Educational Service District (ESD) 112 Assistant Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer Gavin Hottman has received the 2026 Service to WASA Award, one of the Washington Association of School Administrators’ highest statewide honors. The award recognizes Hottman’s longstanding leadership in business services and operations, and his commitment to strengthening public education throughout Washington.

Hottman received the award at the WASA Summer Conference on June 29 in Spokane. The Service to WASA Award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions toward advancing the goals of the Washington Association of School Administrators while serving in a nonvoting role within the organization.

WASA annually honors educational leaders and others who have made extraordinary contributions to Washington’s K-12 education system. Honorary award recipients are selected for their leadership, service and lasting impact on public education statewide.

With 27 years’ experience at ESD 112, Hottman is a trusted expert in K-12 school finance, operations and organizational planning. He is widely recognized for providing strategic guidance that helps school districts, educational leaders and state policymakers make informed decisions on issues ranging from public education funding to operational systems that support student success. School leaders and legislators regularly seek his expertise on complex education budget issues, and school districts throughout Washington also look to him for leadership in business operations, capital planning, student transportation, information technology and process improvement.

According to his WASA award nomination, Hottman’s “exceptional fiscal leadership and willingness to share his expertise with school districts throughout Washington” have made him a highly respected resource for education leaders statewide. His collaborative approach has helped state and local leaders strengthen school systems and expand opportunities for students.

ESD 112 Superintendent Tim Merlino said Hottman’s influence extends well beyond the agency’s service region, supporting school leaders across Washington as they navigate financial and operational challenges to serve students.

“Gavin is the kind of person people across Washington call when they need thoughtful, trusted guidance,” Merlino said. “He shares his knowledge generously, always takes time to help others, and never loses sight of why the work matters. His leadership has helped school districts make informed decisions that ultimately create better opportunities for students. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.”

Camas School District Superintendent Dr. John Anzalone said Hottman’s ability to help school district leaders navigate complex financial and operational challenges has made him a valued partner among leaders statewide.

“As a superintendent, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable Gavin’s expertise is to school leaders across Washington,” Anzalone said. “He has an extraordinary ability to make complex financial issues understandable while consistently keeping the focus on what’s best for students. This recognition is well deserved.”

Hottman said he views the award as a reflection of the collaborative partnerships among Washington’s educational leaders and their shared commitment to supporting students.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by colleagues whose work I deeply respect,” Hottman said. “Whether we’re talking about school finance, operations or long-term planning, everything we do ultimately aims to create opportunities for students. I’m grateful to work with district leaders across Washington who are committed to thoughtful, responsible solutions that help schools and students thrive.”

While Hottman’s expertise is recognized across Washington, his primary focus remains on supporting the school districts and students of Southwest Washington. His work helps school districts maximize resources, strengthen operations, and keep the focus on student learning. Hottman’s collaborative approach has also made him a trusted mentor to school business professionals and operational leaders throughout the region, strengthening leadership capacity and supporting effective systems that benefit students, staff and communities alike.

Hottman’s statewide leadership reflects ESD 112’s broader commitment to supporting school districts through high-quality business services, advocacy and partnership. WASA’s recognition of him underscores the important role educational service districts play in helping local schools respond to evolving financial and operational challenges and creating opportunities for every student to succeed.

Readers can learn more about the 2026 WASA Honorary Awards and view the complete list of recipients in WASA’s official news release.

About Educational Service District 112

Educational Service District 112 partners with 30 school districts and more than 230,000 students across Southwest Washington, providing leadership, specialized services and regional support that help schools improve student learning. ESD 112 delivers cooperative, cost-effective programs in educational leadership, special education, technology, business services and student support, helping districts meet the diverse needs of their communities.