We are excited to welcome a group of new and returning leaders who stepped into superintendent roles across our region this school year. These leaders bring deep experience, strong community connections, and a shared commitment to supporting the students, families and staff of Southwest Washington. We are grateful for their service and look forward to the many ways they will make a difference and have a positive impact in the years ahead.
Shelly Whitten, Battle Ground Public Schools
Shelly Whitten, a proud Battle Ground graduate, now leads the district with more than 30 years of experience in education and leadership. Over the course of her career, she has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of instructional leadership, director of human resources, and assistant superintendent of human resources.
Since becoming deputy superintendent in 2020, Whitten has played a key role in guiding the district through pandemic recovery, advancing teaching and learning, strengthening HR services, and supporting the implementation of the district’s strategic plan. She has also prioritized building strong relationships with staff, families, and community partners.
Whitten holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in education administration, and a superintendent certification from Washington State University.
Fun fact: Shelly competed in arm wrestling competitions and sang opera arias in high school.
Dr. Jeff Dillon, Klickitat School District
Dr. Jeff Dillon has more than 20 years of experience in public education. He has led districtwide efforts to expand access to technology, elevate student voice, and build learning environments where all students feel seen, valued, and supported.
Dillon’s career includes launching a nationally recognized student media program centered on real-world digital production, animation, and film, giving students hands-on experience in high-demand creative fields.
Fun fact: Jeff and his wife live in a 400-square-foot tiny home and love it.
Josh Brooks, Naselle-Grays River Valley School District
With 28 years of experience as a teacher, coach, and principal, Josh Brooks brings a deep commitment to relationships, growth, and excellence to his new role as superintendent. After spending 21 years as a principal in the Morton School District, Brooks is proud to now serve the Naselle-Grays River Valley community.
Brooks and his wife, Becky, have been married for 30 years and are the proud parents of three grown daughters. They share their home with two mini goldendoodles.
Katie Chavarria, Skamania School District
Katie Chavarria began her first year as superintendent and principal of Skamania School this year, continuing her deep commitment to the school community where she has served as both teacher and principal.
She brings 17 years of experience in public education, including 11 years of teaching in Virginia Beach before moving to Washington. Chavarria holds a B.S. and M.S. in elementary education from Old Dominion University and earned her principal certification from Eastern Washington University.
She and her husband, Raymond, have three children and are active in local school sports.
Fun fact: Katie is a lifelong baseball fan who cheers for the Mariners but will always root for the Washington Nationals.
Brett Blechschmidt, Interim Superintendent, Vancouver Public Schools
A graduate of Fort Vancouver High School and the University of Portland, Brett Blechschmidt brings more than a decade of experience in school finance and district leadership to his role as interim superintendent for the 2025–26 school year.
Blechschmidt spent 19 years at ESD 112 supporting district financial operations before serving as Assistant Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer for Vancouver Public Schools. Throughout his career, he has focused on building strong systems to support student success through sound fiscal management and operational excellence.
Brett and his wife, Jennifer, have two adult daughters and recently welcomed their first granddaughter in November 2025.
Pam Parker, Interim Superintendent, Washington State School for the Blind
Pam Parker has dedicated more than 40 years to serving blind and low vision learners across Washington, Oregon, and Texas. Her career includes roles as a Teacher of Blind and Low Vision Learners, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, itinerant educator, and statewide consultant. Since joining the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) in 2011, Parker has served as Director of Outreach and as the State Vision Consultant for Washington Sensory Disabilities Services (WSDS), supporting educators and learners across the state.
In 2025, she stepped into the role of Interim Superintendent, providing steady leadership during a time of transition. Parker continues to champion high-quality, equitable services for blind and low vision learners statewide.
Fun fact: Pam traveled to Cyprus over Thanksgiving to meet her newest grandson and visit her grandchildren.
Dr. Ralph Watkins, Wahkiakum School District
Dr. Ralph Watkins joined Wahkiakum School District as superintendent this year, bringing extensive experience in rural education leadership. His career includes roles as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and district administrator, with a focus on supporting small school communities and building strong relationships with students, staff, and families.
Dr. Watkins holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Pacific University, a master’s degree from the University of Wyoming, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Pacific University.
Please join us in welcoming each of these superintendents as they begin or continue their service across Southwest Washington. Their leadership brings new energy and shared commitment to collaboration, equity, and student success throughout the ESD 112 region.
ESD 112 equalizes educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs.