This session provided educators with important guidance on Michigan’s dyslexia legislation, including requirements for early screening, identifying students who may have characteristics of dyslexia, and providing appropriate reading interventions and support.
Through a deeper understanding of the MI Dyslexia Handbook and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, participants gained valuable information to help recognize students’ needs, implement evidence-based literacy practices, and ensure students with dyslexia receive timely, effective support to strengthen their reading skills and academic success.
Continued professional learning and collaboration are essential to ensuring every student has access to the tools and instruction they need to succeed!
Pay:
Lead Teachers: $135 per 8-hour day; $70 per 4-hour 1⁄2 day
Associate Teachers: $110 per 8-hour day; $60 per 4-hour 1⁄2 day
Opportunities are available in Decatur, Lawrence, Gobles, Bloomingdale, Pullman, South Haven, Covert, and Hartford.
For more information, email Hanson@vbisd.org
The session provided opportunities for educators to deepen their understanding of the legislation, strengthen instructional practices, and explore effective ways to support students with dyslexia. Through ongoing professional learning and collaboration, VBISD is committed to partnering with local districts to support educators and help every student reach their full potential!
Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD) has been awarded $1,916,850 through Michigan's 2026-27 Section 32n Out-of-School-Time (OST) Grant to continue and expand before-school, after-school, and summer learning opportunities for students throughout Van Buren County.
The award, announced Nov. 5 by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), represents an important milestone in the continued development of Van Buren County's OST initiative, which grew out of the Van Buren Youth Initiative. It builds on work that began in 2023 and was made possible, in large part, through an initial investment of $931,250 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from Van Buren County in April 2024.
MiLEAP, established by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2023, is the state department responsible for advancing educational opportunities and pathways to success for Michigan residents, from early childhood through higher education and career preparation. Through its statewide OST grant program, MiLEAP invests in before-school, after-school, and summer learning opportunities that help students develop academically, socially, and personally while providing families with access to safe, supportive environments beyond the traditional school day.
From Local Investment to Statewide Recognition
VBISD's OST initiative began in 2023 with the formation of a countywide steering committee focused on creating additional opportunities for youth in the areas of arts, music, and mental health. Following the county's ARPA investment in 2024, VBISD hired Erin Kucharski as the Van Buren Youth Initiative Coordinator, established community partnerships, and began implementing programming with local schools and organizations.
Programs officially launched in October 2024, initially focusing on arts and music enrichment for middle and high school students. As the initiative grew, additional community partners joined, and opportunities expanded to serve more students and age groups. The initial county investment provided more than temporary program funding. It helped establish the partnerships, coordination, administrative infrastructure, and experience necessary to develop a countywide model and pursue additional state funding.
In January 2026, VBISD received an additional $1,012,860 in state OST funding to support programming through eight school districts and migrant education programs. The newly awarded $1,916,850 grant continues that progress, providing a pathway for programming to continue as the county's original ARPA funding and the Van Buren Youth Initiative (VBYI) funding period come to an end.
"This award represents an important next step in the work that began right here in Van Buren County," said Kucharski. "The initial investment from Van Buren County allowed us to build the relationships, partnerships, and foundation needed to grow this initiative. We are incredibly grateful to MiLEAP for continuing to invest in these opportunities and for recognizing the importance of providing students and families with support beyond the school day."
VBISD extends its sincere appreciation to Van Buren County for its initial investment and to MiLEAP for awarding the funding that will allow this work to continue. This collaboration demonstrates how local investment can establish the foundation for long-term opportunities and attract additional resources to benefit an entire county.
VBISD’s Special Education Department supports students, schools and educators across Van Buren County by helping ensure every student has the support they need to learn and grow.
During the 2025-2026 school year, 2,576 students with disabilities were served across Van Buren County.
But special education is more than specialized programs and services. Behind the scenes, VBISD staff serve as consultants, therapists, teachers, supervisors, problem-solvers and advocates, working alongside local schools to determine the right supports for individual students.
One important distinction: special education is a service, not a place. Students receive special education services based on their individual needs and are supported in a variety of educational settings.
At VBISD, we believe all students are capable of learning, thinking and understanding when they are given the opportunity and the right supports.
At the heart of it all: students first.
One thing people may not realize is that students can receive services through age 26, with an important focus on building life skills that support them both in and beyond the classroom.
At BGLC, every student is welcomed, supported and celebrated for their progress. Because student success takes everyone: students, families and schools working together!
Each school year, Human Resources completes well over 500 fingerprinting appointments for VBISD employees and employees of Van Buren County school districts!
HR also supports the overall well-being of our employees through the Employee Wellness Program, which focuses on physical, social, environmental, financial, and mental health. From wellness resources to access to the VBISD employee fitness center, the goal is to help employees feel supported both at work and beyond!
A big part of the work is also helping address non-instructional issues so educators and staff can stay focused on serving students.
And one number that may surprise you: VBISD’s estimated budget for 2026–27 is $108,379,094.
The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) brings parents, caregivers, educators, and district staff together to share ideas, provide input, and help improve special education programs and services for students with disabilities and their families.
Why join PAC?
Share your experiences, ideas, and perspective.
Learn about special education resources and services.
Connect with other families and district staff.
Help influence and improve services for students.
Meetings are virtual and begin at 6 p.m. With only 8 meetings throughout the year, you can attend all of them or join when your schedule allows.
Interested in getting involved? Contact Renee Moses, PAC Coordinator, for more information or to join. (rmoses@vbisd.org)
Learn more about PAC: https://www.vbisd.org/o/se/page/parent-advisory-committee
Hosted by the Van Buren Intermediate School District’s Youth Collaborative, the free community event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Van Buren Tech, 250 South St., Lawrence, MI 49064. Participants should follow event signage to the walking path located north of the Van Buren Tech Center.
