At Van Buren Public Schools, we pride ourselves on creating a safe and welcoming environment for every student, staff member and community guest. While much of that experience happens inside the classroom, the first thing anyone sees when they arrive is our outdoor spaces – freshly cut lawns, clear sidewalks, lined athletic fields, and safe, clean play areas.

These don’t just happen on their own. They’re the result of the hard work and year-round dedication of the VBPS grounds crew – a group of professionals whose contributions often go unseen but never unnoticed.


Maintaining 230 Acres and Eight School Buildings

The VBPS grounds crew is responsible for over 230 acres of land across eight district buildings, including parking lots, playgrounds, athletic complexes, and green spaces. This means mowing, edging, trimming, planting, fertilizing, leaf-blowing, snowplowing, and more – all while working around the busy schedules of schools and events.

No two days are the same. In the spring and summer, the crew is busy mowing, maintaining sports fields and prepping for end-of-year events and summer school. In the fall, they handle leaf removal, field transitions and storm cleanup. And when winter hits, they’re out well before dawn clearing snow and ice to ensure schools can safely open. Their schedules shift with the seasons, but their commitment never wavers.


Experts in Equipment and Athletic Field Maintenance

Maintaining such a large district requires more than muscle – it takes knowledge, skill and experience. The VBPS grounds crew operates a full fleet of equipment, including tractors, zero-turn mowers, snowplows, line stripers, skid steers, and more. Each machine serves a specific purpose, and knowing how to operate, maintain and repair them is a big part of the job.

Their expertise really shines when it comes to our athletic fields. The crew prepares and maintains fields for football, baseball, softball, soccer, and track. They paint lines, drag infields, aerate turf, repair irrigation, and ensure surfaces are safe and game ready. Whether it’s the home opener on a Friday night or an early morning track meet, their work sets the stage for our athletes to succeed.


Committed to Safety – Rain, Shine or Snow

Safety is at the core of everything the grounds crew does. They’re trained to spot and prevent potential hazards – from icy sidewalks and fallen limbs to loose fencing or uneven ground. Their fast response to weather events and facility needs helps keep our campuses safe for everyone.

In the winter, their job becomes even more critical. Snow removal starts long before the sun comes up and often continues throughout the day. The crew is responsible for salting walkways, plowing parking lots and keeping emergency exits clear. Their work is key to making sure schools can operate on schedule – even during harsh Michigan winters.


Supporting Events and School Spirit

Beyond daily maintenance, the grounds crew supports countless special events throughout the year. They set up for outdoor graduations, field days, carnivals, and after-hours community activities. They help move materials, place tents or fencing and assist with clean-up – doing whatever it takes to make events run smoothly.

Their attention to detail and pride in their work elevates the entire district. Every time a family attends a school event or a visiting team plays on our fields, they’re seeing the results of this crew’s behind-the-scenes efforts.


A Team That Takes Pride in Their Work

What sets the VBPS grounds crew apart is more than their skills – it’s their passion. They care deeply about the schools they serve and the people who use these spaces every day. They take ownership of the land, the fields, the equipment, and the appearance of the district as a whole.

They don’t just mow grass or move snow – they create an environment where students can thrive, staff can focus on their work and families can feel proud of their schools.


Thank You, Grounds Crew!

To our incredible Van Buren Public Schools grounds crew: thank you. Your early mornings, long hours, heavy lifting, and behind-the-scenes support don’t go unnoticed. You are essential to the success of our district, and we’re proud to shine the spotlight on you.