Every once in a while a community member steps up and becomes a integral part of a school. Steve McCaskey, a Project Superintendent for Owen, Ames, Kimball, has gone above and beyond his duties for the construction company and become part of the Hillside Learning Center family.
Over the past year Hillside has undertaken a number of construction projects overseen by Mr. McCaskey. These include three new classrooms, a new sensory room, new entry to the building, new main bathrooms, and a long-awaited maintenance shed.
“Steve was instrumental in helping all staff at Hillside while running the job,” said Allegan Area ESA Supervisor of Maintenance and Operations Mark Jackson. “Steve would do anything, including helping with students and guiding contractors on appropriate attire for a school environment. Steve personally put in a beautiful teacher’s lounge and completely remodeled two of our older classrooms in what Steve called his spare time. Steve was excellent at getting all the contractors to work together for exactly what was wanted and needed.”
Mr. McCaskey also became involved with the day-to-day happenings at Hillside. He took a pie to the face during an all-school assembly. He joined in the summer water play day and ran through the sprinkler with the students. He participated in the Hillside Thanksgiving lunch and ate with the East elementary class. Most recently Mr. McCaskey dressed up as Santa and helped deliver gifts to the students.
To recognize Steve McCaskey for all he has done at Hillside over the past year, the Allegan Area ESA Board of Education awarded him a Certificate of Appreciation at their February 21st Board meeting.
Allegan Area ESA Superintendent William Brown said “Steve, and Owens, Ames, Kimball, are the epitome of professionals. They are service oriented and focus on building trusting relationships. It is evident that Steve has high expectations and an impeccable work ethic.”
The Allegan Area ESA Board thanks Mr. McCaskey for his support, time, and partnership.
Pictured above (left to right): Board Trustee Cindy Smith, Board Treasurer Leslie Ballard, Board Secretary Mary Howard, Steve McCaskey, Hillside Learning Center Principal Amy Tomlinson, Allegan Area ESA Superintendent William Brown, Board President Larry Collier