News Photo by Julie Goldberg Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District Superintendent Scott Reynolds is almost done with his first year as the AMA ESD superintendent and has learned a lot this year to help continue the growth of the AMA ESD.

ALPENA — Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District Superintendent Scott Reynolds is almost done with his first year as superintendent and said this year has been a phenomenal experience and a learning year for him.

“With the first year, you’re going to tend to put a lot more time in as you get acclimated to the culture and the mechanics of the role,” Reynolds said. “Some of the novelty has worn off at this point, but still working to navigate through those multiple tasks so I can also keep some balance and have some personal well-being as well.”

Reynolds said his biggest challenge is that since he plans to be the AMA ESD superintendent for the long haul, he’s been learning how to pace himself.

Reynolds was mentored last year by former Superintendent Brian Wilmot to help him transition into the position and let him have some exposure to the role as superintendent before actually taking the position. Reynolds previouslywas the principal at Pied Piper School before taking the superintendent position, so he already knew the AMA ESD Board of Education members. He said the board is very active and engaged with what’s going on at Pied Piper by coming to events and participating in activities.

“I wasn’t surprised with their resilient and relentless support, but to get to know them on a more personal level just affirms everything good that I knew about them as a board,” Reynolds said. “I consider myself to be very fortunate to have such a supportive board, not just supportive of me, but supportive of our work.”

Reynolds works with Alcona Community Schools Superintendent Dan O’Connor, Alpena Public Schools Superintendent Dr. John VanWagoner, and Hillman Community Schools and Atlanta Community Schools Superintendent Carl Seiter on how they can have the greatest impact in educating the students in the region. The superintendents share ideas to help each other.

“I would evaluate our relationship as a close relationship and I think it speaks to the personalities that each of the gentlemen bring to the table,” Reynolds said. “We have an ability to be very open and forthright with each other because we all have the same goals in mind.”

Reynolds said the region is very fortunate to have the leadership it does with the superintendents. He said they’re going to continue working together and growing.

Reynolds has long-term goals while he’s superintendent. Some of his long-term goals are improvements to the facilities, assisting locals with behavior, continued improvement in graduation and literacy rates, and reductions in suspensions and expulsions.

“I would also like to be able to see that we have no vacant positions and that we have employed a staff with minimal turnover,” Reynolds said.

The AMA ESD recently adopted its three-year strategic plan and Reynolds said it intends to accomplish all the tasks within the plan. He hopes the AMA ESD can continue to grow in its positive reputation within the region and across the state.

“Folks can look to this area as a place to reside and the quality of educational opportunities and employment opportunities and that we can be a strong resource to our partners across the state,” Reynolds said.

This year has been an invaluable learning experience for Reynolds. He said he’s learned a lot about working with people who have common goals and common challenges.

“It’s everything that I hoped it would be and more,” he said. “It’s been affirming for me that we’re an organization comprised of people that have relentless passion for supporting local districts and children.”

Julie Goldberg can be reached via email at jgoldberg@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.