The City of Watervliet is located in southwest Michigan, approximately 15 miles east of the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor metropolitan area, in Berrien County and 35 miles west of Kalamazoo, MI. The school district serves approximately 1,500 PreK-12 students with grades 9-12 high school enrollment of approximately 440.

Lori Pline worked as an upper elementary teacher in the Watervliet Public School District for 25 years before taking on the role of North School Principal.  She had just finished a year of substituted teaching when she applied to work at WPS; she was looking for a district that she could be a permanent part of.  She has served as a WEA Union Representative and she as the 5th-grade Chairperson.  Lori is also the assistant coach of the Panther varsity volleyball team.  

Why should you join our WPS family?

“Watervliet Public Schools has a long history of being one of the best places around to work.  I love the community pride and spirit our district generates in town. The community supports us, the board wants to do what is right, and the administration has worked hard to give us the compensation we deserve.

“As a school, we know who we are and are not afraid to stand up for ourselves and what is best for our students.  Doing what is best for our students drives all of us to be the best we can be.

“We are a tight-knit community.  This includes staff and faculty, no matter where you work (in the district) there will be people to support you and make you better.  When I chose to work at WPS 25 years ago, I had no idea how it would become such a big part of my life.  I live here, both of my children are graduates of WPS, and we take part in most of the community events.  When you chose to be a part of Watervliet Public Schools, the town chooses you to be a part of it.”

Braidyn Dawson is a 5th-grade student at Watervliet North Elementary School.  His two favorite teachers at WPS have been Mrs. Rome and Ms. Bongiorno.  He likes them both for the same reasons -- they are nice and they help kids a lot. 

Braidyn loves sports and is really looking forward to playing basketball at Watervliet Middle School next year. 

Why should you join our WPS family?

Braidyn says, “it's a good community, and everyone is nice.  You’ll make some good friends here -- and the sports are really good too!”

Donald Higgenbottom has been transporting our WPS students as a bus drive for 25 years, “and lovin’ it!”  Don has been active as a high school class advisor.  He recently finished one four year commitment with the class of 2021 and is starting over with another class!  

“I love working with my co-workers and the kids. They make it easy to come to work every day.  In fact, in almost 20 years, I have NEVER missed a day of work!

“I attended Watervliet Public Schools as a student from kindergarten through 12th grade.  Things have changed (over the years), but it has been for the better.  

Why should you join our WPS family?

“Everyone has been good to me here and I’m sure that will continue on.  If you are considering becoming part of the WPS staff, give us a try -- it’s a really great place to work!  As a school bus driver, you have holidays off so you can be with your family, a great atmosphere, and no two days are ever the same. So check us out!  You will probably like it here just as much as I do and enjoy coming to work every day!”

LillyAnne Lefor is a senior at Watervliet High School. We asked Lilly to tell us about some of her experiences at WHS.  She tells us that she especially appreciates the opportunities that are provided for students to give back to the community through organized volunteer events such as food drives, park clean up, and seasonal decorating the downtown.  “I am lucky enough to have been involved…throughout my high school career, and I enjoy seeing the changes that we have been able to make.”

About her interactions with teachers and staff, Lilly had this to say:

“Mrs. Adams (Nutrition Services Director) is one of the first faces you see when walking into the building in the morning. She is always in a great mood and says good morning to everyone walking by. She never fails to bring a smile to my face and has been a true light for multiple students. Mrs. Adams is also always available to talk to us.  Many times she has stopped me in the hallway to talk to me about my day or to congratulate me on a win in one of our basketball games. 

“Another staff member is Mr. Simmons, our Dean of Students. Although he is sometimes seen as someone who is here to discipline us and keep us in check, he is one of the nicest staff members Watervliet has ever had. Whenever passing by in the hallway he makes sure to say hi with a huge smile on his face despite the day he might have had. Watervliet's’ staff also has many other people who have left a positive impact on me.”

Why should you join our WPS family?

“Working at a school you are given the ability to make a lasting impression on a kid's life when they need it the most. These years spent at WPS shape us into the people we will become. This would give you the opportunity to shape a young mind. 

“WPS is also a smaller school district so it feels more like one big family rather than a business you are working for. You will come to know everyone that you work with as well as the kids that you see. 

“No matter what position you might hold you will notice how quickly you are welcomed into the WPS family. That is what makes our school district so great, the staff look out for each other and treat one another as friends and family rather than a work colleague that you fake a smile with.”