The VBISD Special Education Department continues to make an incredible impact for students and families across our county. So far in the 2025–2026 school year, the team has completed an outstanding 1,019 initial evaluations and triennial reevaluations for students with IEPs. A triennial reevaluation is a review completed at least every three years to assess a student’s progress, determine continued eligibility, and ensure services remain aligned to their needs. This important work helps ensure students receive the support, services, and opportunities they need to thrive. Thank you to our dedicated staff for the life-changing difference you make each day!
Gayle Evans and Jodi Carroll helped identify an assistive technology solution for a middle school student who was hesitant to leave class for tests to be read aloud. Now, using a discreet screen reader with earbuds, she can complete assessments right alongside her peers- without disruption or separation.
This is what assistive technology is all about: simple, thoughtful tools that remove barriers and create equal access to learning opportunities for students of all ages. We are proud of the creativity, collaboration, and dedication our VBISD Special Education team brings to supporting every learner’s success!
This is what assistive technology is all about: simple, thoughtful tools that remove barriers and create equal access to learning opportunities for students of all ages. We are proud of the creativity, collaboration, and dedication our VBISD Special Education team brings to supporting every learner’s success!
Small but incredibly impactful, VBISD’s Physical Therapy team is made up of just five dedicated professionals serving approximately 160 students across Van Buren County. From Early On through high school and across multiple district programs, their reach is wide and their impact is deep!
These therapists travel throughout the county, providing services in both homes and schools to ensure students have the equipment, skills, and support needed to safely access their educational environments and participate alongside their peers. Collaboration is key to their work. Partnering closely with families, medical teams, and organizations like National Seating & Mobility, they help determine the most effective seating and mobility solutions for each student.
These therapists travel throughout the county, providing services in both homes and schools to ensure students have the equipment, skills, and support needed to safely access their educational environments and participate alongside their peers. Collaboration is key to their work. Partnering closely with families, medical teams, and organizations like National Seating & Mobility, they help determine the most effective seating and mobility solutions for each student.
Though small in size, VBISD’s Physical Therapy team makes a powerful impact- serving students from Early On through high school across 12 local districts, as well as Bert Goens Learning Center, the Community Transition Center, and Maple Creek Education Center.
Their work focuses on equipping students with the skills and specialized equipment needed to safely navigate their school environments and fully participate alongside their peers. Through strong collaboration with families, medical teams, and partners like National Seating & Mobility, they ensure each student receives high-quality, individualized support at home and in school, helping every learner move, engage, and succeed!
Their work focuses on equipping students with the skills and specialized equipment needed to safely navigate their school environments and fully participate alongside their peers. Through strong collaboration with families, medical teams, and partners like National Seating & Mobility, they ensure each student receives high-quality, individualized support at home and in school, helping every learner move, engage, and succeed!
PLANT SALE AT BGLC:
Friday, May 8th — 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
May 11th – May 15th — 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
May 18th — 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. (until sold out)
Annual Flowers
Flat of 48 — $20
OR cell packs of 4 plants for $2
Marigolds, Snapdragons, Dusty Miller, Petunias,
Impatiens, Salvia, and Zinnias
Also Available:
Begonias — Flat of 15 for $15 or 4" pot for $1.50
Coleus — Flat of 15 for $15 or 4" pot for $1.50
Geraniums — Flat of 15 for $20 or 4" pot for $2
Hanging Baskets:
Impatiens — 10" basket for $15
New Guinea Impatiens — 10" basket for $15
Petunias — 10" basket for $15
Callie Petunias — 10" basket for $15
Wandering Jew — 10" basket for $15
Friday, May 8th — 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
May 11th – May 15th — 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
May 18th — 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. (until sold out)
Annual Flowers
Flat of 48 — $20
OR cell packs of 4 plants for $2
Marigolds, Snapdragons, Dusty Miller, Petunias,
Impatiens, Salvia, and Zinnias
Also Available:
Begonias — Flat of 15 for $15 or 4" pot for $1.50
Coleus — Flat of 15 for $15 or 4" pot for $1.50
Geraniums — Flat of 15 for $20 or 4" pot for $2
Hanging Baskets:
Impatiens — 10" basket for $15
New Guinea Impatiens — 10" basket for $15
Petunias — 10" basket for $15
Callie Petunias — 10" basket for $15
Wandering Jew — 10" basket for $15
Every day, VBISD Special Education staff live out this message in the most powerful ways. In moments that require patience, understanding, and care, they choose compassion. In situations that are complex or challenging, they choose collaboration, problem-solving, and student-centered support.
