 governance, board meeting schedules, and upcoming elections, visit our Board of Directors.
ESD 112 equalizes educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs.