Rainer Houser, who has served on the Board of Directors for Educational Service District 112 for the past five years, has resigned from the board, effective July 31, 2019. Rainer and wife, Darlene, are moving to Oregon to be closer to their family.
Rainer was appointed to the ESD 112 board in 2014 and elected in 2015. As a longtime educator, the former school superintendent quickly became a key leader for ESDs, not only on the local board of ESD 112, but at the state level where he serves as President of the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD). He has been deeply committed to strengthening the statewide network of ESDs and building strategic relationships during his term as president. During his five years of service, Rainer was part of extensive and challenging work including the McCleary decision, school safety, the reauthorization of federal education legislation (ESSA), Career Connected Learning and social emotional health. Rainer also presided at the AESD state conference where a record number of participants celebrated the 50th anniversary of ESDs in the state.
“My passion and commitment to the work of ESDs continues,” he said. “I have so much admiration and appreciation for the mission and goals of our ESDs and the major role they play in the success of our state’s education system,” he added. “If it weren’t for a change of address, I would have proudly continued serving.”
Houser represents the Castle Rock, Kelso (partial), Longview, Naselle-Grays River Valley, Ocean Beach, Toutle Lake and Wahkiakum school districts.
“Rainier’s resignation will be deeply felt here at ESD 112 and across the statewide network,” said ESD 112 Superintendent, Tim Merlino. “He is a knowledgeable, dedicated and passionate board member who truly cares about the work, the staff and the organization. He will be greatly missed,” Merlino added.
At its June meeting, the ESD 112 board interviewed and appointed Mark Hottowe to fill the vacated seat. Hottowe will be sworn in at the August 27 board meeting. The Director District #2 position appointment expires in January 2022. However, because there is a board election in the fall of 2019, Hottowe will be required to run for election in October to fulfill the remaining two years of his term, through 2021.