That “space” is where their expertise shines as they guide students, support staff, and advocate for what every learner needs to succeed. Their work may often happen behind the scenes, but the impact is felt in every classroom, every breakthrough, and every student empowered to grow. VBISD is incredibly grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and heart the VBISD Special Education team brings each and every day.
That “space” is where their expertise shines as they guide students, support staff, and advocate for what every learner needs to succeed. Their work may often happen behind the scenes, but the impact is felt in every classroom, every breakthrough, and every student empowered to grow. VBISD is incredibly grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and heart the VBISD Special Education team brings each and every day.
Access, advocacy, and support at every stage: VBISD’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing program empowers students from birth through age 26 with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. With added access to no-cost hearing evaluations through an Educational Audiologist, this program is making a meaningful difference for students and families across Van Buren County!
At VBISD, our Special Education team plays a vital role in supporting students, staff, and school systems. Made up of highly qualified teacher consultants and school psychologists, some nationally certified and experienced across multiple states, they bring strong expertise in education and psychology to every building they serve.
Often working behind the scenes, they ensure timelines and processes are followed while strengthening systems like MTSS and PBIS. They collaborate with administrators and staff to navigate complex academic and behavioral challenges, providing guidance and support.
Though much of their work happens in meetings and planning, their impact is seen daily in classrooms. VBISD’s Special Education team is more than evaluators, they are dedicated advocates for Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and champions for all students!
Often working behind the scenes, they ensure timelines and processes are followed while strengthening systems like MTSS and PBIS. They collaborate with administrators and staff to navigate complex academic and behavioral challenges, providing guidance and support.
Though much of their work happens in meetings and planning, their impact is seen daily in classrooms. VBISD’s Special Education team is more than evaluators, they are dedicated advocates for Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and champions for all students!
Behind every student support plan is a team of dedicated VBISD employees working together to make sure students receive what they need to succeed. In Van Buren County, Special Education services are built through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process- developed collaboratively with families, educators, and support staff at the table.
In the 2024–25 school year alone, 4,462 IEP meetings were held across Van Buren County to design individualized plans for students with disabilities. This school year is already well underway, with 3,147 IEP meetings held to continue that important work.
These numbers reflect more than meetings, they reflect commitment, collaboration, and the ongoing effort to ensure every learner is supported in a meaningful, individualized way!
In the 2024–25 school year alone, 4,462 IEP meetings were held across Van Buren County to design individualized plans for students with disabilities. This school year is already well underway, with 3,147 IEP meetings held to continue that important work.
These numbers reflect more than meetings, they reflect commitment, collaboration, and the ongoing effort to ensure every learner is supported in a meaningful, individualized way!
At VBISD, school psychologists do much more than complete evaluations. While they often lead the special education evaluation process, their work is rooted in building strong systems of support for all learners.
They collaborate closely with school staff to ensure students receive the right level of support- whether that is special education services or interventions within general education. They also work directly with students to strengthen skills, build confidence, and support their capacity for learning. Their focus is not just identifying needs, but creating pathways for student success at every level!
They collaborate closely with school staff to ensure students receive the right level of support- whether that is special education services or interventions within general education. They also work directly with students to strengthen skills, build confidence, and support their capacity for learning. Their focus is not just identifying needs, but creating pathways for student success at every level!
