“Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.”
-Martin Luther King Jr.
For January 15, due to expected weather conditions the Allegan Area ESA will have a complete shutdown. All buildings and programs are closed.
For January 15, due to expected weather conditions the Tech Center, Hillside Learning Center, and Transition Center will be closed.
As part of School Board Recognition Month we'd like to introduce you to our Board.
Cindy Smith, Trustee
Board Member since 2023
Parapro in Plainwell schools for 15 years
Married to Kevin with four children and 14 grandchildren
Cindy Smith grew up in Portage, MI, and came back here after living abroad. Her family lived in Brazil for seven years, which gave her opportunities that have broadened her outlook on life and how people live. She has been working in the Plainwell school district for 15 years as a parapro, working with kids who need help academically, physically and emotionally. She feels that she has a grasp on some of the needs in our area and enjoys working with our kids. They have her heart. She is looking forward to working with this team to enhance our kids' future.
For January 12, due to expected weather conditions the Allegan Area ESA will have a complete shutdown. All buildings and programs are closed.
The next Early College Information Night is tonight - January 11th!
This program is for 10th-grade students to apply and attend their Junior, Senior, and then one more year to earn up to 61 credits for free. They earn both their high school diploma and associate degree from Lake Michigan College. This program is a game changer for students to then thrive when they move on to their next college. Former students will be joining the in-person session to speak about their experience in the program.
*The virtual option is 5:00pm-6:00pm.
Email: evy.houser@alleganaesa.org to receive the link.
*In-person meeting is 6:30pm-7:30pm at the Allegan Tech Center
2891 116th Ave. Allegan, MI
As part of School Board Recognition Month we'd like to introduce you to our Board.
Leslie Ballard, Treasurer
Board Member since 2021
Retired from AdvancED Indiana Office
Former high school and college English teacher
Leslie Ballard taught English at the high school and college levels in Indiana for 26 years. Among many honors, she became a National Board Certified Teacher in 2000 and has been recognized as a Hoosier Hero for services to education in Indiana. She then served as the NCA CASI and then AdvancED State Director for Indiana for 16 years, where she was responsible for providing accreditation and school improvement services for 800+ schools and training for the organization as well as leading review teams nationally and internationally. She has published articles on writing instruction and giftedness in national publications and has presented at conferences on a variety of topics related to language arts and literacy, brain compatible teaching strategies, and school improvement.
As part of School Board Recognition Month we'd like to introduce you to our Board.
Mary Howard, Secretary
Board Member since 2021
Retired Principal and Teacher, Hopkins Public Schools
Former Hopkins Village President
Mary Howard has worked in education for over 30 years with most of those years spent in Hopkins as a teacher and principal. She also served on the Hopkins Village Council for many years as a trustee and as Village President. She feels that being part of the AAESA board is an opportunity to continue being involved in public education.
For January 10, due to weather conditions the Allegan Area ESA will have a complete shutdown. All buildings and programs are closed .
January 9th is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day!
Thank you to all those who help keep our communities safe.
As part of School Board Recognition Month we'd like to introduce you to our Board.
Rick Day, Vice President
Board Member since 2019
State Fire Marshal Inspector
Married to Lori with two children, Blake and Brandon
Rick Day has spent the vast majority of his adult life in service to others, from professional positions in the fire service to many board memberships and civic responsibilities. Some of those other responsibilities include Vice President of the Allegan County Fair Board, and serving as the Mayor of the City of Allegan for two terms and the Mayor Pro-Tem for three terms. He said, "I feel my background in leadership, strong passion for public safety and common-sense approach to issues will make me a great board member. I look forward to working to enhance the lives of the children and families the district serves."
For January 9, due to the weather the Transition Center is closed. Hillside Learning Center is on a two hour delay.
Hurry! You can still enroll your child for free or low-cost preschool options at HMGAllegan.org or 269-512-7775
Allegan Area ESA Job Opportunity
Position: Bus Driver - Special Education
Location: Fennville Bus Graage
Date posted: 1/5/2024
Date available: Immediately
https://www.applitrack.com/aasac/OnlineApp/JobPostings/View.asp?AppliTrackJobId=6034
As part of School Board Recognition Month we'd like to introduce you to our Board.
Larry Collier, Board President
Board Member since 2003
Retired from General Motors
Married to Betty, 41 years; three children and four grandchildren
Larry Collier is passionate about education because he sees it as the only avenue for people, young and old, to better themselves and realize their life goals. "I have seen the challenge a lack of education presents and the reward it can deliver," he said. "I serve to give back to the community, for the blessings I have received." He is also a member of the Otsego Public Schools Foundation and the United Auto Workers.
Hurry! You can still enroll your child for free or low-cost preschool options at HMGAllegan.org or 269-512-7775
January is School Board Recognition Month. Thank you to the Allegan Area ESA Board of Education for ensuring that every learner, school, and community thrives.
Happy New Year.
Hurry! You can still enroll your child for free or low-cost preschool options at HMGAllegan.org or 269-512-7775
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is not just for high school students. The Allegan Area ESA is committed to delivering continuing education and training opportunities for adults of all ages at the Tech Center. The Allegan Tech Center, in collaboration with postsecondary partners, community organizations and state agencies promotes learning and aim to improve access to affordable and meaningful educational opportunities. Instructors are experts in their industry and help adults improve skills whether the student is taking courses for personal enjoyment or looking to gain entry-level skills in the chosen industry for future employment. We also have the unique ability to connect adult students working on high school completion with our Career Navigator to enroll in our courses for free.
