Supporting students means supporting their mental health. VBISD's Mental Health Clinician Team provides individual and group therapy services, partners with schools to strengthen student supports, and works alongside districts to promote positive mental health through professional development, crisis response, and community initiatives.
During the 2025–2026 school year, our team provided 6,454 individual therapy sessions, 267 group therapy sessions, and 157 crisis interventions, ensuring students received the care and support they needed during some of their most difficult moments.
Many people are surprised to learn that our services are available regardless of a family's insurance status, with referrals coordinated through each district's Child Study Team. At VBISD, we believe in the power of mental health recovery and remain committed to helping every student build the emotional well-being they need to learn, grow, and thrive!
During the 2025–2026 school year, our team provided 6,454 individual therapy sessions, 267 group therapy sessions, and 157 crisis interventions, ensuring students received the care and support they needed during some of their most difficult moments.
Many people are surprised to learn that our services are available regardless of a family's insurance status, with referrals coordinated through each district's Child Study Team. At VBISD, we believe in the power of mental health recovery and remain committed to helping every student build the emotional well-being they need to learn, grow, and thrive!
VBISD Multilingual & Migrant Services and Project NOMAD support multilingual learners and children of migratory families by closing learning gaps, strengthening language skills, and providing academic and enrichment experiences through summer learning and year-round support.
Project NOMAD offers a six-week summer program for students whose learning has been interrupted by frequent moves, combining reading, math, STEM, PE, and nutrition in a supportive environment where students are excited to learn each day.
Our team provides more than instruction, we build relationships, advocate for families, and ensure students have access to the resources they need to succeed.
We are proud to be one of the largest migrant summer programs in the region, serving students from multiple districts and beyond Van Buren County, with many staff returning year after year to provide familiar, trusted support. From academic growth and increased confidence to life-changing milestones like graduation, we celebrate every success.
At VBISD, we believe every child deserves access to opportunity, belonging, and the chance to grow because investing in students and families strengthens our entire community!
Project NOMAD offers a six-week summer program for students whose learning has been interrupted by frequent moves, combining reading, math, STEM, PE, and nutrition in a supportive environment where students are excited to learn each day.
Our team provides more than instruction, we build relationships, advocate for families, and ensure students have access to the resources they need to succeed.
We are proud to be one of the largest migrant summer programs in the region, serving students from multiple districts and beyond Van Buren County, with many staff returning year after year to provide familiar, trusted support. From academic growth and increased confidence to life-changing milestones like graduation, we celebrate every success.
At VBISD, we believe every child deserves access to opportunity, belonging, and the chance to grow because investing in students and families strengthens our entire community!
WE'RE HIRING! At VBISD, every role plays a part in supporting student success. From classrooms to transportation to behind-the-scenes support, our team makes a difference every day.
The VBISD Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) team provides special education services and supports for children birth through age 5, partnering with families, local districts, and early childhood programs to help children build a strong foundation for success.
A common misconception is that special education always means separate settings. In reality, the team focuses on inclusive opportunities whenever possible. Last year, more than 65% of preschool-aged students with IEPs were supported in general education preschool classrooms, and are continuing to grow those opportunities!
During the 2025-2026 school year, the Early Childhood Intervention Team provided IEP services and supports for 160+ students in general education preschool settings and completed 105 special education evaluation referrals.
As they look ahead, they are excited to continue supporting young children, families, and educators through those important first school experiences.
At VBISD, we believe our youngest learners and their families deserve the very best we can offer!
A common misconception is that special education always means separate settings. In reality, the team focuses on inclusive opportunities whenever possible. Last year, more than 65% of preschool-aged students with IEPs were supported in general education preschool classrooms, and are continuing to grow those opportunities!
During the 2025-2026 school year, the Early Childhood Intervention Team provided IEP services and supports for 160+ students in general education preschool settings and completed 105 special education evaluation referrals.
As they look ahead, they are excited to continue supporting young children, families, and educators through those important first school experiences.
At VBISD, we believe our youngest learners and their families deserve the very best we can offer!
Did you know that VBISD isn’t a traditional school district that runs one school system- but instead a support network for multiple school districts across Van Buren County? VBISD works behind the scenes to strengthen local education by coordinating services that individual districts might not be able to provide on their own. This includes special education programs, career and technical education opportunities, early childhood education, technology support, and professional development for educators. VBISD helps connect resources, build capacity, and support schools so that students across the county have access to high-quality learning opportunities, no matter which local district they attend.
Every single one of the 35 buses in the VBISD fleet received a passing decal from the State of Michigan for the 2025-2026 school year! This outstanding achievement reflects the hard work, attention to detail, and dedication of our Transportation Maintenance team, who work behind the scenes to ensure our buses are safe, reliable, and ready to transport students each day.
