January is School Board Appreciation Month, a time to recognize the dedicated individuals who help shape the future of education in our community. At Saginaw ISD, we proudly celebrate the invaluable contributions of our Board of Education members, who work tirelessly to serve our students, staff, and local districts. As part of this celebration, we sat down with our board members to learn more about their experiences, backgrounds, and their vision for the future of Saginaw ISD. Through this special blog series, "Our Board, Our Story™," we invite you to get to know the passionate leaders who are committed to empowering student success and making a positive impact on education every day.
Stay tuned as we share their stories and highlight the incredible work they do to support education across our county!
Up next in our series is Dr. Katherine Ellison, Vice President of the Saginaw ISD Board of Education and Vice President of the Hemlock Public School District Board of Education. A lifelong learner and passionate advocate for public education, Dr. Ellison brings her wealth of experience and dedication to serving students, staff, and the community.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WANT TO JOIN THE BOARD IN THE FIRST PLACE?
I have long been a proponent of giving back to your community and working to make it the best place to live. I've served on my local board of education for almost 11 years, after going to college for education and working in higher education for years. The natural extension of my passion for education was to the county level with the ISD Board. As a result, when there was a vacancy, I applied. It is just one of a number of boards I serve on in Hemlock and Saginaw.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR ROLE AS A BOARD MEMBER?
The most important part of my job is advocating for Saginaw ISD, its programs, and its partnerships. Ensuring that we do what’s best for students is at the core of every decision we make.
HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR WORK IMPACT THE COMMUNITY DAILY?
Every time I hear about a student receiving the education and services they need—whether through ISD programs, special educators, or constituent districts—I feel proud. Knowing that our work contributes to brighter futures for students is deeply rewarding.
WHERE DO YOU SEE SAGINAW ISD IN 5 YEARS?
A lot can change in five years, and the ISD Board and Superintendents have big ambitions for our community. I see a heavier focus on early education statewide, but also locally in underserved areas of the community with specialized educational facilities like the green STEM building project at Jerome Preschool. I also see an increased need for special services for older students and an expansion of school-to-work programs as our culture refocuses on more immediate avenues to economic sufficiency for people. I think more collaboration will happen over the next five years as well—between constituent districts, the ISD, local organizations, and government—as limited resources, financial and otherwise, draw these cohorts together to do what's best for students.
HOW HAS YOUR DEGREE IN HISTORY HELPED YOU WITH THIS ROLE?
Historians are trained to analyze documents, research societal structures, and understand historical context. These skills help me navigate governmental actions, policies, and contracts. Understanding where we’ve been helps guide where we’re going in education, and this perspective is invaluable in shaping the ISD’s future.
HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE ON A LOCAL BOARD HELPED IN YOUR POSITION ON SAGINAW ISD’S BOARD?
It has been interesting to compare the two boards and see how they differ and are alike. Overall, being on a local board helps keep a pulse on how constituent districts are impacted by ISD programs, millages, etc. Like the special education millage, CTE, etc. While we have a general understanding of what these do for those districts, being on the other end of the dollars, per se, allows me to see the true impact. Prior local board experience also helped when it comes to things like the monthly financial reports, yearly audits, policy maintenance, and creation, etc., that have some similarity and cohesiveness across districts; I knew what to expect, look for, and question.
ABOUT OUR BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Saginaw ISD Board of Education meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month (unless otherwise noted) at the Saginaw Intermediate School District Transitions PD Center. Special meetings and/or alternate meeting locations are made by the call of the chair. Alternative locations include:
Transitions PD Center, 3860 Fashion Square Boulevard, Saginaw
Millet Learning Center, 3660 Southfield Drive, Saginaw
Hartley Outdoor Education Center, 12633 Beaver Road, St. Charles