Through VBISD’s Multilingual & Migrant Services and Project NOMAD, students whose education has been interrupted by frequent moves receive the support they need to close learning gaps, build confidence, and succeed. Serving students and families connected to migratory agricultural work, our team provides educational support, advocacy, and resources to ensure students have access to the opportunities they deserve. Through Project NOMAD’s summer learning program, students strengthen skills in reading and math while also exploring STEM, nutrition, and physical education in a welcoming environment where they feel valued and supported.
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 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 VBISD Early Childhood Department helps children and families build a strong foundation for lifelong success, from birth through kindergarten and beyond. Through high-quality preschool, special education, home visiting, developmental services, and family support, the department ensures every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
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!
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!
Van Buren Middle College helps students bridge the gap between high school and college by earning up to a full associate degree tuition-free while still in high school- saving families both time and money. More importantly, students receive personalized, wrap-around support every step of the way, including a dedicated 1-on-1 mentor for every student.
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.
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.
The Maple Creek Education Center (MCEC) is a centralized, self-contained special education program that serves students whose social-emotional and behavioral needs have significantly impacted their learning. Working closely with local districts and families, MCEC provides individualized support to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
One thing many people are surprised to learn is that MCEC is a very quiet building- a reflection of the calm, structured, and supportive environment created for students. This past year, two students successfully returned to their home districts full time, while three additional students began transitioning back through mainstream opportunities, with even more time in their local schools planned for the upcoming year!
One word that describes MCEC is Resilience.
Every day, dedicated staff work alongside incredible students to celebrate growth, overcome challenges, and prepare for future success.
A common misconception is that social-emotional and behavioral skills are different from academic skills. In reality, they are learned the same way- through instruction, practice, reinforcement, and encouragement.
One thing many people are surprised to learn is that MCEC is a very quiet building- a reflection of the calm, structured, and supportive environment created for students. This past year, two students successfully returned to their home districts full time, while three additional students began transitioning back through mainstream opportunities, with even more time in their local schools planned for the upcoming year!
One word that describes MCEC is Resilience.
Every day, dedicated staff work alongside incredible students to celebrate growth, overcome challenges, and prepare for future success.
A common misconception is that social-emotional and behavioral skills are different from academic skills. In reality, they are learned the same way- through instruction, practice, reinforcement, and encouragement.
VBISD Emergency Management partners with local districts to strengthen school safety by helping schools prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Through training, planning, and ongoing support, the department helps create safe and secure learning environments for students and staff.
One thing many people may not realize is the extensive training provided each year. During the 2025-2026 school year, VBISD Emergency Management delivered 125 trainings to more than 3,000 participants across Van Buren County!
One memorable highlight was teaching hands-only CPR to 4th-grade students, equipping young learners with lifesaving skills they can carry for years to come.
One word that describes Emergency Management: Preparedness.
At VBISD, we believe school safety starts with every one of us. Creating safe schools is a community effort, and everyone has a role to play.
One thing many people may not realize is the extensive training provided each year. During the 2025-2026 school year, VBISD Emergency Management delivered 125 trainings to more than 3,000 participants across Van Buren County!
One memorable highlight was teaching hands-only CPR to 4th-grade students, equipping young learners with lifesaving skills they can carry for years to come.
One word that describes Emergency Management: Preparedness.
At VBISD, we believe school safety starts with every one of us. Creating safe schools is a community effort, and everyone has a role to play.
A New Look for VBISD: Many Parts, One Identity.
Over the years, VBISD has grown to include an extensive range of departments, programs, services, educators, and partnerships. While each brings its own expertise and purpose, they all share one thing: they are part of VBISD. Our refreshed identity brings those pieces together under one unified brand, making it easier for our students, families, staff, and communities to recognize how everything connects back to VBISD. We’ve kept the colors from our previous logo as a nod to VBISD's history and tradition, while introducing a complementary color to bring a fresh, modern element that represents growth and innovation. This is more than simply a new logo. It’s a complete visual identity designed to create recognition, consistency, and connection across the organization. And while our look is changing, we’re not leaving our history behind. We’re honoring our past while responsibly preparing for our future.
One organization. One identity. One shared mission. Together, we are VBISD!
As you begin to see the new identity across VBISD’s digital platforms and communications, you’ll notice that our departments and programs will now be represented by the new VBISD logo paired with their specific names, creating a consistent visual connection across the organization while still highlighting the unique services each provides. We’re proud to be an educational organization committed to Providing Educational Services for a Better Tomorrow, supporting students, educators, families, and communities across Van Buren County!