The Mental Health Walk is designed as a welcoming, low-pressure, open-house-style event where community members can learn about local mental health resources, build resilience, and explore practical wellness tools. Rather than a structured race or 5K, the less-than-half-mile walk allows participants to move through the event at their own pace between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Throughout the event, participants will have the opportunity to visit interactive stations featuring skills from the Community Resilience Model (CRM), an evidence-based framework that helps individuals understand the nervous system and develop practical skills for building resilience. All stations and activities are optional.
The event will also feature opportunities to connect with local agencies and providers, a touch-a-truck experience, and a free book giveaway for the first 100 toddlers who attend. Free sack lunches will be available to the first 100 participants.
The event is hosted by the VBISD Youth Collaborative in collaboration with Bronson, Van Buren Community Mental Health, Van Buren County Youth Court, VBISD Great Start, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Lions Club.
“We’re excited to host the Van Buren Youth Collaborative’s first annual Mental Health Awareness Walk on October 10, World Mental Health Awareness Day. This free, family-friendly event is an opportunity for people of all ages to connect with local mental health resources, learn simple resilience strategies, and enjoy a short walk together. We hope the community will come as they are, rain or shine, and join us in creating greater awareness and support for positive mental health,” said Paula Kana’an.
The walking route includes both paved and grassy areas on the VBISD campus and Van Buren Tech Center grounds. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and terrain.
Event Details
What: Van Buren County Mental Health Walk
When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Van Buren Tech, 250 South St., Lawrence, MI 49064
Cost: Free
Who: Community members of all ages
Weather: Rain or shine
Walk: Less than ½ mile, unstructured and self-paced
Contact: pkanaan@vbisd.org
Educators, social workers, and other professionals who support children and students are invited to attend the 8th Annual VBISD Behavior Conference on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026.
Hosted virtually by Van Buren Intermediate School District, the free conference will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET, providing participants with a convenient opportunity to learn, earn professional development credits, and explore strategies for supporting student behavior.
This year’s keynote presentation, “Executive Functions: Strengthening Internal Skills,” will feature Michael McLeod, MA, CCC-SLP TSSLD, of GrowNOW ADHD. The presentation will explore executive functioning skills that can affect students’ attention, organization, self-regulation, planning, and ability to manage everyday challenges.
Attendees can also earn 5.0 SCECHs, 5.0 Social Work CEs, and 5.0 MiRegistry Credits.
With no registration fee and a virtual format, the conference offers an accessible professional development opportunity for those looking to strengthen their understanding of behavior and executive functioning and bring new strategies back to their schools, organizations, and communities.
The 8th Annual VBISD Behavior Conference will be held virtually Nov. 6 from8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET. Professionals interested in attending are encouraged to save the date and watch for registration information from VBISD.
Register by November 5 on Learning Stream.
Through this program, peer helpers supported students in reading, math, STEM, PE, and social skills while building meaningful connections with their peer buddies. The experience created opportunities for students to grow in confidence, strengthen skills, and feel supported by a community that believes in them, while giving high school volunteers the chance to learn the value of service, compassion, and helping others succeed.
Early Childhood is about so much more than preschool. Through collaboration among programs like GSRP, ECSE, ECIT, Build Up, GSC, Early On, and Parents as Teachers (Family Links), VBISD teams work together to create stronger connections, smoother transitions, and a more supportive experience for children and families. Because when families have the right support early, children have the opportunity to thrive for a lifetime!
This year brought exciting milestones, including the program’s first multilingual student field trip and continued professional growth through advanced training designed to strengthen support for students and educators. However, the greatest successes come through the moments that cannot always be measured, like seeing a student gain the confidence to speak up, advocate for herself, and create new opportunities for her academic future!
Last year, more than 65% of preschool students with IEPs learned in general education classrooms, and our team provided IEP services and supports to 160+ students while completing 105 special education evaluations.
One unforgettable success story came from a young student who used his AAC device to connect with classmates and teachers, proving that with the right support, every child has a voice and the ability to thrive!
At VBISD, we believe our youngest learners and their families deserve the very best we can offer.
At VBISD, we believe every child deserves to be seen, valued, and supported in reaching their full potential. By creating a nurturing environment where young learners can grow with confidence, the Project NOMAD preschool program helps prepare children for success in kindergarten and for the opportunities that lie ahead.
The impact of this work goes beyond academics. Dedicated educators build lasting relationships with students, meet families where they are, and help remove barriers that stand between students and their goals. Whether it’s helping a student gain confidence in reading or advocating for a student to overcome obstacles and earn their diploma, every success story is a reminder of the power of support and opportunity.
At VBISD, we believe investing in all children creates a better future for all. Every student deserves the chance to grow, achieve, and discover what is possible!
The department’s work begins at birth- not just in preschool. Whether families have questions, need resources, or are looking for support, the Early Childhood team connects them with the right services because there is truly no wrong door.
This year, the GSRP, ECSE, ECIT, Build Up, GSC, Early On, and Parents as Teachers (Family Links) teams strengthened collaboration across programs to create smoother transitions and a more connected experience for children and families.
Early childhood is about more than preschool, it’s about providing the support children need during the most critical years of development. VBISD believes every child deserves a strong start and every family deserves a partner along the way!
Serving all 11 school districts in Van Buren County, Middle College is about more than free college credits, it's about helping students succeed. While the average U.S. community college graduation rate is around 30%, Van Buren Middle College students graduate at a rate of over 90%, thanks to the holistic support system built around each learner.
At VBISD, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to dream big and work toward their goals. We're excited to continue that mission with a new team and new initiatives in the coming school year.