Meet Abby Lloyd, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations at Allegan Area ESA! 💼 Abby loves the people she gets to work with every day and the impact their efforts have on students, the community, and local districts. While her role in finance and operations often happens behind the scenes, she finds it most rewarding to see the smiles on people’s faces when construction projects are completed and facilities are put to use 🏫✨.
Her advice to those starting out? “Building a career in schools without a teaching degree is absolutely possible—it takes so many people to create a successful district, from bus drivers to custodians to paraeducators.” Abby lives by the philosophy “Work hard to live life. Do the experiences and build memories.” For her, leadership means growing herself while also mentoring and supporting others so they can become their best selves 🌟.
Fun fact: while in college, Abby studied abroad and visited 10 European countries over 12 weeks! 🌍✈️
Her advice to those starting out? “Building a career in schools without a teaching degree is absolutely possible—it takes so many people to create a successful district, from bus drivers to custodians to paraeducators.” Abby lives by the philosophy “Work hard to live life. Do the experiences and build memories.” For her, leadership means growing herself while also mentoring and supporting others so they can become their best selves 🌟.
Fun fact: while in college, Abby studied abroad and visited 10 European countries over 12 weeks! 🌍✈️
🌟 Did You Know?
Students at the Allegan Area ESA Transition Center participate in community-based instruction each week—learning how to safely navigate stores, restaurants, and events while building independence. 🛒🍽️🎟️
#DidYouKnow #TransitionCenter #CommunityLearning
Students at the Allegan Area ESA Transition Center participate in community-based instruction each week—learning how to safely navigate stores, restaurants, and events while building independence. 🛒🍽️🎟️
#DidYouKnow #TransitionCenter #CommunityLearning
🎨 A huge thank-you to Brad Schreiber from By Design Graphic Arts & Marketing for visiting Hillside Learning Center and the Transition Center last week to host Adventures in Cartooning! Students learned how to draw cartoons, saw Brad’s incredible artwork, and even got their own personalized cartoon drawings! ✏️😄 We appreciate Brad for sharing his talent, creativity, and plenty of laughs with us.
Join us for the next Parent Advisory Committee meeting on November 12 at 5:00 PM. We will be providing tips on how to access services and local agencies that can benefit your child and family. Follow the QR code to register!
We are thrilled to announce that @MichiganMTSS has recognized us for our dedication to implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to benefit all learners!
@MichiganMTSS
#MiMTSSRecognition
#MiMTSS
#MTSS
@MichiganMTSS
#MiMTSSRecognition
#MiMTSS
#MTSS
We have celebrities at Allegan Area ESA today. The Spice Girls are in the house!!
Today, local superintendents had the opportunity to meet with Senator Thomas A. Albert during his annual Superintendent Roundtable. Senator Albert, who represents Michigan’s 18th District, values connecting with district leaders each year to share updates, exchange ideas, and hear directly from schools about the opportunities and challenges in education.
We appreciate Senator Albert taking the time to meet and listen to our perspectives.
We appreciate Senator Albert taking the time to meet and listen to our perspectives.
🗓️ Consistency Is Key! 🗓️
Keeping a consistent bedtime, even on weekends, helps students stay energized for school.
Keeping a consistent bedtime, even on weekends, helps students stay energized for school.
Looking forward to our Hillside East students and Transition Center students having this experience with Brad Schreiber! Bring your paper, pencils, and crayons!
We encourage our community to view Superintendent Bill Brown’s interview with WWMT Channel 3 for accurate information about Allegan Area ESA and our early childhood programs.
The interview provides helpful context about our services and ongoing efforts to support children and families across Allegan County.
https://wwmt.com/news/local/michigan-state-budget-great-start-programs-funding-cuts-millions-dollars-education-students-community-allegan-county
The interview provides helpful context about our services and ongoing efforts to support children and families across Allegan County.
https://wwmt.com/news/local/michigan-state-budget-great-start-programs-funding-cuts-millions-dollars-education-students-community-allegan-county
🌟 What an incredible day of learning and sharing!
Superintendent William Brown, Director of Learning Rebecca Longcore, Director of Specialized Instruction Rebecca Reed, and Associate Director of Hillside Learning Center Amy Tomlinson represented Allegan Area ESA at the 2025 IIRP World Conference with their powerful presentation: "Weaving the Fabric of Community: Restorative Strategies for School Transformation.”
Their session explored how restorative practices, social capital, and psychological safety work hand-in-hand to strengthen educator retention and transform school culture. Attendees walked away with practical strategies to integrate restorative practices into daily routines and action steps to sustain this important work over time.
We’re proud to see our team leading the way in building connected, compassionate, and restorative learning communities. 💙
Superintendent William Brown, Director of Learning Rebecca Longcore, Director of Specialized Instruction Rebecca Reed, and Associate Director of Hillside Learning Center Amy Tomlinson represented Allegan Area ESA at the 2025 IIRP World Conference with their powerful presentation: "Weaving the Fabric of Community: Restorative Strategies for School Transformation.”
Their session explored how restorative practices, social capital, and psychological safety work hand-in-hand to strengthen educator retention and transform school culture. Attendees walked away with practical strategies to integrate restorative practices into daily routines and action steps to sustain this important work over time.
We’re proud to see our team leading the way in building connected, compassionate, and restorative learning communities. 💙
📚 Did You Know?
We don’t just support students—we support teachers, too! Allegan Area ESA provides professional development and training to educators across the county, helping them grow, collaborate, and bring the best to their classrooms.
