On August 28, 2023, students, staff, school board members, and members of the community gathered for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the recently renovated Bert Goens Learning Center. During his speech, Dave Manson, Van Buren ISD Superintendent, thanked the Van Buren ISD Board of Education, taxpayers of Van Buren County who passed a regional enhancement millage that supported this and other educational initiatives across the county, the construction company Owens, Ames, and Kimball, C2AE architects, and the Bert Goens Learning Center Staff.
"The BGLC staff not only provides educational experiences for our students, they also develop meaningful relationships with the students and families to ensure that we can provide support that goes well beyond the classroom," said Manson.
Manson also highlighted VBISD's core values:
- Respect for everyone
- Integrity when making decisions
- Compassion in helping people
- Excellence in the services we provide
Dr. Katy Holverstott, VBISD Director of Special Education, followed Manson's speech with her own. Holverstott highlighted the impact the building improvements have in two key categories: safety and honor.
New safety improvements at the building include a new secure and welcoming entrance, classroom spaces to practice prevention, as well as intervention, and a covered walkway to shelter students boarding and exiting buses.
Regarding honor, Holverstott said, "The beauty of the spaces, the windows, the new colors, fresh paint and carpet honors our students. As you know, we have the BEST students and they deserve the best. This beautiful space also honors our staff by giving them beautiful space to work. Our staff are quite special in their care and thoughtfulness. I think this is especially important during a time when educators can be underappreciated."
VBISD Superintendent Dave Manson kicks off the ribbon cutting ceremony, thanking all those who made these improvements possible.
VBISD Director of Special Education, Dr. Katy Holverstott, highlights how the building renovations promote safety and honor.
A view of the newly renovated Bert Goens Learning Center, which features a welcoming and secure entrance and covered walkways.