Goodrich – At the July 21 board of trustees meeting, Interim Superintendent Larry Allen announced Allyson Mills as the new Special Services Administrator for Goodrich Schools.
Mills, 47, will be the GISD (Genesee Intermediate School District) Shared-Time Director. She replaces Brian Walton, who was the previous director of special education for 32 years.
A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Mills earned a bachelor of arts, master of science and specialist of arts degrees, all of which she said pertains to special education.
Understanding the numerous special education violations the district received from the state in 2007 to be corrected, Mills said she knows there is a lot of work ahead of her.
‘It’s all about correcting procedure. Systems need to be followed and everything needs to be organized so every family will know what to expect on a day-to-day basis. I want to see the special education department run smoothly and meet all of the needs of the children here.?
Mills said her new role is an important one.
‘As I meet with parents individually to talk to them, I want to see what is needed for their children. I have a lot of empathy and compassion for families who have students with special needs.?
The district’s decision to use her as a shared-time director with the G.I.S.D., Mills said, will bring in more special services for students than ever before. ‘Our resources will be more expansive because there is a greater pool of professionals to brainstrom with to create ideas to help student of all abilities.?
In the process of moving the special education department from Oaktree Elementary to the high school, Mills said she is pleased with the new location. ‘I will be able to work more closely with Larry Allen since his office is located there. Also, because I intend to meet with every parent individually before their children get evaluated, the new space will give me a higher degree of confidentiality.?