Thank you to our incredible team for helping keep Van Buren County students moving safely!
Thank you to our incredible team for helping keep Van Buren County students moving safely!
VBISD supports learners from early childhood all the way through career preparation. From early intervention services for young children, to specialized programs for students with unique learning needs, to career and technical education pathways that prepare high school students for the workforce, VBISD plays a role at nearly every stage of a student’s educational journey. By partnering with local districts across Van Buren County, VBISD helps expand opportunities, connect resources, and ensure students are supported not just in school, but for life beyond it!
"The Community-based Transition Center is not just a place; it’s a promise to provide every learner with the tools, support, and encouragement they need to succeed.”
This reflects how Van Buren Intermediate School District staff approach Special Education: with collaboration, consistency, and a deep commitment to student-centered support.
This reflects how Van Buren Intermediate School District staff approach Special Education: with collaboration, consistency, and a deep commitment to student-centered support.
At VBISD, respect is reflected in how staff honor every student, family, and voice. Integrity guides decisions that put students first, even when the work is complex. Compassion shows up in the patience, care, and understanding extended to learners with diverse needs. And excellence is the standard in everything from instruction and support services to collaboration with local districts. These values aren’t just part of the culture; they are lived out daily by a team committed to making a meaningful difference. Join our team and apply for a position today! www.vbisd.org/employment
Congratulations to the VBISD Grow Your Own graduates! This incredible group of individuals has dedicated themselves to advancing their education, strengthening their skills, and investing in the future of students across Van Buren County. Through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to lifelong learning, these graduates have taken an important step forward in their educational journeys and careers. The Grow Your Own program is built on the belief that the best way to strengthen our schools is to strengthen talent from within our own communities. We are proud of each graduate and grateful for the passion and dedication they bring to serving students. Congratulations on this incredible achievement. Your future is bright, and we can't wait to see the impact you'll continue to make in our schools and communities!
Western Michigan University Graduates:
Melissa Bertch
Armandina Calderon
Sydney Doroh
Kristen Ely
Lupita Eufracio
Nicole Guminski
Jessica Hodge
Renee Hostetler
Jessica Ingraham
Nicole Johnson
Jeanette Latham
Celeste Martinez
Chloe Mielke
Janice Pantelleria
Nichole Plume
Mackenzie Raymond
Isabel Calderon
Tonya Conklin
Jennifer Fabian
Jazmin Guzman
Angelica Heine
Renee Moses
Mindy Owsiany
Graig Stacy
Michele Johnson
Shalace Ladawn
Kaitlyn Mann
Jacquelyn Salefske
Dawn Sexton
Yesenia Soto
Kimberly Aboagye
Chloe Irons
Aubrielle Wilder
Suzanne Baker
Jennifer Dalton
Andrea Eash
Brianna Warner
Maria Reo
Jennifer Sturgis
Susan Till
University of Olivet Graduates
Montana Cease
Clint Colburn
Brenda Craig
Mary Harvey
Kendalyn Haskins
Kody Hillring
Courtnie Holmes
Mikayla Larson
Grace Parker
Madison Potter
Caitlin Reeder
Saul Romero
Bridgette Saidla
Western Michigan University Graduates:
Melissa Bertch
Armandina Calderon
Sydney Doroh
Kristen Ely
Lupita Eufracio
Nicole Guminski
Jessica Hodge
Renee Hostetler
Jessica Ingraham
Nicole Johnson
Jeanette Latham
Celeste Martinez
Chloe Mielke
Janice Pantelleria
Nichole Plume
Mackenzie Raymond
Isabel Calderon
Tonya Conklin
Jennifer Fabian
Jazmin Guzman
Angelica Heine
Renee Moses
Mindy Owsiany
Graig Stacy
Michele Johnson
Shalace Ladawn
Kaitlyn Mann
Jacquelyn Salefske
Dawn Sexton
Yesenia Soto
Kimberly Aboagye
Chloe Irons
Aubrielle Wilder
Suzanne Baker
Jennifer Dalton
Andrea Eash
Brianna Warner
Maria Reo
Jennifer Sturgis
Susan Till
University of Olivet Graduates
Montana Cease
Clint Colburn
Brenda Craig
Mary Harvey
Kendalyn Haskins
Kody Hillring
Courtnie Holmes
Mikayla Larson
Grace Parker
Madison Potter
Caitlin Reeder
Saul Romero
Bridgette Saidla
This was the first year the Early Childhood Department offered full-day ECSE programming for 4-year-olds across VBISD. This is significant because it gives young children more time for learning, skill development, social growth, and specialized support during a critical stage of development. It also reflects VBISD’s commitment to expanding early intervention opportunities and creating stronger foundations for student success before kindergarten.
Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is now open to ALL four-year-olds!
This is more than preschool- it’s a powerful, state-funded opportunity to give every child a strong, confident start before kindergarten. As Michigan’s top-ranked PreK program, GSRP is free for families across the state, expanding access to high-quality early learning like never before. While priority is still given to children who need it most, the vision is clear: PreK for All because every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive from the very beginning!
This is more than preschool- it’s a powerful, state-funded opportunity to give every child a strong, confident start before kindergarten. As Michigan’s top-ranked PreK program, GSRP is free for families across the state, expanding access to high-quality early learning like never before. While priority is still given to children who need it most, the vision is clear: PreK for All because every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive from the very beginning!
After nearly nine months of working alongside a family, it has been incredible to witness their 21-month-old begin to close the gap in his language development. What was once mostly occasional “Mama” and “Dada” has grown into consistent new words, and even emerging two-word phrases within just the past month.
This progress has been supported through the family’s active participation in Family Links, Early On, and additional therapies through VBISD and Bronson Healthcare. Their commitment and consistency have truly made a difference! As the family shared, they feel understood and supported, and that belief and connection have played a meaningful role in their journey. When reflecting on the child’s progress, they described it as “finally clicking,” and shared their intention to continue with services, as they are already seeing the benefits.
Their progress is a powerful reminder of what can happen when families feel supported, engaged, and consistent with early intervention services.
-Family Educator, Juliet
This progress has been supported through the family’s active participation in Family Links, Early On, and additional therapies through VBISD and Bronson Healthcare. Their commitment and consistency have truly made a difference! As the family shared, they feel understood and supported, and that belief and connection have played a meaningful role in their journey. When reflecting on the child’s progress, they described it as “finally clicking,” and shared their intention to continue with services, as they are already seeing the benefits.
Their progress is a powerful reminder of what can happen when families feel supported, engaged, and consistent with early intervention services.
-Family Educator, Juliet
At the VBISD Community-based Transition Center (CTC), students gain so much more than classroom experience, they build friendships, grow in confidence, and learn the life skills needed for adulthood and independence.
“I love CTC because we are a whole big family and we can be ourselves without hiding in a shell. You can build friendships by sitting down and talking to someone.” -Amirra
At CTC, students are empowered to be themselves, connect with others, and build a future full of possibility!
“I love CTC because we are a whole big family and we can be ourselves without hiding in a shell. You can build friendships by sitting down and talking to someone.” -Amirra
At CTC, students are empowered to be themselves, connect with others, and build a future full of possibility!
VBISD’s Early Childhood Department continues to lead with impact, care, and a deep commitment to every child’s success. During the 2025-2026 school year, the Early Childhood Inclusion team (ECIT) provided specialized supports and services to more than 150 students with IEPs across GSRP and Flowers/Head Start classrooms, while also completing 102 evaluations for initial special education eligibility.
Through their expertise, collaboration, and dedication to early intervention, this incredible team is ensuring students receive the support they need from the very beginning- creating strong foundations for lifelong learning!
Through their expertise, collaboration, and dedication to early intervention, this incredible team is ensuring students receive the support they need from the very beginning- creating strong foundations for lifelong learning!
The VBISD Community-based Transition Center is empowering students with the skills they need for life beyond the classroom. Through real-world experiences, independence-building, and individualized support, students are gaining confidence and preparing for their next chapter with purpose!
This year, VBISD’s Early Childhood Special Education program has supported approximately 70 students across six classrooms- each one thoughtfully designed to meet diverse learning needs and create a strong foundation for growth.
Behind this work is a dedicated team of early childhood professionals who bring expertise, compassion, and collaboration into every classroom. From individualized support and inclusive practices to strong partnerships with families, the focus is always on meeting each child where they are and helping them succeed. At VBISD, it takes a team, and that team is committed to ensuring every child has the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive from the very start!
Behind this work is a dedicated team of early childhood professionals who bring expertise, compassion, and collaboration into every classroom. From individualized support and inclusive practices to strong partnerships with families, the focus is always on meeting each child where they are and helping them succeed. At VBISD, it takes a team, and that team is committed to ensuring every child has the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive from the very start!
VBISD’s Early Childhood Department is making a powerful impact by ensuring every child in Van Buren County has access to a strong start. Through partnerships with all local school districts, VBISD offers FREE PreK for all families, with 1–5 classrooms in each district, as well as collaborations with three local childcare centers. This year alone, that means 26 classrooms serving nearly 500 children- expanding access, removing barriers, and creating opportunities for early learning across the entire county!
