BUILDING SPACES THAT INSPIRE Whether on campus or in satellite centers, Berrien Springs invests in bright, modern, and safe learning environments. The district continually renovates its facilities, replacing outdated classrooms with vibrant, technology-driven spaces. “We make sure to evaluate our learning spaces across the district each year, and we place them on a scheduled refresh cycle that includes new paint, updated furniture, and the latest technology,” says Dr. Bruce. “Our kids deserve the best.” That philosophy extends to offsite centers, where many alternative education programs take place. “For too long, alternative students were taught in the basement or with hand-me-down equipment,” he says. “Our spaces look like tech startups—fresh, clean, and designed for collaboration.” “We rent spaces in partnership communities as tutoring centers. While we cannot demand that students attend, we know that when they come into the centers we can develop meaningful relationships more quickly.And, often our students find and create a new community with other students that attend the center,” Dr. Bruce relays. “So, while our program is virtual in nature, we do everything we can to be more than that. It is a hybrid program for some, and for others it is a self scheduled time to interact with staff and peers. In fact we have a number of activities across these centers to entice students and their families to attend. Everything from taco tuesday to family nights to decorating their motorboards for graduation,” he adds. RECRUITING HEARTS, NOT JUST RESUMES Berrien Springs’ workforce strategy mirrors its educational one: personalized and purpose-driven. “Working in alternative education is not for everyone,” Cumings says. “It’s heart-first work.” Each center employs a mix of certified teachers, relationship managers, social workers, and behavior coaches—a specialized role created to 189 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 BERRIEN SPRINGS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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