Berrien RESA

What Berrien RESA does

Berrien Regional Education Service Agency (Berrien RESA) is a state-chartered Intermediate School District headquartered in Berrien Springs, Michigan, established in 1962 as one of 56 ISDs created under Michigan law. It is a public education service agency (not a for-profit company) that delivers centralized programs and shared services on behalf of its constituent districts. Its service footprint covers 15 public school districts, 20+ non-public schools, and 4 public school academies, reaching over 24,000 students across Berrien County. Operating centers include Blossomland Learning Center, Lighthouse Education Center, the ASD Program, the Berrien County Juvenile Center, the Math & Science Center, and the Bertrand Innovation Center.

The agency's portfolio spans early childhood programs (Early On, Great Start Readiness Program, Parents as Teachers, Strong Beginnings), career and technical education (construction trades, culinary arts, aviation, allied health, machine tool, criminal justice), transition and college-credit pathways (Project SEARCH, Early Middle College, Berrien Talent Collaborative Apprenticeships, Build Up Michigan), special education center-based programs, and shared district services (pupil accounting, professional development, technology support, mental health support, crisis communications via CrisisGo, printing, and REMC services). The technology stack relies on third-party platforms — PowerSchool, Skyward/Qmlativ, Infinity by Kelvin, CrisisGo, Google Workspace — rather than proprietary products. Notable countywide initiatives include Berrien THRIVES (a first-in-Michigan collaborative organizing 15 districts around literacy, math, and belonging) and the Always Learning weekly radio show on WSJM 94.9 FM.

Revenue is generated primarily through state per-pupil allocations and federal education grants, with additional shared services revenue from member districts for consolidated administrative and business functions (managed-services model). Pricing is not publicly disclosed. Governance rests with an elected Board of Education led by President Jackie Van Horn, Vice-President Andrew Robinson, Secretary John Proos, Treasurer Dan Buckenmeyer, and Trustee Nancy Kiernan, with day-to-day leadership provided by Superintendent Eric Hoppstock (contracted through 2029). The organization is a standalone government entity — no parent company, no private investors, no M&A history, and no venture funding.

Name

Berrien RESA

Legal name

Berrien Regional Education Service Agency

Website

https://berrienresa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1962

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Berrien RESA is a state-chartered Intermediate School District in Berrien Springs, Michigan, providing centralized educational programs and shared administrative, CTE, special education, and early childhood services to 15 public school districts and 24,000+ students across Berrien County.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

K-12 Regional Education Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (6117)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Regional Education Service Agencies (ESAs/BOCES/Intermediate Units) (EDADABAC)

Keywords

• Education service agency
• Special education services
• Career technical education
• Early childhood education
• Professional development services

Headquarters

HQ city

Berrien Springs

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: Berrien RESA is funded primarily through state per-pupil funding allocations and federal revenue sources. Budget adoption occurs annually by the Board of Education no later than June 30, with subsequent amendments posted within 15 days.
2. Shared Services Revenue: Provides consolidated administrative and business services to member school districts, generating revenue through shared service arrangements.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Berrien RESA is a Regional Education Service Agency (Intermediate School District) that delivers centralized educational services to 15 public school districts, 4 public school academies, and 20+ non-public schools across Berrien County, Michigan. Its core offerings span special education (ASD Program, Blossomland Learning Center, Lighthouse Education Center, Juvenile Center), early childhood programs (Early On, Great Start Readiness Program, Parents as Teachers, Strong Beginnings), Career & Technical Education, Early Middle College, the Math & Science Center, Project SEARCH transition services, shared administrative services, professional development, technology services, and mental health support for member districts.

Product overview

Berrien RESA operates as a Regional Education Service Agency (Intermediate School District) providing a comprehensive portfolio of educational programs and services to 15 public school districts, 4 public school academies, and 20+ parochial/private schools serving over 24,000 students in Berrien County, Michigan. The organization offers center-based special education programs (ASD Program, Blossomland Learning Center, Lighthouse Education Center, Juvenile Center), early childhood services (Early On, Great Start Readiness Program, Parents as Teachers, Strong Beginnings), career and technical education pathways, transition programs (Project SEARCH, Early Middle College), and shared administrative services. Key initiatives include Berrien THRIVES (countywide collaboration on literacy, math, and belonging) and the Always Learning Radio Show. The agency also provides professional development, technology services, and mental health support to partner districts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Berrien THRIVES: Collaborative countywide initiative focused on shared goals in literacy, math, and belonging in Berrien County schools.
• Always Learning
• Bertrand Innovation Center