Over the years, VBISD has grown to include an extensive range of departments, programs, services, educators, and partnerships. While each brings its own expertise and purpose, they all share one thing: they are part of VBISD. Our refreshed identity brings those pieces together under one unified brand, making it easier for our students, families, staff, and communities to recognize how everything connects back to VBISD. We’ve kept the colors from our previous logo as a nod to VBISD's history and tradition, while introducing a complementary color to bring a fresh, modern element that represents growth and innovation. This is more than simply a new logo. It’s a complete visual identity designed to create recognition, consistency, and connection across the organization. And while our look is changing, we’re not leaving our history behind. We’re honoring our past while responsibly preparing for our future.
One organization. One identity. One shared mission. Together, we are VBISD!
As you begin to see the new identity across VBISD’s digital platforms and communications, you’ll notice that our departments and programs will now be represented by the new VBISD logo paired with their specific names, creating a consistent visual connection across the organization while still highlighting the unique services each provides. We’re proud to be an educational organization committed to Providing Educational Services for a Better Tomorrow, supporting students, educators, families, and communities across Van Buren County!
Every student can succeed with the right support! VBISD's Migrant Education math program helps students build confidence and strengthen their math skills by providing assessments, targeted interventions, one-on-one support, and resources for teachers. Beyond the numbers, it's about meeting students where they are and giving them the time and opportunity to grow.
One thing that often surprises people is the students' eagerness to learn. They actively seek extra help, embrace new challenges, and create a positive learning environment where growth can flourish.
This past year, students made impressive gains in both math and reading, while families continued to receive the support they needed. One especially memorable success was working with a student who arrived speaking no English but eagerly practiced both math and conversational English each day. Watching his confidence grow was a powerful reminder that learning is about relationships as much as academics.
As we look ahead to the new school year, we're excited to welcome back familiar faces, meet new students, and continue living our belief that every child can learn when given the time, support, and opportunity to succeed.
One thing that often surprises people is the students' eagerness to learn. They actively seek extra help, embrace new challenges, and create a positive learning environment where growth can flourish.
This past year, students made impressive gains in both math and reading, while families continued to receive the support they needed. One especially memorable success was working with a student who arrived speaking no English but eagerly practiced both math and conversational English each day. Watching his confidence grow was a powerful reminder that learning is about relationships as much as academics.
As we look ahead to the new school year, we're excited to welcome back familiar faces, meet new students, and continue living our belief that every child can learn when given the time, support, and opportunity to succeed.
Welcoming the Next Generation of Educators!
VBISD's Instructional Services team welcomed new and early-career educators to New Teacher Academy, a three-day experience focused on building confidence, strengthening instructional practices, and connecting educators with the tools and support they need to thrive. From classroom management and trauma-informed practices to instructional strategies, MTSS, family engagement, and more, teachers gained practical ideas they can take directly into their classrooms.
A highlight of the academy was the Teacher Panel, featuring outstanding educators from districts and grade levels across Van Buren County. New teachers had the opportunity to hear authentic experiences, practical advice, and lessons learned directly from educators who are doing the work every day. We’re grateful to all of the presenters, facilitators, and teacher panelists who shared their expertise and helped welcome our newest educators to the profession!
VBISD's Instructional Services team welcomed new and early-career educators to New Teacher Academy, a three-day experience focused on building confidence, strengthening instructional practices, and connecting educators with the tools and support they need to thrive. From classroom management and trauma-informed practices to instructional strategies, MTSS, family engagement, and more, teachers gained practical ideas they can take directly into their classrooms.
A highlight of the academy was the Teacher Panel, featuring outstanding educators from districts and grade levels across Van Buren County. New teachers had the opportunity to hear authentic experiences, practical advice, and lessons learned directly from educators who are doing the work every day. We’re grateful to all of the presenters, facilitators, and teacher panelists who shared their expertise and helped welcome our newest educators to the profession!
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!
The VBISD Multilingual & Migrant Services team supports newcomer, immigrant, migrant, and multilingual students through English language instruction, academic support, summer programming, home visits, translation and interpretation, and advocacy, while also helping educators better serve multilingual learners. Through Project NOMAD, the team provides summer learning and enrichment for children of migrant workers.
Did you know Van Buren County has the largest migrant worker population in Michigan? Supporting these students is one way the team gives back to the families who contribute so much to local communities and the economy. From the team’s first multilingual field trip to helping students build the confidence to advocate for themselves, the team is passionate about creating opportunity, celebrating diversity, and ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed!
Did you know Van Buren County has the largest migrant worker population in Michigan? Supporting these students is one way the team gives back to the families who contribute so much to local communities and the economy. From the team’s first multilingual field trip to helping students build the confidence to advocate for themselves, the team is passionate about creating opportunity, celebrating diversity, and ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed!
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