#DidYouKnow #TeacherSupport #AlleganAreaESA
We don’t just support students—we support teachers, too! Allegan Area ESA provides professional development and training to educators across the county, helping them grow, collaborate, and bring the best to their classrooms.
#DidYouKnow #TeacherSupport #AlleganAreaESA
🚨 Michigan’s Youngest Learners Need Your Voice!
Section 32p funding is a cornerstone of Michigan’s early childhood system — supporting programs like the Great Start Collaborative, home visiting, early literacy, and family engagement across Allegan County.
Without it, our community loses:
💔 Support for home visiting and parent engagement
📚 Free book distribution and early literacy initiatives
👶 Events like the Community Baby Shower and Story Walks
🤝 Resources and training for childcare providers
The elimination of Section 32p funding would deeply impact children, families, and early childhood educators across Allegan County.
Let’s work together to make sure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
📢 We urge policymakers to protect Section 32p funding.
#EarlyChildhoodMatters #Save32p #GreatStartCollaborative #AlleganAreaESA #InvestInKids
Section 32p funding is a cornerstone of Michigan’s early childhood system — supporting programs like the Great Start Collaborative, home visiting, early literacy, and family engagement across Allegan County.
Without it, our community loses:
💔 Support for home visiting and parent engagement
📚 Free book distribution and early literacy initiatives
👶 Events like the Community Baby Shower and Story Walks
🤝 Resources and training for childcare providers
The elimination of Section 32p funding would deeply impact children, families, and early childhood educators across Allegan County.
Let’s work together to make sure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
📢 We urge policymakers to protect Section 32p funding.
#EarlyChildhoodMatters #Save32p #GreatStartCollaborative #AlleganAreaESA #InvestInKids
🛏️ Overcoming Morning Struggles 🛏️
Is your child resisting wake-up time? Try these tips:
✅ Set out clothes the night before
✅ Use a morning checklist
✅ Start the morning with their favorite music
Small steps can make mornings easier!
Is your child resisting wake-up time? Try these tips:
✅ Set out clothes the night before
✅ Use a morning checklist
✅ Start the morning with their favorite music
Small steps can make mornings easier!
💬 Anxiety Keeping Your Child Home? 💬
Talk to your child’s teacher or school counselor for support. Building connections at school can ease worries and help students feel safe and confident.
Talk to your child’s teacher or school counselor for support. Building connections at school can ease worries and help students feel safe and confident.
💡 Did You Know?
Allegan Area ESA offers specialized special education programs designed to meet the unique needs of students. Our team partners with families, educators, and community agencies to ensure every student has access to the tools and support they need to thrive.
#DidYouKnow #SpecialEducation #SupportForAll
Allegan Area ESA offers specialized special education programs designed to meet the unique needs of students. Our team partners with families, educators, and community agencies to ensure every student has access to the tools and support they need to thrive.
#DidYouKnow #SpecialEducation #SupportForAll
🚗 Transportation Trouble? We've Got You! 🚗
If transportation challenges are keeping your student from school, connect with your school’s office for support. They may have resources to help ensure your child gets to class every day.
If transportation challenges are keeping your student from school, connect with your school’s office for support. They may have resources to help ensure your child gets to class every day.
🔧 We’re hiring a CTE Paraeducator in Manufacturing Careers Technology at the Allegan Tech Center! 🔧
In this role, you’ll support students as they prepare for high-demand careers—providing classroom and lab assistance, reinforcing employability skills, and helping students succeed in their work-based learning experiences.
📍 Location: Allegan Tech Center
📅 Contract: 188 Days
👩🏫 Reports to: Assistant Principal, Tech Center
If you’re patient, flexible, and passionate about helping students succeed in skilled trades, we’d love to have you on our team!
👉 Apply today: [https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/AlleganAreaESA/opening/139983]
In this role, you’ll support students as they prepare for high-demand careers—providing classroom and lab assistance, reinforcing employability skills, and helping students succeed in their work-based learning experiences.
📍 Location: Allegan Tech Center
📅 Contract: 188 Days
👩🏫 Reports to: Assistant Principal, Tech Center
If you’re patient, flexible, and passionate about helping students succeed in skilled trades, we’d love to have you on our team!
👉 Apply today: [https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/AlleganAreaESA/opening/139983]
Meet Amy Tomlinson, Associate Director and Principal at Hillside Learning Center!
🌟 Amy loves seeing both students and staff grow—whether it’s a student building confidence, a teacher trying a new strategy successfully, or the entire school community working together toward a goal. For her, the most rewarding part of the job is creating an environment where people feel supported and empowered 💙.
Her advice for those starting out in education? “Be patient and flexible. Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Focus on progress, not perfection, and lean on others for support.”
Amy is inspired by Maya Angelou’s reminder: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” To Amy, leadership means service—listening first, supporting others, and creating a culture of trust, empathy, and shared vision.
Fun fact: she loves playing basketball 🏀 and even played in college!
🌟 Amy loves seeing both students and staff grow—whether it’s a student building confidence, a teacher trying a new strategy successfully, or the entire school community working together toward a goal. For her, the most rewarding part of the job is creating an environment where people feel supported and empowered 💙.
Her advice for those starting out in education? “Be patient and flexible. Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Focus on progress, not perfection, and lean on others for support.”
Amy is inspired by Maya Angelou’s reminder: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” To Amy, leadership means service—listening first, supporting others, and creating a culture of trust, empathy, and shared vision.
Fun fact: she loves playing basketball 🏀 and even played in college!
Getting my heart filled at the Transition Center.