Van Buren Tech is seeking a dynamic and student-centered Principal to lead with vision, integrity, and innovation. This leadership role focuses on student success through instructional excellence, strong school management, staff supervision, and community collaboration. We’re looking for an experienced educational leader who values career and technical education, develops a positive school culture, and is committed to helping students and staff thrive! For more information or to apply: www.vbisd.org/employment
Within the VBISD Special Education Department, our Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) and Blind and Low Vision (BLV) teams continue to create meaningful, inclusive opportunities for students and families to learn and connect.
Each year, these programs host at least two family fun and learning nights designed to bring students together in a welcoming, engaging environment that supports both skill-building and community connection.
Our most recent event in December embraced a Winter Wonderland theme and welcomed more than 75 students and their families for an evening of learning, laughter, and connection!
We are incredibly proud of the dedicated VBISD staff who plan and facilitate these events with care, creativity, and a deep commitment to supporting every learner and their family.
Each year, these programs host at least two family fun and learning nights designed to bring students together in a welcoming, engaging environment that supports both skill-building and community connection.
Our most recent event in December embraced a Winter Wonderland theme and welcomed more than 75 students and their families for an evening of learning, laughter, and connection!
We are incredibly proud of the dedicated VBISD staff who plan and facilitate these events with care, creativity, and a deep commitment to supporting every learner and their family.
Van Buren Tech is seeking a dynamic and student-centered Principal to lead with vision, integrity, and innovation. This leadership role focuses on student success through instructional excellence, strong school management, staff supervision, and community collaboration. We’re looking for an experienced educational leader who values career and technical education, develops a positive school culture, and is committed to helping students and staff thrive!
For more information or to apply:
www.vbisd.org/employment
For more information or to apply:
www.vbisd.org/employment
Mark your calendars! April 30: 7th Annual Van Buren Community Baby Shower
The Healthy Babies, Healthy Moms Committee of the Van Buren Great Start Collaborative is hosting a free baby shower for expecting families and those with infants under 15 months.
Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 5:00-7:00 PM
Van Buren ISD Conference Center 490 S. Paw Paw St., Lawrence
Who Can Attend: Families who live or work in the Van Buren ISD service area; expecting or with infants under 15 months (no income requirements)
Event Includes: Registered families will receive a free gift bag while supplies last, and a meal with desserts will be provided. The event will include a Safe Sleep presentation, offered in both English and Spanish, which is required to be eligible for door prizes. Attendees can win door prizes such as Pack-n-Plays and other infant items. Additionally, community resources on prenatal, infant, and postpartum care will be available, with Spanish language support provided throughout the event.
Registration (recommended): forms.gle/bDxhJSBX3si3srhF9
Walk-ins welcome
Hosted by: Van Buren Great Start Collaborative (lead), HOPE Parent Resource Center, Van Buren Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council
Sponsored by: Van Buren ISD and Van Buren Great Start Collaborative, with support from Bronson Health Foundation
Additional partners: VBISD Family Coalition, Family Links, Early On; Van Buren DHHS; Bronson Healthcare and Safe Kids; InterCare (WIC); Van Buren District Library; Aetna Better Health; CMH/Substance Abuse Prevention; Flowers Early Learning (Head Start/EHS); Doula Services; Meridian Health; Friend of the Court; MiLEAP; Children’s Trust Michigan
The Healthy Babies, Healthy Moms Committee of the Van Buren Great Start Collaborative is hosting a free baby shower for expecting families and those with infants under 15 months.
Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 5:00-7:00 PM
Van Buren ISD Conference Center 490 S. Paw Paw St., Lawrence
Who Can Attend: Families who live or work in the Van Buren ISD service area; expecting or with infants under 15 months (no income requirements)
Event Includes: Registered families will receive a free gift bag while supplies last, and a meal with desserts will be provided. The event will include a Safe Sleep presentation, offered in both English and Spanish, which is required to be eligible for door prizes. Attendees can win door prizes such as Pack-n-Plays and other infant items. Additionally, community resources on prenatal, infant, and postpartum care will be available, with Spanish language support provided throughout the event.
