🎉 Nominations are officially open! Help Us Celebrate Excellence in Education! 🎉
The 2026 Outstanding People for Education recognition is your chance to honor individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference in public education. From teachers and aides to bus drivers and attendants, custodians, and volunteers, this recognition celebrates the heroes who positively impact our schools and students. 🏆
💡 Who can you nominate?
Anyone supporting education—teachers, administrators, secretaries, support staff, bus drivers, custodians, and volunteers.
📅 Nomination Deadline: March 13, 2026
Let’s shine a spotlight on the incredible people making our schools a better place! Submit your nomination today and help us celebrate the heart of education: the people. ❤️
🔗 https://forms.gle/1uMhiEtBS4NmRxBu8
The 2026 Outstanding People for Education recognition is your chance to honor individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference in public education. From teachers and aides to bus drivers and attendants, custodians, and volunteers, this recognition celebrates the heroes who positively impact our schools and students. 🏆
💡 Who can you nominate?
Anyone supporting education—teachers, administrators, secretaries, support staff, bus drivers, custodians, and volunteers.
📅 Nomination Deadline: March 13, 2026
Let’s shine a spotlight on the incredible people making our schools a better place! Submit your nomination today and help us celebrate the heart of education: the people. ❤️
🔗 https://forms.gle/1uMhiEtBS4NmRxBu8
🌟 Did You Know?
Enrollment at the Transition Center continues to grow! This means we’re serving more post-secondary students across Allegan County—helping them build essential employability skills and prepare for greater independence and success beyond high school.
We’re proud to support our students as they take these important next steps toward their future. 💙✨
Enrollment at the Transition Center continues to grow! This means we’re serving more post-secondary students across Allegan County—helping them build essential employability skills and prepare for greater independence and success beyond high school.
We’re proud to support our students as they take these important next steps toward their future. 💙✨
This is more than an event—it’s a moment to pause, reflect, and connect.
An Evening of Extraordinary Outcomes invites our community to engage with The Ice Cream Man and participate in meaningful dialogue that will impact students and families for years to come.
📅 March 5 | 7 PM (Doors open at 6:30)
📍 The Griswold, Allegan
🎟 Tickets are on sale now
Come be part of something truly special.
An Evening of Extraordinary Outcomes invites our community to engage with The Ice Cream Man and participate in meaningful dialogue that will impact students and families for years to come.
📅 March 5 | 7 PM (Doors open at 6:30)
📍 The Griswold, Allegan
🎟 Tickets are on sale now
Come be part of something truly special.
What does an extraordinary evening look like?
🎬 A meaningful short film
💬 Guided conversation
🍰 A dessert bar
🖼 An intimate, docent-led exhibit experience
On March 5, film and dialogue come together to inspire honest, thoughtful conversations that strengthen our shared humanity.
Join us for An Evening of Extraordinary Outcomes at The Griswold.
🎟 Get your tickets today.
l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fallegan.fcsuite.com%2Ferp%2Fdonate%2Flist%2Fevent%3Fevent_date_id%3D3706%26fbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExekVxOXBLUzFpNkZ2OUZwTHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5m_5fb1mbbgOVk2YENMCgeN0vikJ6N9EAk9CXxDZeizD5M91AAT31CTtlWww_aem_Q8V6Uh_e4vnLvt5gEBBpdg&h=AT1rEcBgp01piIJekGDmFqvuSgbnbMFfAPax3oJcMrkc8CDYFq71m90e76ekSnSCO_SUskgU-A8GiJjnSjrzyEOQcYWNfd1-Fv0pbFt75fAnN1YP7Qx-gPglw-hy-yxQjzlg2g
🎬 A meaningful short film
💬 Guided conversation
🍰 A dessert bar
🖼 An intimate, docent-led exhibit experience
On March 5, film and dialogue come together to inspire honest, thoughtful conversations that strengthen our shared humanity.
Join us for An Evening of Extraordinary Outcomes at The Griswold.
