Eaton Regional Education Service Agency: A Comprehensive Overview
The Eaton Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) stands as a vital component of the educational landscape, dedicated to providing comprehensive services and support to school districts and community agencies. Established in 1963 and operating as a provider of educational services and support for schools, Eaton RESA plays a crucial role in helping these organizations achieve their educational goals. Its mission is to offer leadership, resources, and coordination to meet the evolving needs of its partners, fostering an environment where educational excellence can flourish. This overview delves into the multifaceted operations of Eaton RESA, examining its student demographics, educational offerings, teacher qualifications, financial standing, and its commitment to innovation and community engagement.
Student Demographics and Diversity
Eaton RESA serves a student population across its constituent schools, encompassing a total of 312 students. The district's minority enrollment stands at 20%, indicating a diverse student body. Further analysis of the student population reveals a breakdown by ethnicity: 74.7% are identified as white, 4.8% as Black or African American, 3.8% as Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander, and 8.7% as Hispanic/Latino. Notably, there are no reported students identifying as American Indian or Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. An additional 8% of students identify as belonging to two or more races, with a small percentage not specifying their race or ethnicity.
Gender distribution within Eaton RESA schools shows that 46% of students are female, and 54% are male. A significant indicator of socioeconomic status is the percentage of students eligible for federal free and reduced-price meals, which is 15.7%. This figure highlights the presence of economically disadvantaged students within the district, a demographic that often requires targeted support and resources. The data on enrollment by diversity clarifies that certain categories, such as Black or African American, Asian or Asian Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and American Indian or Alaska Native, are not included in specific breakdowns due to an enrollment of 0% in those categories within the provided data context. This granular understanding of student demographics is essential for tailoring educational programs and support services to meet the diverse needs of the student population.
Educational Services and School Structure
Eaton RESA's operational framework includes a variety of educational institutions, catering to different age groups and learning needs. The district encompasses preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, with two institutions at each level. This structured approach allows for a continuum of learning from early childhood through secondary education.
The services provided by Eaton RESA are extensive, encompassing early childhood education, general education, special education, and career and technical education. This broad spectrum of offerings ensures that students receive support across various developmental and academic stages. Beyond direct instruction, Eaton RESA provides crucial support services that include curriculum development, consultant services, and resources dedicated to student well-being and mental health. Furthermore, the organization is committed to the professional growth of educators, offering valuable professional development opportunities. These comprehensive services underscore Eaton RESA's role as a multifaceted educational partner, aiming to enhance the quality and accessibility of education for all students within its purview.
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Teacher Qualifications and Student Support
A cornerstone of any effective educational system is its teaching staff, and Eaton RESA demonstrates a strong commitment to employing highly qualified educators. Within Eaton RESA, an impressive 100.0% of teachers are licensed, signifying a high standard of professional certification across the district. This dedication to licensed educators ensures that students are receiving instruction from professionals who have met rigorous training and competency requirements.
The student-to-teacher ratio at Eaton RESA is notably favorable, standing at 11:1. This ratio is significantly lower than the state average of 16:1, indicating smaller class sizes and more individualized attention for students. This lower ratio can contribute to improved student engagement, better academic outcomes, and a more supportive learning environment. While the district has a commitment to student well-being, the number of full-time counselors on staff is listed as unspecified in the provided data. However, the emphasis on licensed teachers and a low student-to-teacher ratio suggests a strong foundation for supporting student academic and personal development.
Academic Performance and Assessment
Assessing student academic performance is a critical aspect of educational evaluation, and Eaton RESA provides data on test score proficiency at the elementary and middle school levels. In reading, 62% of elementary students tested at or above the proficient level, and a similar percentage, 62%, achieved this benchmark in reading at the middle school level. For mathematics, 25% of elementary students tested at or above the proficient level, and this figure is also mirrored at the middle school level, with 25% of students demonstrating proficiency in math.
It is important to note that the provided data does not include information on the number of high school students who tested at or above the proficient level for reading or math, nor is there data available regarding high school college readiness or graduation rates. This lack of data for the high school level presents an area where further information would be beneficial for a complete understanding of academic outcomes across all grade levels served by Eaton RESA. The existing data highlights areas of strength, particularly in reading proficiency at the elementary and middle school stages, while also indicating opportunities for growth in mathematics proficiency at these levels.