Registration (recommended): forms.gle/bDxhJSBX3si3srhF9
Walk-ins welcome
Hosted by: Van Buren Great Start Collaborative (lead), HOPE Parent Resource Center, Van Buren Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council
Sponsored by: Van Buren ISD and Van Buren Great Start Collaborative, with support from Bronson Health Foundation
Additional partners: VBISD Family Coalition, Family Links, Early On; Van Buren DHHS; Bronson Healthcare and Safe Kids; InterCare (WIC); Van Buren District Library; Aetna Better Health; CMH/Substance Abuse Prevention; Flowers Early Learning (Head Start/EHS); Doula Services; Meridian Health; Friend of the Court; MiLEAP; Children’s Trust Michigan
In Van Buren County, 2,700 individuals, from birth to age 26, receive special education services. Our VBISD Special Education staff are the heroes behind the scenes, ensuring every student receives the support, interventions, and guidance they need to thrive.
2,559 students, ages 3 to 26, are served under Part B of IDEA, and 141 children, from birth to age 3, receive services under Part C of IDEA and Michigan Mandatory Special Education.
Thank you to the VBISD Special Education team for your dedication, expertise, and heart. Your impact reaches thousands of students every day!
2,559 students, ages 3 to 26, are served under Part B of IDEA, and 141 children, from birth to age 3, receive services under Part C of IDEA and Michigan Mandatory Special Education.
Thank you to the VBISD Special Education team for your dedication, expertise, and heart. Your impact reaches thousands of students every day!
Did you know? VBISD Diagnostic Teacher Consultants and School Psychologists aren’t traditional one-on-one service providers. Instead, they work preventatively- supporting entire school communities by ensuring students’ plans are followed, interventions are in place, and every child has the support they need to succeed. Their “caseload” isn’t just a few students, it’s the whole school, making their work vital to helping educators help all students thrive.
The VBISD Special Education Department is all about supporting students by bringing together an extraordinary team of experts. Our team includes psychologists, school social workers, special education teachers, speech and language pathologists, physical and occupational therapists, educational audiologists, BCBAs, vision and orientation & mobility specialists, D/HH specialists, educational interpreters, and more!
What makes our team truly unique is the depth of their training. Many of our staff hold both medical or clinical certifications and school-based credentials, giving them a rare combination of expertise that allows them to address each student’s needs from every angle.
This multidisciplinary collaboration ensures that students aren’t just supported- they’re understood, empowered, and set up for success across every aspect of their learning and growth.
What makes our team truly unique is the depth of their training. Many of our staff hold both medical or clinical certifications and school-based credentials, giving them a rare combination of expertise that allows them to address each student’s needs from every angle.
This multidisciplinary collaboration ensures that students aren’t just supported- they’re understood, empowered, and set up for success across every aspect of their learning and growth.
Did you know VBISD’s Special Education Department is deeply connected to statewide initiatives that support student success?
All of our special education administrators are active members of the MAASE, regularly attending professional development to sharpen their skills and drive positive outcomes for students.
In the 2024-25 school year, VBISD hosted the Train-the-Trainer series for MAASE’s Paraeducator Training, with Jen Korinek serving as a content developer. Additionally, Laura Thornburg and Jen Korinek have presented twice at MAASE’s Technical Assistance Conference, sharing expertise and strategies with administrators across Michigan!
Through partnerships like these, VBISD Special Education continues to lead, innovate, and elevate the impact of educators statewide.
All of our special education administrators are active members of the MAASE, regularly attending professional development to sharpen their skills and drive positive outcomes for students.
In the 2024-25 school year, VBISD hosted the Train-the-Trainer series for MAASE’s Paraeducator Training, with Jen Korinek serving as a content developer. Additionally, Laura Thornburg and Jen Korinek have presented twice at MAASE’s Technical Assistance Conference, sharing expertise and strategies with administrators across Michigan!
Through partnerships like these, VBISD Special Education continues to lead, innovate, and elevate the impact of educators statewide.
Join VBISD Instructional Services on May 7, 2026, for Van Buren Stronger Together: a community event focused on suicide awareness.
This event is open to professionals, students, families, and parents who want to strengthen their ability to support mental health and well-being.