🎟 Get your tickets today.
l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fallegan.fcsuite.com%2Ferp%2Fdonate%2Flist%2Fevent%3Fevent_date_id%3D3706%26fbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExekVxOXBLUzFpNkZ2OUZwTHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5m_5fb1mbbgOVk2YENMCgeN0vikJ6N9EAk9CXxDZeizD5M91AAT31CTtlWww_aem_Q8V6Uh_e4vnLvt5gEBBpdg&h=AT1rEcBgp01piIJekGDmFqvuSgbnbMFfAPax3oJcMrkc8CDYFq71m90e76ekSnSCO_SUskgU-A8GiJjnSjrzyEOQcYWNfd1-Fv0pbFt75fAnN1YP7Qx-gPglw-hy-yxQjzlg2g
🌟 Give your child a Great Start with no-cost preschool! 🌟
Allegan Area ESA’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) provides high-quality preschool for eligible 4-year-olds, helping them build essential skills for kindergarten and beyond. 🏫✨
📍 Multiple locations across Allegan County
📅 Enrolling now!
Give your child the best start in school and life—apply today! 💙
🔗 Learn more & apply: https://www.alleganaesa.org/page/great-start-readiness-program
#GreatStart #FreePreschool #EarlyLearning #AlleganESA
Allegan Area ESA’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) provides high-quality preschool for eligible 4-year-olds, helping them build essential skills for kindergarten and beyond. 🏫✨
📍 Multiple locations across Allegan County
📅 Enrolling now!
Give your child the best start in school and life—apply today! 💙
🔗 Learn more & apply: https://www.alleganaesa.org/page/great-start-readiness-program
#GreatStart #FreePreschool #EarlyLearning #AlleganESA
🚨 Weather Alert – Complete Shutdown🚨
Due to inclement weather, Allegan Area ESA will be CLOSED, January 27. No one is to report.
For further updates, stay tuned to our social media channels.
Due to inclement weather, Allegan Area ESA will be CLOSED, January 27. No one is to report.
For further updates, stay tuned to our social media channels.
🚨 Weather Alert – Complete Shutdown🚨
Due to inclement weather, Allegan Area ESA will be CLOSED, January 23. No one is to report.
For further updates, stay tuned to our social media channels.
Due to inclement weather, Allegan Area ESA will be CLOSED, January 23. No one is to report.
For further updates, stay tuned to our social media channels.
🚨 Weather Alert – Complete Shutdown🚨
Due to inclement weather, Allegan Area ESA will be CLOSED, January 22. No one is to report.
For further updates, stay tuned to our social media channels.
Due to inclement weather, Allegan Area ESA will be CLOSED, January 22. No one is to report.
For further updates, stay tuned to our social media channels.
🚨 Weather Alert – Complete Shutdown🚨
Due to inclement weather, Allegan Area ESA will be CLOSED, January 21. No one is to report.
For further updates, stay tuned to our social media channels.
Due to inclement weather, Allegan Area ESA will be CLOSED, January 21. No one is to report.
For further updates, stay tuned to our social media channels.
🚨 Meeting Cancellation Notice 🚨
Due to inclement weather, the January 20 Board of Education meeting has been cancelled.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
Due to inclement weather, the January 20 Board of Education meeting has been cancelled.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
🚨 Weather Alert – Complete Shutdown🚨
Due to inclement weather, Allegan Area ESA will be CLOSED, January 20. No one is to report.
For further updates, stay tuned to our social media channels.
Due to inclement weather, Allegan Area ESA will be CLOSED, January 20. No one is to report.
For further updates, stay tuned to our social media channels.
📣 Did You Know? Spotlight on Outlook Academy
Outlook Academy is a public charter school serving students in grades 6–12 in Allegan, Michigan. It operates as its own school district and is not a program of Allegan Area ESA.
📚 About Outlook Academy
• A tuition-free charter school located in Allegan that offers an alternative educational setting for students who may benefit from a non-traditional approach.
• Outlook Academy has a small, community-focused environment where students can work toward academic success and graduation.
• The school serves students across middle and high school grades and focuses on personalized attention.
🤝 What’s Our Relationship?
Allegan Area ESA provides sponsorship and support to Outlook Academy (as its authorizing body), helping ensure it meets state requirements and can operate effectively in our community. However, it is not a program run by Allegan Area ESA.
📍 Location & Contact
Outlook Academy
2879 116th Ave, Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 512-7880
🌐 outlookacademy.net
🔍 By supporting charter schools like Outlook Academy, we help expand educational options for families in Allegan County — while respecting each school’s independence and mission.
