Dearest reader,
A few of you have been asking about the Saginaw ISD Board of Education.
And after following the travel breadcrumbs, perhaps it is time we talk about the people sitting on the other side of the table. 🪶
First, an important piece of the ledger:
The Saginaw ISD Board approves the Superintendent's out-of-state travel.
This isn't speculation. It appears directly on board agendas as an item requiring approval.
For example, in October 2025, the board was asked to approve Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Collier's out-of-state travel for the AESA Annual Conference.
In June 2026, the board was asked to approve his out-of-state travel to New Orleans for the NSPRA National Conference.
So naturally, Lady B became curious about the board itself.
According to the State of Michigan's 2024–25 financial data, Saginaw ISD reported $172,968 under the "Board of Education"
expenditure function. So for that fiscal year the Saginaw ISD board received $172,968.
Now, an important caveat:
That does NOT mean five board members personally received $172,968.
Lady B does not currently have the detailed breakdown showing exactly what comprised that $172,968. It is the amount reported under the Board of Education expenditure function.
What was included in it?
Travel?
Conferences?
Dues?
Professional services?
Other board-related expenditures?
We don't know yet.
But here is something else readers may not know.
You do NOT directly elect the Saginaw ISD Board of Education at the ballot box.
Under Michigan law, an intermediate school board is elected by an electoral body consisting of one person designated by the board of each constituent local school district.
Each local school board adopts a resolution designating its representative and identifying which ISD board candidate that representative is directed to support on the first ballot.
In other words:
The public elects its local school board.
The local school boards designate representatives.
Those representatives elect the Saginaw ISD Board.
Saginaw ISD board members serve six-year terms.
The current Saginaw ISD Board of Education is:
Dr. Katherine Ellison — President — term 2021–2027
Lisa Hubbard — Vice President — term 2023–2029
Ruth Ann Knapp — Treasurer — term 2021–2027
Laurasue Holcomb — Secretary — term 2020–2029
Ralph Martin — Trustee — term 2025–2031
Five board members.
Six-year terms.
Not directly elected by the public.
A board that approves the Superintendent's out-of-state travel.
And $172,968 reported last year under the Board of Education expenditure function — a number whose detailed composition Lady B does not yet have.
So perhaps the next question for the ledger is rather simple:
What exactly did that $172,968 pay for?
With receipts and respect. 🪶📖
#LadyBudgetdown #SaginawISD #SaginawCounty #PublicSchools #PublicRecords #TaxpayerDollars #Transparency #FollowTheMoney #OurStory