State ESD leaders, past and present, gathered in February for the grand opening of NEWESD 101’s Talbott Event Center. The building was named in honor of Dr. Brian Talbott, superintendent of NEWESD 101 from 1982-98.

This period, however, represented only a portion of Talbott’s ESD career. Before coming to Spokane, he was superintendent of ESD 105. Then, following his retirement from NEWESD 101, he went on to a distinguished career in Washington, D.C. as executive director of AESA.

Dignitaries on hand for the dedication ceremony included, from right, Dr. Rich McBride, former superintendent NCESD; Helene Paroff, assistant executive director of WASA; Dr. Talbott; Dr. Twyla Barnes, former superintendent of ESD 112 and Tim Merlino, current superintendent at ESD 112.