This January, as we celebrate School Board Recognition Month, we spotlight the six dedicated volunteers who serve on the ESD 112 Board of Directors. These individuals bring their expertise, passion, and community perspective to guide educational excellence throughout Southwest Washington. They have helped shape the programs and services that support the diverse needs of our region’s school districts, touching the lives of thousands of students, educators, and families. Read on to learn more about the unique perspectives and inspirations that drive our board members’ service to education.
Susan Barker | Representing District #1
Including Green Mountain, La Center, Kalama, and Woodland School Districts, and parts of Battle Ground and Kelso School Districts
We asked Susan what inspired her to serve as a board member:
“My decision to join ESD 112 at the board level followed a long relationship with the agency as a consumer of their services. Board membership provided an opportunity to ‘give back.’ Our ESD has a strong focus and commitment to providing sound educational programs for children facing additional challenges academically, behaviorally, and emotionally. I am quite proud to play a small part in supporting these important efforts with creative programs in safe and secure settings, giving children a chance to succeed.”
Did you know?
Susan was superintendent for Castle Rock School District from 2008 to 2016. In addition to serving on the ESD 112 Board, she is a board member for Columbia Wellness, Cowlitz County’s mental health agency.
Mark Hottowe, President | Representing District #2
Including Castle Rock, Kelso (partial), Longview, Naselle-Grays River Valley, Ocean Beach, Toutle Lake, and Wahkiakum School Districts
We asked Mark what inspired him to serve as a board member:
“I joined the ESD Board in an effort to give back to the community after I retired in 2017. I have always had high regard for what our ESD does to help districts and students throughout our region. I continue to enjoy the opportunity.”
Did you know?
Mark enjoys spending some of his free time playing in a classic rock band! He also loves working on his 1977 Harley Davidson motorcycle and going for sunny rides when the Pacific Northwest weather allows.
Heidi Rosenberg | Representing District #3
Including Hockinson School District, part of Battle Ground Public Schools, and Evergreen Public Schools
We asked Heidi what inspired her to serve as a board member:
“In my tenure in Capital Programs for Camas School District and Vancouver Public Schools, I worked with ESD 112 on a regular basis for several years and was impressed with the talented staff and how supportive they were to school districts. I see being on the ESD 112 board as a way to continue supporting the great work and positive effect that ESD 112 has on the education of the students of SW Washington.”
Fun facts
Heidi and her husband are enthusiastic Welsh Corgi fans, with one special corgi of their own named Louie Louie (for the song by the Kingsmen). They even decorate their house with corgis during Halloween and Christmas! Heidi is also passionate about her journey of becoming bilingual in Spanish and is grateful for opportunities to learn from and practice with Spanish speakers from different countries.
LeAnne Bremer, Vice-President | Representing District #4
Including Ridgefield, North Vancouver, and parts of Battle Ground School Districts
We asked LeAnne what inspired her to serve as a board member:
“I was inspired to join the ESD board because I provide legal services to school districts, and my involvement with the ESD allows me to better understand the opportunities and challenges they face. I’m also a firm believer in public education as a catalyst for improving not just individuals but our community as a whole.”
More about LeAnne
LeAnne is a long-time resident of the Ridgefield community with her husband, Bob Mayfield, a winemaker at Windy Hills Winery. She is most proud of her two daughters, Beatrice, an attorney at her firm who is following in her footsteps, and Rosie, a registered dietician who is counseling those with eating disorders, both of whom live nearby. She’s also a proud grandma of two grandchildren: Jackie (3) and Dottie (4 months).
Darlene Stickel | Representing District #6
Including most of Evergreen Public Schools
We asked Darlene what inspired her to serve as a board member:
“Growing up in a small town on the Olympic peninsula, I saw firsthand the disparity between affluent school districts and mine. The experience planted a desire to make a difference. Answering the call to run for office, I could not be more honored than to have served these past 26 years on ESD 112’s board of directors.”
Darlene also shared: “As board chair from 2021 through 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the unique distinction of presiding over two years of virtual meetings–never meeting in person. Given the extreme situation, I am grateful for everyone’s tireless contributions to making that possible.”
Did you know?
Darlene has been a proud Clark County resident since 1971. She and her husband, Jim, have a son, a daughter, and four grandchildren.
Kevin Davis | Representing District #7
Including Roosevelt, Wishram, Centerville, Klickitat, Glenwood, Trout Lake, Lyle, White Salmon Valley, Mill A, Stevenson-Carson, Skamania, Washougal, Mount Pleasant, and Camas School Districts, as well as parts of the Evergreen School District
We asked Kevin what inspired him to serve as a board member:
“As a now-retired 4th generation Washington professional educator with over 40 years of K-12 experience, I have been associated with ESD 112 my entire educational career. First as a teacher, then as a principal, and later as a district superintendent. ESD 112 was instrumental in the success of my career and was a major contributor to my district’s success. It is my honor and privilege to reciprocate and provide ESD 112 with the same support. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as an ESD board member at the conclusion of my career.”
More about Kevin
Kevin and his wife Rene, along with their chocolate labrador Ida, enjoy spending their retirement outdoors boondocking in their RV, doing off-road motorsports, traveling, and most of all, spending time with their children and grandchildren.
As we recognize each of these unique individuals and their service this month, we extend our gratitude for the countless hours they invest in addressing challenges and championing solutions that advance student success across our region. Their leadership embodies the spirit of community service. It reminds us that when dedicated individuals come together with a shared vision for education, extraordinary things are possible for our students and schools.
