The Macomb Intermediate School District’s new Donald Bollinger Education Center for special needs students opened Aug. 23 with a dedication ceremony at the center on Irving Road in Sterling Heights.
The Bollinger education center will provide educational opportunities and support services, including health services, for students who have significant disabilities, the ISD Board of Education said in a press release.
Its construction was funded by a 2022 bond proposal. More than 70% of voters approved the proposal, agreeing to raise up to about $97.5 million for special education services.
The center is named after Donald “Bolly” Bollinger, an educator who advocated for students with special needs and for their families.
“Throughout his career, Bollinger continues to be known as a collaborative leader, mentor, and advocate whose work helps expand opportunities and support systems for students with diverse needs,” Macomb ISD Superintendent Michael DeVault said in a press release. “His commitment to service and innovation will shape the culture and programs that continue to benefit families throughout Macomb County today.”
The opening of the Bollinger center also continues the Macomb ISD’s commitment to students with special needs, DeVault said. The district serves Macomb County’s local school districts by providing specialized services and support programs, including those for students who have diverse learning needs. It works with children and families from birth through age 26.
“The new (Bollinger) center stands as an investment in the future, ensuring students have access to specialized programming, advanced therapeutic services, and educational environments designed specifically around their unique strengths and needs,” DeVault said.
The Bollinger center was built on the site of Warren’s former Fillmore Elementary School, which closed in 2015.
It has equipment for students with complex medical needs, such as ventilators, tracheostomies and feeding tubes as well as nursing care. It also has therapeutic programs like physical and occupational therapy, speech and language services as well as spaces like sensory rooms, motor development rooms, dedicated therapy spaces and a therapeutic pool.
Ashley Levell, the parent of a son with special needs and president of the Bovenschen Parent Group, thanked the ISD for building the Donald Bollinger Education Center, which she described as a dream come to life.
“I’m so grateful that my son, AJ, along with many other special needs individuals, have such an amazing place like the Bollinger Center to grow, learn, and become the incredible people they are!” Levell said in the press release. “We will forever cherish the legacy that Keith Bovenschen School provided for all our students and their families, but we’re ecstatic to see what lies in the future of the beautiful Donald Bollinger Educational Center!”
Students with moderate to severe cognitive impairments attended the Bovenschen school in Warren while the Bollinger Center was under construction.
ckthompson@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: New Metro Detroit school has extensive services for special needs students
Reporting by Carol Thompson, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Carol Thompson, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