Products and services

• ASD Program (Autism Spectrum Disorder Program) Specialized educational program providing support and services for students with autism spectrum disorder, featuring dedicated staff and classroom environments, for students across Berrien County.
• Berrien Talent Collaborative Apprenticeships Workforce development program connecting employers with students for registered apprenticeship opportunities in various career pathways.
• Build Up Michigan Career and technical education initiative providing pathways to employment and skills development for young people.
• Career & Technical Education (CTE) Comprehensive CTE program offering courses in agriculture, construction trades, culinary arts, radio & TV broadcasting, aviation, criminal justice, machine tool & mechanical drafting, and allied health across Berrien County schools.
• Early Middle College Program allowing high school students to earn college credits and an associate degree or certificate alongside their high school diploma.
• Early On Early intervention program providing services for infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) with developmental delays or disabilities.
• Juvenile Center Educational program providing services for youth involved in the juvenile justice system, supporting academic progress and reintegration.
• Great Start Readiness Program (Pre-School) State-funded preschool program preparing children ages 3-5 for kindergarten through play-based learning experiences.
• Math & Science Center Resource center providing enrichment programs, competitions, and talent development in mathematics and science for students across Berrien County.
• Parents as Teachers Home visiting program providing parent education, developmental screenings, and support services for families with young children.
• Project SEARCH Transition Program Transition program for students with disabilities providing job training and employment skills through internship experiences.
• Strong Beginnings Early childhood program supporting school readiness and family engagement for young children in Berrien County.
• Blossomland Learning Center Special education center serving students with complex needs, providing individualized educational programs and therapies.
• Lighthouse Education Center Special education center providing educational services for students with autism and other developmental disabilities.
• Bertrand Innovation Center Meeting and training facility available for reservations, featuring flexible seating, smart boards, Zoom-enabled spaces, and rooms for community events and apprenticeships.
• Berrien THRIVES Countywide collaborative initiative uniting 15 public school districts to achieve shared goals in literacy, mathematics, and student belonging/school climate.
• Professional Development Services Training and continuing education programs for educators, including literacy coaching, math coaching, and professional learning opportunities.
• Shared Services Consolidated administrative and business services provided to local school districts, including pupil accounting and financial operations.

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• WSJM (94.9 FM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedia partnership for the 'Always Learning with Berrien RESA' weekly radio show airing Mondays at 8:10 AM. The show highlights education news across Berrien County with superintendent interviews and special guests from schools and education organizations.
• Michigan Works!coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of Career Pathway Day event at Lake Michigan College, bringing together over 2,000 high schoolers to explore different careers. Partnership enables workforce development programming for Berrien County students.
• Lake Michigan CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for annual Career Pathway Day event, partnering with Berrien RESA and Michigan Works! to connect students with career exploration opportunities.
• Corewell Health SouthwestsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner collaborating on the Oh Baby! event celebrating newborns and the Whole Child Collaborative Partnership focused on student health and well-being.
• United Way of Southwest MichigancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerrien RESA is a United Way funded partner, receiving support to provide community services including the Great Start Collaborative and early childhood education programs.
• Warren Dunes State ParksecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfound partnership connecting students with nature-based learning experiences and environmental education opportunities at Warren Dunes State Park.
• Lory's PlacesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrief support organization partnering with Berrien RESA to provide support services at local schools, including the Always Learning radio show featuring their work.
• YMCA of BH-SJsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for playgroups and family wellness programs, combining early childhood education with community health initiatives through the Great Start Collaborative.
• Great Start CollaborativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinated initiative through Great Start Berrien focused on early childhood development and school readiness, with dedicated coordinator Jenilee Moody serving as Local Leadership Group Coordinator.
• First Student, Inc.secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool transportation provider supporting school bus safety programming and emergency planning discussions through the Always Learning radio show.
• CrisisGosecondaryTechnology or IntegrationEmergency communication platform used across Berrien County schools enabling staff to quickly communicate with one another and first responders during emergencies.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Wayne RESA: Wayne County Regional Education Service Agency in Michigan. Directly comparable as a county-level RESA providing shared administrative, special education, and curriculum services to member districts.
• Oakland Schools: Michigan ISD serving Oakland County districts. Comparable as a regional education service agency offering special education, early childhood, CTE, and professional development on a larger scale.
• Genesee Intermediate School District: Michigan ISD serving Genesee County. Comparable as a regional education service agency providing special education, CTE, and shared services across multiple districts.
• Macomb Intermediate School District: Michigan ISD serving Macomb County. Comparable regional education service agency model delivering shared services, special education centers, and countywide programming to constituent districts.
• Ingham Intermediate School District: Michigan ISD serving the Lansing area. Comparable in scope and service model as a countywide regional education service agency.
• Ottawa Area Intermediate School District: Michigan ISD serving Ottawa County on Lake Michigan's eastern shore. Comparable as a neighboring West Michigan regional education service agency with similar service mix.
• Washtenaw Intermediate School District: Michigan ISD serving Washtenaw County. Comparable as a regional education service agency with shared services, special education, and countywide programming.
• Kalamazoo RESA: Michigan regional education service agency serving Kalamazoo County. Comparable in scale, structure, and service mix to Berrien RESA as a neighboring Southwest Michigan ISD.
• Kent Intermediate School District: Michigan ISD serving school districts in Kent County, including Grand Rapids. Directly comparable as a regional education service agency providing shared services, special education, and CTE across multiple constituent districts.

Regional players

• Allegan Area Educational Service Agency: Michigan ESA serving Allegan County, adjacent to Berrien County. Comparable regional education service agency structure, though slightly smaller scale and serving a different geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/berrienresa
• Facebookfacebook.com/berrienresa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/berrien-resa

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles22 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Berrien RESA