News @ the 112

Educational Service District 112 and the other eight ESDs across the state have a new leader to help guide the work of the state’s Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD). Dr. Gene Sharratt has been selected to serve as Executive Director to lead key statewide educational initiatives for the AESD/OSPI Network. Dr. Sharratt, who currently serves on Governor Inslee’s Cabinet as the executive director for the Washington Student Achievement Council, will assume his new position on July 1, 2016. He replaces retiring Director Ian Grabenhorst who has provided key leadership to the AESD/OSPI Network Initiatives since 2014.

The role of the AESD Executive Director for the AESD/OSPI Network Initiatives position is to provide support for the AESD Network (the group of nine Educational Service Districts across the state), OSPI, ESD Superintendents, ESD Assistant Superintendents/OSPI staff to help bring coherence and alignment to existing and developing programs and systems. Sharratt will work closely with ESD and OSPI leadership in the development and support of strategic initiatives and highly effective professional development programs to increase teacher quality and raise student attainment.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Sharratt is bringing his skilled leadership and expertise to AESD,” said ESD 112 Superintendent Tim Merlino. “His knowledge of education initiatives in Washington state and beyond will be a tremendous resource as he works to convene leaders across our state to champion key education initiatives.”

Sharratt commented, “I believe so strongly in the AESD/OSPI Network’s potential to increase student learning through an aligned and coherent network of support for teacher access to highly effective professional development and collaboration.   The current OSPI/AESD partnership is perfectly positioned to help policy makers and local districts alike to deliver key educational trainings, services and initiatives.” He further noted, “It will be an honor to serve in this position.”