Empowering rural communities: ESD 112 awards first prevention training scholarships
Fourteen dedicated community leaders from across rural Washington have received vital support from ESD 112’s Prevent Coalition, thanks to a new scholarship program designed to strengthen youth mental health and substance use prevention efforts. Launched in partnership with and made [...]
Bright beginnings, stronger communities: How early learning is transforming lives in Southwest Washington
In classrooms, early learning centers, and homes across Southwest Washington, a quiet transformation is taking place: one that begins with high-quality early care and education. These programs do more than just prepare young children for school. They strengthen families, [...]
Southwest Washington youth leaders gather to amplify their voices for community change
Approximately 120 youth leaders from across Southwest Washington gathered at the ESD 112 Conference Center in Vancouver, Washington, on December 11 for the annual Youth Advocacy Training. The high-energy, one-day event builds students’ skills and confidence to advocate for meaningful [...]
Meet the new Superintendents
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, [...]
Become a certified teacher at a fraction of the cost with ESD-U
Applications for the 2026–27 ESD-U cohort are now open. This one-year, residency-based, flexible teacher certification program offers alternative routes to teacher certification for individuals with bachelor’s degrees. Compared to traditional certification routes, ESD-U provides a significantly more affordable pathway to [...]
Colorful creativity meets community prevention: One Prevention Alliance empowers youth through art
Over 40 vibrant yard signs now decorate the lawns of local homes in Skamania County, but these aren't your usual seasonal decorations. They are works of art created by youth in a recent community-wide contest organized by One Prevention Alliance [...]
Community Roots Wellness Hub expands access to behavioral health care in rural Klickitat County
In a rural region where behavioral health and social services have long been scarce, the new Community Roots Wellness Hub in White Salmon is helping residents access care closer to home. The Hub, which opened on October 29th, brings together [...]
Whitson Elementary celebrates Disability History Month
Imagine a school gym filled with over 350 elementary students enjoying their monthly assembly. They’re cheering for their classmates as awards are handed out—but there’s no loud chatter; instead, it’s near silent. So quiet you can hear the soft shuffle [...]
John Deeder elected to ESD 112 Board of Directors
Longtime Southwest Washington education leader John Deeder has been elected to the Educational Service District (ESD) 112 Board of Directors. Deeder will officially take the oath of office during the board’s meeting on January 27, 2026, alongside other re-elected board [...]
ESD 112 equalizes educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs.