KRESA Principal Receives Prestigious MAASE Early Impact Award
Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) named Valley Center School Principal, Meghan Haas, with Early Impact Award.
The MAASE Early Impact Award recognizes a MAASE member within their first five years of leading special education programs and/or services. The award honors emerging leaders who demonstrate exceptional achievement, meaningful outcomes, and significant contributions to the field of special education. Recipients are recognized for leadership within and beyond their administrative roles, engagement in regional and statewide initiatives, and a commitment to improving programs and services for students.
"It’s truly an honor to receive this recognition and being recognized this early in my career is a reminder that impact doesn’t have to wait” said Meghan Haas, “This award belongs just as much to my team at Valley Center School and KRESA as it does to me”.
Since becoming principal of Valley Center School, Haas has led a significant cultural transformation centered on the belief that behavior is communication. Under her leadership, the school has adopted a restorative approach to behavior support that emphasizes relationship-building, the explicit teaching of social-emotional skills, and helping students develop the tools they need to be successful in school and beyond.
That work has produced measurable outcomes, including a 50 percent reduction in the use of seclusion and restraint practices at Valley Center School. Haas has also strengthened programming by redesigning paraprofessional roles into behavior technician positions, advocating for improved learning environments, and securing a literacy coach to ensure students in center-based programs receive high-quality instruction aligned with Michigan's evolving literacy requirements.
"This recognition is a reflection of Meghan's unwavering commitment to students and her exceptional leadership," said Angela Telfer, Executive Director of Special Education. "There is truly no one more deserving. Her leadership as Valley Center School Principal has made a tremendous difference for students, families, and staff, and the positive impact of her work continues to grow.”
Beyond systems and structures, Haas is known for her deep commitment to students and families. Whether connecting families with community resources, helping address basic needs, or ensuring a student feels safe and supported, she leads with compassion, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every learner.
KRESA congratulates Haas on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for the leadership, vision, and compassion she brings to Valley Center School and the broader special education community.
About Valley Center School
Valley Center School (VCS) is a public, center-based special education program serving students ages 8–18 with emotional and behavioral needs across all nine districts in Kalamazoo County. VCS offers a safe, structured learning environment with individualized support, access to the general education curriculum, and daily social-emotional learning.