Dr. Dawn Bentley named Eaton RESA Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services
Eaton Regional Education Service Agency (Eaton RESA) is pleased to announce Dr. Dawn Bentley will join the district as the new Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services, beginning July 1, 2026.
In this role, she will oversee the General Education, Early Childhood, School Wellness and Prevention and Behavior/Mental Health Services teams and staff.
Dr. Bentley brings nearly 30 years of experience in educational leadership. During her career, she has built integrated instructional support systems with a focus on real change in teaching and learning.
She has expertise in leading trauma-responsive, whole-child approaches; instructional frameworks, including Multi-Tiered System of Supports and Universal Design for Learning; and early literacy initiatives. In addition, she has built strong, strategic partnerships with local school districts, community organizations, and state and federal agencies.
Dr. Bentley earned a Doctor of Educational Leadership from Michigan State University and joins Eaton RESA after serving as Vice President of Education and Head of Schools at RFK Community Alliance in Massachusetts. Prior to that role, she served as Assistant Superintendent for Acton-Boxborough Regional School District and spent a decade as Executive Director of Special Education at Livingston Educational Service Agency in Michigan. She has a deep familiarity with Michigan's educational landscape and a true connection to the Lansing region.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Bentley back to Michigan," said Dr. Sean Williams, Eaton RESA superintendent. "Her strong track record developing programs and leading teams that align financial, human and organizational resources to keep teams moving purposefully toward shared goals makes her an exceptional fit for this role."
Dr. Bentley will replace Dr. Nathan Leale who was named Eaton RESA Deputy Superintendent in March 2026 after current Superintendent Dr. Sean Williams announced his retirement effective December 31, 2026. At that time, Dr. Leale will assume the role of Eaton RESA Superintendent.
