At Ingham Intermediate School District, special education isn’t just a program—it’s a promise.
Each year, more than 6,700 students across Ingham County receive individualized special education services through local school districts, supported by coordination and expertise from Ingham ISD. These services extend beyond academics, supporting students with complex learning, physical, medical, and communication needs as they work toward independence, confidence, and community participation.
Some students may also continue to receive services through age 26, with transition programs focused on living skills, employment readiness, and personal growth.
At the heart of this support system are two center-based schools: Beekman Center and Heartwood School. These facilities are designed to meet highly specialized needs through therapeutic environments, customized instruction, and collaborative care teams. But both buildings are aging—and as educational practices and student needs evolve, so must the learning environments that serve them.
On May 5, 2026, voters will have the opportunity to consider a Special Education Bond that, if approved, would generate nearly $100 million to replace the Beekman Center and renovate Heartwood School.
The proposed improvements aim to:
Enhance safety, dignity, and accessibility
Expand opportunities for individualized learning and therapy
Support long-term success in both school and life
This investment reflects a powerful truth: when we build systems that work for those with the greatest needs, we build systems that work better for everyone.
To learn more about the bond proposal and special education services in our region, visit:
www.inghamisd.org/2026SpecialEducationBond
Recent Stories:
Ingham ISD’s regional approach brings together 12 local districts, community partners, and professional learning opportunities to ensure students have access to consistent support and diverse postsecondary pathways. From special education coordination across the service area to Military Professional Development for educators, collaboration remains at the center of student success.
Through a partnership with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Ingham ISD welcomed local business leader Rocco Rucinski to Waverly High School as part of the “Principal for a Day” initiative. The experience strengthened connections between schools and the business community while highlighting opportunities for collaboration that support students and the future workforce.