May 7, 2026
4:30 PM: Doors open at the Conference Center (490 S. Paw Paw St. Lawrence, MI)
Enjoy light refreshments while connecting with local vendors and community resources
5:00 PM: Program begins with presentations from the Southwest Chapter’s Brant Gauthier and Salus
Breakout sessions to follow
7:45 PM: Event concludes
This evening offers a safe, supportive space for learning, connection, and collaboration as we come together to support the well-being of Van Buren County.
This event is open to professionals, students, families, and parents who want to strengthen their ability to support mental health and well-being.
May 7, 2026
4:30 PM: Doors open at the Conference Center (490 S. Paw Paw St. Lawrence, MI)
Enjoy light refreshments while connecting with local vendors and community resources
5:00 PM: Program begins with presentations from the Southwest Chapter’s Brant Gauthier and Salus
Breakout sessions to follow
7:45 PM: Event concludes
This evening offers a safe, supportive space for learning, connection, and collaboration as we come together to support the well-being of Van Buren County.
Mark your calendars! April 30: 7th Annual Van Buren Community Baby Shower
The Healthy Babies, Healthy Moms Committee of the Van Buren Great Start Collaborative is hosting a free baby shower for expecting families and those with infants under 15 months.
Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 5:00-7:00 PM
Van Buren ISD Conference Center490 S. Paw Paw St., Lawrence
Who Can Attend:Families who live or work in the Van Buren ISD service area; expecting or with infants under 15 months (no income requirements)
Event Includes: Registered families will receive a free gift bag while supplies last, and a meal with desserts will be provided. The event will include a Safe Sleep presentation, offered in both English and Spanish, which is required to be eligible for door prizes. Attendees can win door prizes such as Pack-n-Plays and other infant items. Additionally, community resources on prenatal, infant, and postpartum care will be available, with Spanish language support provided throughout the event.
Registration (recommended): forms.gle/bDxhJSBX3si3srhF9
Walk-ins welcome
Hosted by:Van Buren Great Start Collaborative (lead), HOPE Parent Resource Center, Van Buren Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council
Sponsored by: Van Buren ISD and Van Buren Great Start Collaborative, with support from Bronson Health Foundation
Additional partners: VBISD Family Coalition, Family Links, Early On; Van Buren DHHS; Bronson Healthcare and Safe Kids; InterCare (WIC); Van Buren District Library; Aetna Better Health; CMH/Substance Abuse Prevention; Flowers Early Learning (Head Start/EHS); Doula Services; Meridian Health; Friend of the Court; MiLEAP; Children’s Trust Michigan
The Healthy Babies, Healthy Moms Committee of the Van Buren Great Start Collaborative is hosting a free baby shower for expecting families and those with infants under 15 months.
Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 5:00-7:00 PM
Van Buren ISD Conference Center490 S. Paw Paw St., Lawrence
Who Can Attend:Families who live or work in the Van Buren ISD service area; expecting or with infants under 15 months (no income requirements)
Event Includes: Registered families will receive a free gift bag while supplies last, and a meal with desserts will be provided. The event will include a Safe Sleep presentation, offered in both English and Spanish, which is required to be eligible for door prizes. Attendees can win door prizes such as Pack-n-Plays and other infant items. Additionally, community resources on prenatal, infant, and postpartum care will be available, with Spanish language support provided throughout the event.
Registration (recommended): forms.gle/bDxhJSBX3si3srhF9
Walk-ins welcome
Hosted by:Van Buren Great Start Collaborative (lead), HOPE Parent Resource Center, Van Buren Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council
Sponsored by: Van Buren ISD and Van Buren Great Start Collaborative, with support from Bronson Health Foundation
Additional partners: VBISD Family Coalition, Family Links, Early On; Van Buren DHHS; Bronson Healthcare and Safe Kids; InterCare (WIC); Van Buren District Library; Aetna Better Health; CMH/Substance Abuse Prevention; Flowers Early Learning (Head Start/EHS); Doula Services; Meridian Health; Friend of the Court; MiLEAP; Children’s Trust Michigan