ESD 112 director of 25 years to step down

Former ESD 112 board chair Dr. Richard Graham resigned from his seat as a board member after 25 years of service, the district announced in a press release Thursday morning.

Graham most recently represented District 1, which includes parts of Kelso and Battle Ground, as well as Green Mountain, La Center and Woodland school districts.

He was first appointed to the position in 1997 and served as board president from January 2006 to January 2008.

“The incredible people I have had the pleasure of serving with have made this work very rewarding, to say the least,” Graham said in the Thursday release. “I will always recall my time on the ESD 112 Board of Directors fondly and be proud of the work we did for students together.”

“Dr. Graham has been a constant, supportive presence on our board for more than two decades,” said Tim Merlino, ESD 112’s superintendent. “I know I speak on behalf of everyone at ESD 112 when I say that we are truly thankful for his dedication to the schools he has represented and he will be missed.”

ESD 112 will begin recruiting for a new District 1 director in the coming weeks.