This work is especially critical during the earliest years of life, when brain development is at its peak. By age 3, a child’s brain reaches about 80% of its development, and by age 5, it’s around 90%. VBISD recognizes that learning begins long before a child enters a classroom. That’s why the Early Childhood Department also supports families from the very beginning through its nationally recognized Parents as Teachers program, locally known as Family Links.
Six dedicated Family Educators provide in-home support for families from prenatal stages through school entry, using the research-based Born to Learn curriculum to guide parents in helping their child’s growth, development, and readiness for school.
Together, these efforts reflect VBISD’s commitment to supporting not just students, but entire families, building a foundation for lifelong learning, success, and well-being.
This work is especially critical during the earliest years of life, when brain development is at its peak. By age 3, a child’s brain reaches about 80% of its development, and by age 5, it’s around 90%. VBISD recognizes that learning begins long before a child enters a classroom. That’s why the Early Childhood Department also supports families from the very beginning through its nationally recognized Parents as Teachers program, locally known as Family Links.
Six dedicated Family Educators provide in-home support for families from prenatal stages through school entry, using the research-based Born to Learn curriculum to guide parents in helping their child’s growth, development, and readiness for school.
Together, these efforts reflect VBISD’s commitment to supporting not just students, but entire families, building a foundation for lifelong learning, success, and well-being.
Project SHINE, a program within Van Buren ISD Instructional Services, recently brought a Farmers Market experience to students at Maple Creek Education Center, creating an exciting opportunity for students to connect with fresh, healthy foods in a hands-on approach. Students had the opportunity to shop for free fresh fruits and vegetables while connecting the foods they selected to the health, nutrition, and fitness lessons they’ve been learning about all year long through Project SHINE. This experience brought fresh, locally grown food directly to students while also creating connections to healthy living, local agriculture, and community partnerships.
A HUGE thank you to the amazing community partners who helped make this event possible and so impactful: ValleyHUB KVCC, Schultz Fruitridge Farms, Green Wagon Farm, and Crisp Country Acres
Experiences like this are so important for students because they help build an understanding of where food comes from, the important role local farmers play in our communities, and how agriculture impacts both health and our local economy. Through hands-on learning opportunities, students gain knowledge they can carry with them for life!
Project SHINE continues to make a lasting impact by delivering engaging health, nutrition, and fitness lessons that empower students to make healthy choices, explore new opportunities, and build lifelong wellness habits. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this day unforgettable for Maple Creek students.
A HUGE thank you to the amazing community partners who helped make this event possible and so impactful: ValleyHUB KVCC, Schultz Fruitridge Farms, Green Wagon Farm, and Crisp Country Acres
Experiences like this are so important for students because they help build an understanding of where food comes from, the important role local farmers play in our communities, and how agriculture impacts both health and our local economy. Through hands-on learning opportunities, students gain knowledge they can carry with them for life!
Project SHINE continues to make a lasting impact by delivering engaging health, nutrition, and fitness lessons that empower students to make healthy choices, explore new opportunities, and build lifelong wellness habits. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this day unforgettable for Maple Creek students.
Congratulations to the VBISD Grow Your Own graduates! This incredible group of individuals has dedicated themselves to advancing their education, strengthening their skills, and investing in the future of students across Van Buren County. Through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to lifelong learning, these graduates have taken an important step forward in their educational journeys and careers. The Grow Your Own program is built on the belief that the best way to strengthen our schools is to strengthen talent from within our own communities. We are proud of each graduate and grateful for the passion and dedication they bring to serving students. Congratulations on this incredible achievement. Your future is bright, and we can't wait to see the impact you'll continue to make in our schools and communities!
Western Michigan University Graduates:
Melissa Bertch
Armandina Calderon
Sydney Doroh
Kristen Ely
Lupita Eufracio
Nicole Guminski
Jessica Hodge
Renee Hostetler
Jessica Ingraham
Nicole Johnson
Jeanette Latham
Celeste Martinez
Chloe Mielke
Janice Pantelleria
Nichole Plume
Mackenzie Raymond
Isabel Calderon
Tonya Conklin
Jennifer Fabian
Jazmin Guzman
Angelica Heine
Renee Moses
Mindy Owsiany
Graig Stacy
Michele Johnson
Shalace Ladawn
Kaitlyn Mann
Jacquelyn Salefske
Dawn Sexton
Yesenia Soto
Kimberly Aboagye
Chloe Irons
Aubrielle Wilder
Suzanne Baker
Jennifer Dalton
Andrea Eash
Brianna Warner
Maria Reo
Jennifer Sturgis
Susan Till
University of Olivet Graduates
Montana Cease
Clint Colburn
Brenda Craig
Mary Harvey
Kendalyn Haskins
Kody Hillring
Courtnie Holmes
Mikayla Larson
Grace Parker
Madison Potter
Caitlin Reeder
Saul Romero
Bridgette Saidla