TimMerlino_150pixwDear Partners in Education,

I am pleased to introduce a brand new format to deliver education-related news from the ESD 112 region. Check out the ESD Newsroom, where you’ll find education news about ESD programs and district partnerships, as well as highlights about educators, schools, and students in our region.

As I begin my second year as ESD 112 superintendent, I already have many great memories and stories about the past year. It was a year of listening and learning (on my part) and I witnessed many amazing accomplishments by students, teachers and leaders in our region. ESD 112 is proud to partner with districts to support students and staff as they begin another new school year.

The ESD Newsroom will be updated frequently, so be sure to check back often.

A few current highlights:

  • This summer we opened the new Hough Early Learning Center at the site of the former historic Hough Pool in Vancouver. The center serves 140+ 3-5 year olds through the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP). After a Grand Opening celebration in August, I had the opportunity to witness the first day of school for these young learners when our doors opened on September 10. Most of these children had not ever had the opportunity to attend preschool. As I watched their parents pick them up, in the midst of smiles, hugs and exciting stories, it was more apparent than ever that we are doing the right thing by expanding early learning programs for those most in need. Once again, we couldn’t do it without the partnerships we enjoy with school districts and community organizations.
  • ESD 112 hosted a Google Summit at ESD 112, Google’s official statewide conference featuring workshops on Google Apps for education, which has been adopted by 70% of districts in the state.
  • Ten school districts partnered for a job fair to hire staff for school districts in our region. The event attracted more than 150 potential employees. In fact, a few school district positions were filled on the spot!

There are so many other great examples of the work we do together and how it directly impacts students. I am really looking forward to another remarkable year filled with many more opportunities to learn, grow and partner with schools in our region!

Sincerely,
Tim Merlino
Superintendent