Parent Advisory Committee

The Van Buren ISD Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is comprised of parents who have a child with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). PAC members serve as a voice for families whose children receive special education programs and/or services within Van Buren County. Van Buren ISD PAC also:

  • Provides an opportunity to increase parent awareness about special education. Information and training sessions help parents understand special education programs and services countywide, and learn about current topics in special education across the state of Michigan.

  • Ensures parents have input into the development of the countywide plan for special education programs and services.

  • Provides an opportunity for parents to meet, provide input, and ask questions regarding special education. It is also an opportunity for parents to network and develop parent resources.

How do I become a PAC member?

PAC members are recommended for appointment by their local school district board of education and approved by the VBISD Board of Education. Every effort is made to ensure members represent each local school district and the various disabilities of students enrolled in our programs. PAC members:

  • Attend and participate in meetings and training sessions to increase understanding about the education of students with disabilities

  • Share information and support other parents in collaboration with the local school districts and ISD programs

  • Facilitate the Excellence in Education PAC Awards to honor those persons who have gone above and beyond their role in educating and supporting students with IEPs

Can I attend a PAC meeting without having been appointed and approved by the school board?

Yes, our meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome!

Logo for the Van Buren ISD Parent Advisory Committee.

PAC Liaisons


Katy Holverstott
kholverstott@vbisd.org

Amy Paul
apaul@vbisd.org

Laura Thornburg
lthornburg@vbisd.org

Anna Weber
aweber@vbisd.org

Excellence in Education Award

The Excellence in Education Awards are sponsored by the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) of Van Buren County to honor those persons who have played a vital role in educating and supporting students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Persons deserving of this prestigious award have gone above and beyond to contribute to the success of the students they serve, including:

  • Special Education Teachers

  • General Education Teachers

  • Administrators

  • Ancillary Staff

  • Support Staff

2023 PAC Excellence in Education Award Recipients were honored during a reception hosted by the Parent Advisory Committee on May 4, 2023 at the Van Buren ISD Conference Center.

Congratulations to the 2023 recipients!

Group Photo of 2023 PAC Award Winners

2023 PAC Excellence in Education Award Recipients

2023 PAC Excellence in Education Award Recipients

Award Category: Administrator

  • Tracy Derhammer, Paw Paw Public Schools

  • Bill Dygert, Bloomingdale Public Schools

Award Category: General Educator

  • Amy Klein, Hartford Public Schools

  • Nicole Stenman, South Haven Public Schools

  • Ben Tomlinson, Paw Paw Public Schools

Award Category: Special Educator (ISD Program)

  • Lashonia Leonard, Van Buren Intermediate School District

  • Bill Nelson, Van Buren Intermediate School District

  • Lisa Stephayn, Van Buren Intermediate School District

Award Category: Special Educator (Local District):

  • Chelsea Embury, Bangor Public Schools

  • Michelle Olsen, Paw Paw Public Schools

  • Betsi Verseput, South Haven Public Schools

Award Category: Transportation/Support Staff Personnel

  • Mindy Carlsen, Paw Paw Public Schools

  • Julie Dolezan, Paw Paw Public Schools

  • Jessie Goodrode, Van Buren Intermediate School District

Award Category: Ancillary Staff

  • Katie Potts, Van Buren Intermediate School District

  • Leslie Rafferty, Van Buren Intermediate School District

  • Deb Kollar, Van Buren Intermediate School District

Award Category: School District Team

Bloomingdale Elementary Special Education Team, Bloomingdale Public Schools