Van Buren Intermediate School District

The Van Buren ISD Instructional Services Department provides dedicated math coaches/consultants to our local school districts.
The VBISD Math Department has three goals they focus on throughout the year. They build all professional learning and interactions with teachers and administrators with these goals in mind:
-Increase student achievement in math
-Build efficacy among math teachers
-Promote joy in the teaching and learning of math
VBISD math coaches/consultants are truly amazing! They bring expertise, support, and enthusiasm to every interaction and make a lasting impact in classrooms across the county.

VBISD Literacy Coach/Consultant Geanice Miller and Lawton Community Schools Curriculum Director Tamara Webster recently co-facilitated professional learning for Lawton’s middle and high school teachers.
Teachers collaborated to review literacy plans, create visual strategies, and share “elevator speeches” highlighting how their departments will support literacy growth. The session reflected a strong commitment to improving literacy outcomes for EVERY student!

Through VBISD literacy coaching, schools are strengthening writing instruction so students can develop skills that build on one another from one grade level to the next. On March 6, Literacy Coach/Consultant Kattie Northrup partnered with Lawton Community Schools Elementary teachers to facilitate professional learning focused on writing and Essential Instructional Practice #6.
Teachers collaborated in vertical teams to examine writing standards across grade levels, celebrate strong alignment, and identify gaps in skill progression. This work will help the school’s leadership team and teachers better align curriculum and pacing guides so writing standards are taught intentionally and effectively.
When educators collaborate and reflect together, students benefit from stronger, more connected learning experiences!

VBISD is excited to thank Midwest Energy & Communications for the generous Strengthening Schools grant! Their support is helping bring the Peaceful Pups program to life- a yoga and mindfulness initiative for early elementary students, featuring school therapy dogs.

Thanks to MEC, mats, books, yoga cards, calming tools, and more have been provided to help students build self-regulation, coping strategies, and social-emotional skills in a fun, supportive way.

The program is led by Jen Krause, LMSW, School Social Worker with Van Buren Intermediate School District at Paw Paw Public School District

We are grateful for MEC’s partnership in promoting emotional wellness and creating a more inclusive school community!

VBISD’s Instructional Services Department is leading the way in preparing future educators through its Grow Your Own (GYO) program and strong partnerships with institutions like Western Michigan University.

GYO goes beyond supporting enrollment in degree programs; it creates clear, supported pathways for individuals to enter and advance in the education field, helping build a sustainable, local talent pipeline.

This work was recently highlighted on March 6, when Melissa Corona, Director of Instructional Services, and Geanice Miller, Literacy Coach/Consultant and Grow Your Own Success Navigator, participated in Career Building Professional Development Day at WMU’s Sangren Hall. They conducted mock interviews with education students graduating in May 2026, providing valuable real-world experience and professional feedback.

Through initiatives like these, VBISD continues to invest in people and lead the way in developing a future-ready education workforce.

Did you know that the VBISD Technology Services department helps keep Van Buren ISD and supported districts connected, protected, and powered for learning every single day? The team ensures that the technology students and staff rely on, from Chromebooks and classroom displays to Wi-Fi and security systems, works the way it should.

Behind the scenes, the team manages the district’s network, devices, software, cybersecurity, and technical support so teachers can teach and students can learn without interruption. VBISD Technology Services also supports the PowerSchool Student Information System for 27 school districts across Southwest Michigan!

Thank you to the VBISD Technology Services team for all you do!

Behind the Screens: VBISD Technology Services

Technology keeps our schools running and behind it all is our incredible IT team. VBISD Technology Services supports the PowerSchool Special Education Student Information System for 43 districts across Allegan, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren counties, along with eight districts in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Their work helps ensure that educators have the tools and information they need to support students every day.

From troubleshooting and system support to maintaining critical student data systems, their expertise makes a real difference for schools, staff, and students across the state. Thank you to our VBISD Technology Services team for the dedication, problem-solving, and behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything running smoothly.

Mark your calendars! On May 7, 2026, VBISD Instructional Services will be hosting Van Buren Stronger Together, a community event focused on suicide and self-harm awareness. This workshop is designed for professionals, students, and caregivers who want to strengthen their understanding and ability to support mental health and well-being in our community.

Doors will open at 4:30 PM at the Conference Center, where attendees can enjoy light refreshments and connect with local vendors and community resources. The program will begin at 5:00 PM with a keynote speaker addressing suicidality and awareness. Following a brief break, participants will have the opportunity to attend one of two breakout sessions. The event will conclude at 7:45 PM.

This evening is intended to provide a safe, supportive space for learning, connection, and collaboration as we work together to support the well-being of those in Van Buren County.

The third session in the Pathway to PA 146 Series was held at Van Buren ISD’s Conference Center. This series of professional learning and cross-county collaboration supports our local districts and VBISD buildings as they prepare to meet the requirements of PA 146, also known as Michigan’s K–12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law, which will be fully implemented at the start of the 2027–2028 school year.

Previous sessions focused on the language of the law, assessment, and the definition and characteristics of dyslexia. On the 25th, the main topic was increasing understanding of the Science of Reading and alignment to Tier 1 instruction within an MTSS structure. Districts were also introduced to the professional learning requirements of PA 146, which must be completed before the start of the 2027–2028 school year.

The energy in the room from representatives of our nine local districts, two ISD buildings, and two ISD departments was palpable, and we cannot wait for Session 4, which will be held on March 26.

At Van Buren ISD, our Instructional Services Department is dedicated to creating opportunities that change lives. Through our Adult Education Program, adults in our community can improve their English skills, earn their GED, prepare for careers, and even pursue U.S. citizenship. This work strengthens families, builds confidence, and creates pathways to brighter futures.

Aaron Crider, Adult Multilingual Education Teacher at Bangor, recently reflected on the program’s growth in an article submitted to MiTESOL:

“I joined the team in the fall of 2024. Since then, I’ve witnessed an extraordinary growth in our program. Our students have set goals that go beyond learning English as a second language. They are looking to better their lives and using our classes to springboard toward those goals. Currently, we have eight students enrolled in GED programs. One of my GED recipients is on her way to becoming a phlebotomist. She is scheduled to begin classes this spring. A third student passed her American citizenship exam in November. When she started taking English classes, her goal was to be able to read her children’s homework assignments so she could help them. She has met the goal and more now! Joining the Van Buren ISD program has been one of the best experiences of my life. I get excited to teach each week. I’m excited for my students when they discover a new word or finally understand a colloquialism they’ve struggled with for months. I celebrate them when they meet their goals. I will cry tears of joy when they leave- not because they are gone but because I’ll feel like a proud parent sending their baby into the world. And even though I say “I” in all these things, I really mean “we,” because I cannot achieve anything without my team.”

We are proud of the incredible work happening through Van Buren ISD Instructional Services and the lasting impact it continues to make across our community!

DID YOU KNOW: VBISD Technology Services responds to more than 12,000 tickets each year- with a team of just 22 dedicated staff members! Every day, the IT team works behind the scenes to keep classrooms connected, devices running, systems secure, and staff supported. From troubleshooting quick fixes to managing large-scale infrastructure, Technology Services plays a vital role in ensuring learning can happen without interruption across VBISD. Their commitment, responsiveness, and expertise help keep our district moving forward.

The Van Buren County Association of School Boards is sponsoring a day of in-person Certified Boardmember Award (CBA) courses on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Van Buren ISD Conference Center, located at 490 S. Paw Paw Street in Lawrence.

The professional learning event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will include morning refreshments and lunch for attendees. Sessions are designed for school board members seeking training and certification credits.

Morning Sessions (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
CBA 104: Basic School Law
CBA 248: Building Board Effectiveness

Afternoon Sessions (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
CBA 106: Community Relations
CBA 214: Open Meetings Act

Participants may register and find additional:
https://www.masb.org/learning/upcoming-events/detail/2026/03/07/default-calendar/van-buren-cba-day-2026

Note: These classes qualify for reimbursement through the Michigan Department of Education.

What do you love about VBT?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6PmEQU0hmE

This is CTE at VBISD! Students from Van Buren Tech share what they love most about being part of a program that turns passion into purpose. This year, Van Buren Intermediate School District proudly celebrates 50 years of Career & Technical Education in Van Buren County- five decades of equipping students with real-world skills, industry experience, and confident pathways beyond high school.
Located in Lawrence, Michigan, Van Buren Tech continues to lead as a premier CTE center, honoring a legacy of opportunity while shaping the future of workforce-ready learning.

Did you know? Students who participate in CTE programs often perform better in college because they develop strong time management, problem-solving, and career-focused skills before they even graduate high school.

Attend the Van Buren County Transition Fair on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 8:30 AM-3:00 PM at the VBISD Conference Center! This free event is open to students with IEPs or 504 Plans, their families, guardians, teachers, and school staff.

Explore opportunities in:
• Career & Employment Resources
• Continued Education & Training Programs
• Independent Living Supports
• Networking with Community Agencies & Colleges
No registration needed: come connect, learn, and plan for the future!
490 S. Paw Paw St., Lawrence, MI 49064

Join the Parent Advisory Council for their monthly meeting on Thursday, February 26 from 6:00-6:45 PM for a special “Friends in February” gathering!

Families are encouraged to bring a guest who also has a child with an IEP in Van Buren County and connect with others during a Meet the Directors gathering.

Attend in person at the VBISD Conference Center or join virtually (see link below). Light dinner will be provided for in-person guests, and activities will be available for children who attend. We hope to see you there!

In-person:
490 S. Paw Paw St. Lawrence, MI 49064

Virtual:
Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/wzv-nexw-jwq
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 318-536-1033‬ PIN: ‪114 836 640‬#

Faces of VBISD: Meet the people behind the purpose.
Meet Karla Vandenberg, a Special Education Consultant at VBISD. In her role, Karla supports districts across Van Buren County with behavioral and instructional strategies, special education compliance, IEP development, transition planning, crisis response, and professional learning. She works closely with teachers, administrators, and support staff to strengthen practices that ensure students with disabilities receive high-quality, appropriate services.
Karla has been with VBISD since 2001, beginning her career as a School Social Worker before moving into a consulting role. In addition to her work at VBISD, she has been actively involved with the Michigan Association of School Social Workers since 2006, serving in leadership roles including conference chair, inter-university representative, regional president, and now state association president. Supporting school social workers across Michigan has been an important and meaningful part of her professional journey.
What Karla loves most about her work is helping educators and teams feel confident, supported, and equipped to do what’s best for students. She values collaboration and the strong relationships built through this work. One accomplishment she is especially proud of is helping create VBISD’s countywide crisis response team. After experiencing the loss of a student to suicide in 2012, while serving as the only mental health professional in her district, Karla worked with then Director Dave Manson and Superintendent Jeff Mills to develop a system so districts would never have to face crises alone. What began with just a handful of school social workers has grown into a team of more than 60 trained professionals who have supported dozens of incidents across the county! Karla believes her department is unique because it exists to support districts, educators, and students with complex needs, no matter the size of the challenge. The team problem-solves, coaches, trains, and responds in real time to ensure students receive the services they need.
Her advice to her younger self is to trust her instincts, give herself grace, and remember that growth takes time. Outside of work, Karla recharges by spending time outdoors. She enjoys long walks with her dog, reading on the deck, and paddleboarding whenever possible. A fun fact many people don’t know is that she grew up on a farm and is a nature-loving country girl at heart. Her life philosophy centers on leading with integrity and doing what’s right, even when it isn’t easy. In life and leadership, Karla hopes others understand that empathy and clarity can coexist and that both are essential for strong teams and meaningful work. On difficult days, she stays motivated by remembering the impact this work has on students and families.
Karla describes VBISD in one word as committed, noting that the district consistently shows up for students, staff, and families through collaboration, training, and problem-solving, always focused on doing what’s right for kids.

Learning grows where encouragement lives. VBISD is committed to nurturing every student’s journey!

VBISD is dedicated to providing exceptional educational services, empowering students with the knowledge and skills they need to build a brighter future!

Faces of VBISD: Meet the people behind the purpose
Meet Angie Gutierrez, Administrator of Multilingual and Migrant Services at VBISD. Angie oversees multilingual programs across seven districts, supporting teachers and leading the countywide Multilingual Collaboration Network, which brings educators together each month to strengthen language instruction.
She also directs the school-year and Summer Migrant Program, serving eight districts. The summer program supports students from preschool through 12th grade whose families work in agriculture, while her team provides HOME services and English classes for youth in migrant camps. VBISD is also one of only two identification and recruitment centers in Michigan, with staff reaching across more than 20 counties to connect migrant students with educational support.
Angie has been with VBISD for 3.5 years and brings 25 years of experience in Migrant and Multilingual education. What she loves most about her work is seeing the impact on students and families and how access and advocacy can change lives. One accomplishment she’s proud of is expanding services for multilingual and migrant families.
Angie describes her department as uniquely focused on elevating the voices and needs of students and families navigating new languages and systems. Beyond academics, her team provides advocacy, resources, and a sense of belonging, often meeting families in camps, homes, or workplaces to ensure every child is supported.
A fun fact about Angie: she worked on a cherry farm as a teenager and spent time in a blueberry packing house, giving her firsthand understanding of the migrant lifestyle and the importance of strong educational support. Outside of work, Angie enjoys camping with her family.
She lives by the belief: “Every language spoken. Every culture honored. Every student valued. Language is not a barrier- it’s a bridge to connection, culture, and community.” She hopes others remember that leadership is about service and creating pathways for others to succeed.
For Angie, VBISD is special because of the people and the spirit of collaboration. “I may not always have every answer, but I can always count on someone in our organization for support.”
If she had to describe VBISD in one word, she’d choose collaborative, reflecting the shared purpose that defines her experience.