Outlook Academy is a public charter school serving students in grades 6–12 in Allegan, Michigan. It operates as its own school district and is not a program of Allegan Area ESA.
📚 About Outlook Academy
• A tuition-free charter school located in Allegan that offers an alternative educational setting for students who may benefit from a non-traditional approach.
• Outlook Academy has a small, community-focused environment where students can work toward academic success and graduation.
• The school serves students across middle and high school grades and focuses on personalized attention.
🤝 What’s Our Relationship?
Allegan Area ESA provides sponsorship and support to Outlook Academy (as its authorizing body), helping ensure it meets state requirements and can operate effectively in our community. However, it is not a program run by Allegan Area ESA.
📍 Location & Contact
Outlook Academy
2879 116th Ave, Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 512-7880
🌐 outlookacademy.net
🔍 By supporting charter schools like Outlook Academy, we help expand educational options for families in Allegan County — while respecting each school’s independence and mission.
We’re Hiring!
Join our team as an Administrative Associate and play a key role in supporting daily operations, programs, and events. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys organization, customer service, and being the first point of contact in a welcoming, professional environment. Apply today to help make a difference behind the scenes and in our community! https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/AlleganAreaESA/opening/149611
Join our team as an Administrative Associate and play a key role in supporting daily operations, programs, and events. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys organization, customer service, and being the first point of contact in a welcoming, professional environment. Apply today to help make a difference behind the scenes and in our community! https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/AlleganAreaESA/opening/149611
🚨 Weather Alert – Complete Shutdown🚨
Due to inclement weather, Allegan Area ESA will be CLOSED, January 19. No one is to report.
For further updates, stay tuned to our social media channels.
Due to inclement weather, Allegan Area ESA will be CLOSED, January 19. No one is to report.
For further updates, stay tuned to our social media channels.
🌟 Did You Know?
Hillside Learning Center began implementing Ukeru this school year! Ukeru is a trauma-informed, restraint-free crisis management approach that supports students in a safe, respectful, and empowering way.
Since launching the program in November, we’ve already seen a notable decline in seclusion and restraint incidents — a powerful reflection of the positive impact Ukeru is having on our students and staff.
We’re grateful for our teams who are embracing this approach and creating environments where every student can feel safe and supported. 💙✨
Hillside Learning Center began implementing Ukeru this school year! Ukeru is a trauma-informed, restraint-free crisis management approach that supports students in a safe, respectful, and empowering way.
Since launching the program in November, we’ve already seen a notable decline in seclusion and restraint incidents — a powerful reflection of the positive impact Ukeru is having on our students and staff.
We’re grateful for our teams who are embracing this approach and creating environments where every student can feel safe and supported. 💙✨
It’s Board Appreciation Month! 💙 This January, we’re celebrating Stephanie Calhoun, Trustee. Stephanie brings more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit and volunteer sectors, along with a strong background in community-building, strategic partnerships, and educational advocacy. She holds a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University and has dedicated much of her career to supporting organizations that strengthen families, schools, and communities.
Stephanie’s professional and volunteer work includes supporting Navy Family Readiness Groups, serving in PTO leadership, working in higher education advancement, and guiding nonprofit initiatives. As a parent with children in the district and a former board member in another community, she brings both personal investment and a proven track record of service to her role.
She is deeply committed to meeting the diverse needs of all learners through inclusive, well-resourced educational systems. Stephanie believes public education is a vital foundation for a strong and equitable society, and she is passionate about community engagement, supporting educators, and ensuring that all students have the tools they need to thrive academically and personally.
Stephanie’s professional and volunteer work includes supporting Navy Family Readiness Groups, serving in PTO leadership, working in higher education advancement, and guiding nonprofit initiatives. As a parent with children in the district and a former board member in another community, she brings both personal investment and a proven track record of service to her role.
She is deeply committed to meeting the diverse needs of all learners through inclusive, well-resourced educational systems. Stephanie believes public education is a vital foundation for a strong and equitable society, and she is passionate about community engagement, supporting educators, and ensuring that all students have the tools they need to thrive academically and personally.
