It takes a community: Vancouver coalitions invite residents to help build healthier futures for youth
Vancouver coalitions invite community to help build healthier futures for youth Preventing youth substance use is not the responsibility of schools or families alone. It takes an entire community. As the 2026-27 school year approaches, Vancouver residents are encouraged to [...]
ESD 112’s Gavin Hottman receives the statewide Service to WASA Award
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 [...]
Local businesses help STEPS students build skills, confidence and community connections
Every week during the school year, young adults with disabilities leave the classroom and head into local businesses across Longview, Kelso and the surrounding area to work, learn and demonstrate what they can do. The students are part of STEPS [...]
ESD 112 expands free preschool opportunities across Southwest Washington
Families across Southwest Washington have more opportunities to enroll their children in free, high-quality preschool for the 2026-27 school year. Enrollment is now open at all ESD 112 Early Care & Education centers, including 65 newly added Early Childhood [...]
Educators Explore Human-Centered AI at Forward ’26 Conference
More than 160 attendees representing 45 school districts, educational service districts and partner organizations gathered on June 23 at Woodland High School for Forward ’26: AI + Innovation, a daylong conference on the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in [...]
ESD 112 Communications and Regional School Districts earn National School Communications Awards
Several school districts and communications professionals across Southwest Washington received 2026 National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) awards, bringing national recognition to the Educational Service District (ESD) 112 region and highlighting the power of strong partnerships. This year, ESD 112 [...]
2026 STEPS graduates celebrate their next chapter
ESD 112's Student Transition Educational Program Services (STEPS) celebrated the graduation of three students on June 12 at its Longview location, marking an important milestone for young adults preparing for greater independence. Graduates Chris Harvey, Diego Hernandez and Jasen [...]
Southwest Washington youth prevention teams earn statewide recognition at Spring Youth Forum
Students from across Southwest Washington were recognized for their leadership, creativity and commitment to prevention at the 2026 Washington State Spring Youth Forum, held on May 19 at Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound. The annual event, themed Cascade of [...]
Kelso High School’s Tammy Smith named 2027 Regional Teacher of the Year by ESD 112
ESD 112 is excited to announce that Tammy Smith, a special education teacher and department chair at Kelso High School, has been named the 2027 Regional Teacher of the Year. Smith's unwavering commitment to inclusion, student advocacy and meaningful learning [...]
ESD 112 equalizes educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs.