ESD 112 taps agency veteran to be its new director

Barnes is retiring Sept. 30. She will work with Merlino over the next three months to ensure a smooth transition, said Lori Simpson, ESD spokeswoman.

Merlino frequently testifies before the state Legislature on issues and challenges that affect schools. He served on the statewide committee that developed the new Basic Education Funding formula, House Bill 2261, that defines the funding for the -McCleary decision. He served on a statewide committee to create laws surrounding school district dissolution, House Bill 1431.

Merlino developed the Construction Services Group that assists districts statewide with school facility needs. He oversees a team of fiscal experts who provide business management services to 13 districts.

In 2006-2007, he completed the Association of Educational Service Agency’s Executive in Residence Program, designed to prepare leaders for ESD superintendent roles.