Van Buren Intermediate School District

10/16/2026

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.

10/14/2026

At Bert Goens Learning Center, students with disabilities receive center-based services designed to support their individual needs, growth and independence.

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!

10/11/2026

VBISD Human Resources supports much more than hiring and employee paperwork. A lot happens behind the scenes to support the people who make our organization and local schools possible.

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!

10/09/2026

Mental health is something that touches every person, every family and every community.

That is why Van Buren County is coming together for its first-ever Mental Health Awareness Walk tomorrow- Saturday, October 10, in recognition of World Mental Health Awareness Day.

Hosted by the VBISD Youth Collaborative, this free, family-friendly event is an opportunity to slow down, connect with others, learn about local mental health resources and explore simple, practical ways to build resilience.

The walk is intentionally low-pressure. There is no race or required pace. Community members of all ages can come as they are, walk at their own pace, visit optional interactive stations and connect with local organizations and providers.

Saturday, October 10, 2026
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Van Buren Tech
250 South St., Lawrence, MI

The event is free and will take place rain or shine. We hope you will join us as we walk together for mental health awareness, connection and community.

10/09/2026

The Superintendent’s Office does more than oversee educational matters. The team works with 11 local school districts, county officials, community leaders, law enforcement, economic development organizations, and other partners to support schools and advocate for the needs of students, families, and communities.

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.

10/05/2026

Tune in to FOX 17 Morning Mix tomorrow, Tuesday, October 6, from 10–11 a.m. to hear from Melissa Corona, VBISD Director of Instructional Services, and Paula Kana’an, VBISD Mental Health Clinician Supervisor.

Melissa and Paula joined FOX 17 to discuss the importance of mental health awareness and support for individuals of all ages throughout Van Buren County. They also shared more about the first-ever Van Buren County Mental Health Awareness Walk, taking place Saturday, October 10, on World Mental Health Day.
Hosted by the Van Buren Youth Collaborative and community partners, the free, come-as-you-are event will take place from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at 250 South St. in Lawrence. The event will include resilience-building activities, community resources and providers, a short walk, a Touch-a-Truck experience, free sack lunches for the first 100 attendees, and a free book giveaway for the first 100 toddlers and young children.

Melissa and Paula also discuss the upcoming Whole Child Summit and how these initiatives grew from a shared belief that mental health awareness, resilience, and community support are essential to the well-being of our children and communities!

We hope you’ll tune in tomorrow and join us on October 10.

FOX 17 FOX 17 Morning Mix Van Buren ISD Instructional Servicesv

09/30/2026

COMING UP: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Join us for the Van Buren Mental Health Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Van Buren Tech.
Attend at your own pace. All activities and stations are optional, creating a welcoming, low-pressure experience for individuals and families.

Location: Van Buren Tech, 250 South St., Lawrence, MI
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Join us for the Van Buren Mental Health Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Van Buren Tech.

Attend at your own pace. All activities and stations are optional, creating a welcoming, low-pressure experience for individuals and families.

Location: Van Buren Tech, 250 South St., Lawrence, MI
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Registration is not required, but is strongly encouraged:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc74XyKuB7Uu08VsHSsjAoYwNfngPwMPFou5FJc-M6ZqV8hAQ/viewform

09/28/2026

Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD) Adult Education is proud to announce that it has received a $10,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) to support adult literacy and English language education throughout Van Buren County!

The grant will help VBISD’s Adult Multilingual Education program acquire valuable technology to enhance classroom instruction and learning experiences for adult learners. The program provides free educational opportunities to adults at a variety of English proficiency levels who are working to improve their language and literacy skills, pursue employment and educational goals, and strengthen their connections to their communities.

This funding will help remove barriers for local adult learners and provide them with the skills and confidence to communicate effectively, support their families, pursue employment opportunities, and actively participate in their communities.

“We are grateful to have our program recognized through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation grant. These funds will provide valuable technology to enhance our classrooms and learning experiences for adult learners across Van Buren County,” said Amy Engbers, Adult Multilingual Education Coordinator.

The grant is part of a record-setting, single-day investment of nearly $16 million in literacy grants from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation supporting adult, family, and summer literacy programs nationwide.

We are grateful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for investing in adult learners and helping expand access to literacy education in Van Buren County!

Dollar General News Channel 3 WWMT TV

09/18/2026

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Join us for the Van Buren Mental Health Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Van Buren Tech.

Attend at your own pace. All activities and stations are optional, creating a welcoming, low-pressure experience for individuals and families.

Location: Van Buren Tech, 250 South St., Lawrence, MI
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Registration is not required, but is strongly encouraged:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc74XyKuB7Uu08VsHSsjAoYwNfngPwMPFou5FJc-M6ZqV8hAQ/viewform

09/17/2026

Educators, mark your calendars!
Join VBISD for an engaging virtual day of professional learning focused on supporting student behavior and strengthening executive functioning skills.

This conference is designed for teachers, paraprofessionals, service providers, support staff, special education supervisors, and district administrators looking for practical, school-based strategies to better support students.

Participants will explore practical strategies to support students with ADHD and executive function challenges, including planning, organization, working memory, task initiation, self-regulation, and student independence.

Come learn, connect, and leave with strategies you can put into practice right away. We hope to see you there!

Register by November 5!
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0067-0004-b79bcf67d1174dd089dbc8c8ee5b7720

Van Buren ISD Instructional Services
VBISD Special Education