Deeder brings more than four decades of experience in public education to his new role

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 members.

Deeder brings more than four decades of experience in public education to his new role. He retired in 2017 after serving 11 years as superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools, the largest school district in Clark County and the fifth largest in the state. Prior to his time at Evergreen, Deeder worked in several Oregon school districts as a teacher, counselor, coach, principal, instructional leader and assistant superintendent.

“John’s depth of leadership experience will be a tremendous asset to the ESD 112 Board,” said ESD 112 Superintendent Tim Merlino. “His long-standing commitment to public education and deep understanding of district-level operations will help us continue delivering critical services that support schools of all sizes across our region.”

Deeder joined Evergreen in 2002 as Director of Curriculum and Instruction and later served as Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer before being named Superintendent in 2006. During his tenure, he led several key initiatives, including implementing all-day kindergarten, significantly increasing high school graduation rates, developing personalized learning models, and expanding access to technology-driven instruction.

In addition to his focus on academics, Deeder navigated the district through significant financial challenges. He guided Evergreen through a $26.3 million budget reduction during the Great Recession while preserving teacher positions and maintaining school facilities. His leadership included the rapid rebuilding of Crestline Elementary after the school was destroyed by arson in 2013.

Deeder also promoted equity initiatives by removing elementary supply lists and secondary-level fees and supervised the opening of 14 Family and Community Resource Centers to help lower barriers for students and families.

Beyond his work in education, Deeder has served on several community boards, including the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Washington, Columbia River Mental Health, and the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, among others.

“As a superintendent in a district served by ESD 112 for 11.5 years, I found their support to be invaluable,” said Deeder. “Now, coming full circle as a board member, I look forward to contributing to the ESD’s continued service-first approach.”

Under Washington state law, ESDs are governed by a board of directors consisting of seven citizens elected by school board members from the region’s 30 public school districts. Board members serve four-year terms and represent geographic director districts based on U.S. Census data. The board is responsible for ESD 112 policy and governance, and provides direction to the superintendent, who is advised by local district superintendents.