News @ the 112

Susan Barker | Representing District #1

Including Green Mountain, La Center, Kalama, and Woodland School Districts, and parts of Battle Ground and Kelso School Districts

We asked Susan why she serves on the ESD 112 Board of Directors. She shared:

“My membership on the ESD 112 Board of Directors is driven by a desire to support and protect public education. For me, the time spent participating with the board to provide equitable opportunities for the children of our area is my small contribution to those efforts.”

She continues, “The words of Margaret Mead seem particularly relevant at this time in history and remain incredibly important: ‘Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.’ To this end, I am honored to serve.”

More about Susan

In addition to serving on the ESD 112 Board, she is also a board member for Columbia Wellness, Cowlitz County’s mental health agency.

Mark Hottowe | Representing District #2

Including Castle Rock, Kelso (partial), Longview, Naselle-Grays River Valley, Ocean Beach, Toutle Lake, and Wahkiakum School Districts

We asked Mark what being on the ESD 112 Board of Directors means to him. He shared:

“It continues to be my pleasure to serve on the ESD 112 Board of Directors. We have a great Board and Leadership Team to serve the educational needs of our expansive region. Our ESD continues to set the standard for excellence in the State of Washington.”

He continues, “I look forward to another year helping students, parents, staff and patrons receive the finest educational experience possible. Thank you for your trust and support.”

More about Mark

He is passionate about the importance of providing social/emotional support to students so they can succeed academically. He was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and is the oldest of seven children.

Heidi Rosenberg | Representing District #3

Including Hockinson School District, part of Battle Ground Public Schools, and Evergreen Public Schools

We asked Heidi to describe a “bright spot” she’s witnessed in Southwest Washington education recently. She shared:

“Serving on the ESD 112 board gives me a front‑row seat to all the good happening in our public schools. I love that there is a community-led effort through the Our Future Our Schools project to offer a window into the amazing learning that is happening in our districts.”

More about Heidi

She is a Vancouver resident who lives within the Battle Ground School District and is currently retired after a 35-year career in public sector capital program management. She worked closely with ESD 112 during her time in education.

Learn more about “Our Future Our Schools” by visiting www.ourfutureourschools.com.

John Deeder | Representing District #4

Including Ridgefield, North Vancouver, and parts of Battle Ground School Districts

We asked John to share what his motivation was for serving on the board. He shared:

“Given the honor to serve on the ESD Board helps me give back to the community that I feel privileged to be a part of.”

John Deeder comes to the ESD 112 Board with over 40 years of public education experience, having retired in 2017 as superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools. His educational career spans multiple roles across Oregon and Washington, including teacher, counselor, coach, principal, and various leadership positions. Throughout his career, Deeder championed initiatives such as all-day kindergarten, personalized learning models, and equity-focused programs that removed financial barriers for families while also guiding the district through major challenges, including a $26.3 million budget reduction during the Great Recession.

More about John

His commitment to community extends beyond education, having served on boards for organizations including the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Washington, Columbia River Mental Health, and the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce.

Mel Netzhammer | Representing District #5

Including parts of Vancouver and Evergreen School Districts

We asked Mel what “educational equity” means to him in practical, everyday terms. He said:

“The incredible staff at ESD 112 work every day to make sure every child has the opportunity to learn. Regardless of their starting points or the obstacles they face, every child has the opportunity to get an education.”

More about Mel

He retired as chancellor of Washington State University Vancouver in spring 2025 after 13 years in the role and a 40-year career in higher education.

Netzhammer serves on local boards, including the Columbia River Economic Development Council, Greater Portland Inc., and Career Connect Southwest Washington, and has just completed a term as co-chair. Nationally, he serves on the boards of the American Democracy Project, LGBTQ Leaders in Higher Education, and the Washington Campus Coalition for the Public Good.

Darlene Stickel | Representing District #6

Including most of Evergreen Public Schools

We asked Darlene what being on the ESD 112 Board of Directors means to her. She shared:

“Serving on Educational Service District 112’s board of directors has been deeply satisfying and has transformed my understanding of educational advocacy. The role has broadened my sense of self and enabled me to collaborate in ways unheard of during my youth.”

Having graduated from high school only a year after Educational Service Districts were established, Darlene has firsthand experience of how they have improved access and equity even in the smallest districts.

“Today, even the smallest districts can offer students options that once seemed out of reach. Such a united effort helps provide educational equity and inclusion that are both quantifiable and sustainable.”

More about Darlene

Darlene has been a proud Clark County resident since 1971. She and her husband, Jim, have a son, a daughter, and four grandchildren.

Kevin Davis | Representing District #7

Including Roosevelt, Wishram, Centerville, Klickitat, Glenwood, Trout Lake, Lyle, White Salmon Valley, Mill A, Stevenson-Carson, Skamania, Washougal, Mount Pleasant, and Camas School Districts, as well as parts of the Evergreen School District

Kevin shares about his background in education, and some “bright spots” he’s witnessed recently:

“My association with ESD 112 began in 1984, when I was a new teacher receiving support from the organization. That support continued throughout the next 35 years, until my retirement as a school district superintendent. The ESD was a major contributor to my success as a teacher and administrator. Now, as a board member, it’s my privilege to give back and support the organization that supported me throughout my career.”

He continues, “Some of my proudest moments as a board member have been witnessing the growth of programs that positively impact children across our region, as well as the strong leadership ESD 112 provides statewide.”

“The positive “can do” attitude that all ESD employees exhibit is a major factor for the ESD’s success. I’m proud and honored to be part of such an outstanding organization.”

More about Kevin

He and his wife, Rene, have a daughter, a son, and three granddaughters, and reside in Klickitat, Washington.

The ESD 112 Board of Directors dedicate countless hours of service, thoughtful deliberation, and unwavering commitment to student success. Their volunteer leadership ensures that school districts across Southwest Washington have access to the resources, programs, and support needed to help every student thrive. We are deeply grateful for their service and look forward to the continued positive impact they will have on education in our region.

About the ESD 112 Board of Directors

The ESD 112 Board is comprised of seven volunteer members, each representing a geographic region within the agency’s service area.

These elected board members play a vital role in the governance of ESD 112, which serves over 100,000 students and 30 public school districts across Southwest Washington. For more information about ESD 112 governance, board meeting schedules, and upcoming elections, visit our Board of Directors.