It’s Board Appreciation Month! 💙 This January, we’re celebrating our board Treasurer, Leslie Ballard. Leslie brings decades of experience in education, school improvement, and leadership to her role. During her 16-year career with AdvancED—where she served as Director—she supported schools across Indiana and internationally through accreditation and continuous improvement work. Her background also includes 26 years teaching high school and college English, earning National Board Certification, and receiving recognition as a Hoosier Hero for her contributions to education. Leslie is also a published author, conference presenter, and certified trainer in school improvement strategies.
Leslie is deeply committed to advancing the Allegan Area ESA’s mission. She is passionate about promoting early education, strengthening opportunities through the Tech Center and Early College programs, and ensuring students have pathways that lead to productive and fulfilling lives. She believes that strong community engagement is essential for programs like the Transition Center and Tech Center to thrive. When she’s not serving on the board, Leslie enjoys traveling, volunteering, attending music events, reading, and pursuing lifelong learning.
Leslie is deeply committed to advancing the Allegan Area ESA’s mission. She is passionate about promoting early education, strengthening opportunities through the Tech Center and Early College programs, and ensuring students have pathways that lead to productive and fulfilling lives. She believes that strong community engagement is essential for programs like the Transition Center and Tech Center to thrive. When she’s not serving on the board, Leslie enjoys traveling, volunteering, attending music events, reading, and pursuing lifelong learning.
Meet Kammy Leep, Director of Early Childhood at Allegan Area ESA! She loves collaborating with colleagues and finds it most rewarding to know that her teams are making a big impact with some of our youngest learners every single day. Her advice for those starting in education? “When you think you know all the answers, start over. 😉” Kammy enjoys learning from the work of Brené Brown and is inspired by leaders who set goals as a team and walk alongside others in reaching them. Fun fact: she once owned 13 bridesmaid dresses! 👗✨
It’s Board Appreciation Month! 💙 This January, we’re celebrating our Board Secretary, Mary Howard who has been a dedicated board member since 2021. With 38 years of experience in both public and private education, including 28 years as a teacher and elementary principal in Hopkins, Mary brings a lifetime of knowledge, leadership, and heart to her role. After retiring, she joined the board to stay connected to her passion for public education and to continue advocating for equitable, high-quality opportunities for all students.
Mary deeply values the ESA’s innovative work, from early childhood programming to the Tech Center and Early College, and she envisions continued growth that opens even more exciting pathways for students. She believes success comes from strong collaboration among families, teachers, and districts, and she sees the board as a key partner in ensuring resources and support are in place for students with diverse needs. Outside her board service, Mary enjoys traveling, reading, volunteering at the Hopkins Food Pantry, and staying active in her church community.
Mary deeply values the ESA’s innovative work, from early childhood programming to the Tech Center and Early College, and she envisions continued growth that opens even more exciting pathways for students. She believes success comes from strong collaboration among families, teachers, and districts, and she sees the board as a key partner in ensuring resources and support are in place for students with diverse needs. Outside her board service, Mary enjoys traveling, reading, volunteering at the Hopkins Food Pantry, and staying active in her church community.
It’s Board Appreciation Month! 💙 This January, we’re celebrating our Board Vice President, Rick Day, and his years of service to Allegan Area ESA and the community. 🌟 Rick has been a dedicated Board Member since 2019, bringing with him extensive experience in leadership and public service. As a State Fire Marshal Inspector, he has devoted much of his adult life to serving others.
Beyond his role on the ESA Board, Rick is actively involved in the community—he has served as Vice President of the Allegan County Fair Board, as well as Mayor of the City of Allegan for two terms and Mayor Pro-Tem for three terms. His passion for public safety and his common-sense approach to problem-solving make him a valuable leader in supporting the success of students and families throughout the district. Rick is married to Lori and together they have two children, Blake and Brandon. 👨👩👦👦
Beyond his role on the ESA Board, Rick is actively involved in the community—he has served as Vice President of the Allegan County Fair Board, as well as Mayor of the City of Allegan for two terms and Mayor Pro-Tem for three terms. His passion for public safety and his common-sense approach to problem-solving make him a valuable leader in supporting the success of students and families throughout the district. Rick is married to Lori and together they have two children, Blake and Brandon. 👨👩👦👦