Financial Operations and Funding
Eaton RESA's financial operations reflect a significant investment in its educational mission. The agency spends $94,019 per student annually, a figure that underscores a commitment to providing substantial resources for each learner. The district's annual revenue is $43,857,000, indicating a robust financial base to support its operations and initiatives.
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Eaton Regional Education Service Agency is a funded entity based in the United States, with its origins dating back to 1963. Its primary function is as a provider of educational services and support for schools. The organization has secured funding through various rounds, with its first funding round occurring on December 2, 2006. Its latest recorded funding round was a Grant (prize money) round on August 28, 2015, which secured an undisclosed amount. A total of 1 investor participated in this latest round, and Eaton Regional Education Service Agency has 2 institutional investors.
Recent funding rounds include:
- August 28, 2015: $8,846,885 (Grant (prize money))
- August 18, 2011: $5,381,125 (Grant (prize money))
- August 30, 2010: $9,991,576 (Grant (prize money))
These funding rounds, particularly the grants, highlight external support and recognition of Eaton RESA's valuable contributions to education. The agency's financial health and its ability to secure funding are critical to its capacity to deliver essential educational services and support to its partner districts.
Employee Count and Growth Trends
Eaton RESA maintains a dedicated team of professionals to carry out its mission. As of July 24, the employee count at Eaton Regional Education Service Agency falls within the range of 51 to 200 employees. While specific historical data on employee count trends is not fully detailed, the company's first funding round in 2006 suggests a period of establishment and likely growth in its workforce since that time. The employee count is a key indicator of the scale of operations and the capacity to deliver a wide array of services. A workforce of this size suggests a significant operational capacity to manage and implement diverse educational programs and support initiatives across its partner schools and community agencies. Understanding the employee count trends can provide insights into the agency's growth trajectory and its ability to adapt to increasing demands for its services.
Commitment to Innovation and Community Impact
Eaton RESA actively demonstrates its commitment to innovation and making a tangible impact on the educational community through the dedication and achievements of its staff. Carmelle Schantz, a second-grade teacher at Fuller Street Elementary in Maple Valley Schools, exemplifies strong leadership and dedication. Her involvement with the Math Pilot Team showcases a deep commitment to improving math achievement and promoting effective instructional practices.
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Sara Jobson, a career pathway specialist at the Eaton RESA Career Preparation Center, has received significant recognition. She was awarded the 2026 Michigan Association for Career and Technical Education Counseling and Career Development Award. With over 23 years in K-12 education and six years as a career pathway specialist, Sara has been instrumental in implementing the Michigan Career Development Model, establishing a sustainable and equitable K-12 system for career awareness, exploration, and preparation. Her nationally recognized innovation, Eaton RESAâs Mobile Classroom Labs, comprises custom trailers known as the Garage, FabLab, and SkyLab. These mobile labs deliver hands-on, industry-standard learning experiences in automotive, advanced manufacturing, heavy equipment, and aviation directly to K-6 students. This initiative is particularly impactful as it removes transportation and access barriers, democratizing access to specialized vocational education.
Gina Reid, an adult SCI teacher at Meadowview School, Eaton RESA, is recognized for her engaging and open teaching style, which empowers young adults to develop important skills while being themselves. The students and the Meadowview community benefit greatly from her guidance and steady leadership. Danielle Patterson, an administrative assistant at the Eaton RESA Career Preparation Center, has made a significant positive impact in a short time. Her warm greetings and positive attitude create a welcoming environment for students, families, and partners. Even during busy periods, she provides steady support and meticulous attention to detail.
Jacqueline Emard, a first-grade teacher at Potterville Elementary School, is described as a steady and compassionate presence for her students and colleagues. Her high expectations, coupled with a caring approach, motivate students to achieve their full potential. The school community at Potterville Elementary is fortunate to have her guiding young learners.
Eaton RESA also actively seeks to expand its team, as evidenced by a current opening for a custodian to support its Southridge and Storefront facilities, emphasizing a value for pride in work and a supportive team environment. The agency also highlights the critical role of school social workers, expressing gratitude for all educators, support staff, administrators, and school teams who demonstrate daily care and commitment to students. Eaton RESA recognizes that public schools are more than just buildings; they are environments where students grow, connect, and discover their paths, and the agency is proud to be a part of this essential work.
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