Allegan Area ESA would like to honor its Board of Education during School Board Recognition Month. The five Board members are Larry Collier, President; Rick Day, Vice President; Mary Howard, Secretary; Leslie Ballard, Treasurer; and Cindy Smith, Trustee. ESA board members are elected for a six-year term by the school boards of the districts that Allegan Area ESA serves.
The Allegan Area ESA Board administers services and programs for eight school districts and two public school academies in Allegan County. School board members are citizens who devote their time and efforts to better the quality of life in the county.
In addition to the support local districts receive through services, programs, and expertise, the Board also advocates for various community-focused activities.
President Larry Collier has been a Board member since 2003. “I look at my school board service as an opportunity to give back to my community for the blessings they have given me, such as an excellent public education,” said Mr. Collier. “I have lived in parts of the world where students have very limited educational opportunities. I have dedicated myself to provide all students the educational opportunities they deserve to reach their goals. It is important to pay it forward and be involved in something that is bigger than you.”
Cindy Smith is the newest member of the Board, having joined in 2023. “It's been an honor to be a part of the Allegan Area ESA board,” said Ms. Smith. “It's not just a meeting but something that is making a difference in our community. The decisions that we make affect the youth of our county and I'm proud to be a part of that decision-making board.”
The Allegan Area ESA Board of Education holds public meetings twice a month. A complete schedule can be found at on the district website.
Pictured above (Left to right): Cindy Smith, Trustee; Rick Day, Vice President; Larry Collier, President; Leslie Ballard, Treasurer; Mary Howard, Secretary.