Allegan Area ESA -

Preparing for a Successful School Year: Administrative Council Retreat 2026

Earlier this week, the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency Administrative Council gathered for our annual retreat. Leaders from across the organization spent the day learning, collaborating, and preparing for the upcoming school year.

By sharing ideas, strengthening partnerships, and aligning our work, we're better equipped to support our teams and continuously improve the programs and services that help students and families succeed.

We're energized and ready for the year ahead as we continue working together to ensure every learner, school, and community thrives!

We’re looking for a Physical Therapist to join our team!
You’ll work with students from birth through high school, helping them build strength, confidence, and independence. If you love working with kids, enjoy being part of a team, and want a work schedule that fits your life, this role is for you.
Learn more and apply today: https://www.alleganaesa.org/page/careers-pt

Join Our Team: Early Childhood Speech Language Pathologist

Allegan Area ESA is seeking an Early Childhood Speech Language Pathologist to help preschool-aged children strengthen their communication skills and reach key developmental milestones.

In this role, you’ll enjoy:
• A school-year calendar with built-in breaks and a predictable schedule
• Strong collaboration with educators and specialists
• Meaningful relationships with students and families
• And much more

If you're passionate about empowering young children and changing lives through communication, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today: https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/AlleganAreaESA/opening/177412

Tech Center Students Receive Skilled Trades Scholarships from VanGoeye Home Improvement
Congratulations to Tech Center students Matthew, Cruz, and Trevor on earning VanGoeye Home Improvement (VGHI) scholarships in recognition of their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the skilled trades.

VGHI, an independent landscaping and construction company based in Plainwell, is committed to supporting the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Cameron VanGoeye recently presented the Tech Center recipients with their scholarships.
• Matthew, a recent graduate of Otsego High School and former Welding student, will continue his training this fall in the Welding program at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
• Cruz, a recent Hopkins High School graduate and Building Trades II student, is building his career with Redline Concrete in Dorr.
• Trevor, also a recent Hopkins High School graduate and two-year Building Trades student, is already putting his skills to work as an excavator with Scott Pavlak Excavating in Hopkins.

We’re proud of all they’ve accomplished and excited to see where their careers take them next! Congrats, Matthew, Trevor, and Cruz - best wishes as you continue your journey in the skilled trades!

Hiring: Career Education Planning District (CEPD) Administrator
Help shape the future of career education in Allegan County!
Allegan Area ESA is hiring a Career Education Planning District (CEPD) Administrator to lead and strengthen career education opportunities for local students.
This role helps connect students to career exploration, hands-on learning, work-based experiences, apprenticeships, and high-quality Career and Technical Education programs that prepare them for life after graduation.
Join us in helping students turn their interests into careers! Learn more and apply: https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/AlleganAreaESA/opening/178439

Michigan Association for Pupil Transport (MAPT): Region 8 Bus Rodeo

School bus drivers do much more than get students safely to and from school each day. They are highly trained professionals who navigate challenging situations while carrying our most precious cargo.

Recently, members of our transportation team participated in the Michigan School Bus Driving Championship, an event designed to sharpen driving skills, test knowledge of school bus regulations, and recognize excellence in pupil transportation.

Through a series of behind-the-wheel challenges, drivers demonstrated their ability to maneuver safely, judge distances and clearances, and apply best practices in real-world driving situations. The competition provides valuable learning opportunities that help drivers strengthen the skills they use every day on the road.

We are proud of our drivers for their commitment to safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement. Thank you for all you do to keep students safe.

Allegan Area Educational Service Agency is pleased to announce Kim Bruwer as the new principal of the Allegan Area ESA Tech Center.

Bruwer brings more than 20 years of experience in education to this role. In this position, she will oversee programming, student support, staff leadership, and community partnerships at the Tech Center.

“We are excited for Kim to step into the principal role at the Tech Center. Her positivity, enthusiasm, and passion for student success are felt by all who have the chance to work with her,” shared Bill Brown, superintendent of Allegan Area Educational Service Agency. “She has served as the assistant principal for the last year and demonstrated the skills and leadership qualities that will help both staff and students thrive. We look forward to seeing her continue to build strong relationships, inspire innovation, and lead the Tech Center into an exciting new chapter.”

Prior to joining the Tech Center, Bruwer served in a variety of roles at Kalamazoo Central High School including teacher, reading specialist, mentor, and School Improvement Chairperson. During her time at Kalamazoo Central she received the Most Influential Educator Award and You Make a Difference Award for her dedication to student growth and success.

“I’m honored to be the principal of the Allegan Area ESA Tech Center and support staff and students as they learn hands-on skills that will prepare them for their future careers and educational opportunities,” said Bruwer. “What excites me most about this opportunity is being able to continue to work alongside students, staff, and the community to create an inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking learning environment. I’m energized by the chance to grow and develop together, supporting innovative programs, empowering educators, and ensuring every student feels valued, challenged, and prepared for their future.”

You’re invited to attend an upcoming public hearing to learn more and share your feedback on the Health and Human Development Curriculum for Hillside Learning Center and the Transition Center.

During each hearing, Advisory Board members will provide an overview of the curriculum, share new teaching requirements, review instructional materials, and provide time for community questions, feedback, and discussion. We look forward to hearing from you!