Dearest Reader,
Here's something many Saginaw County taxpayers may not realize.
The Saginaw Intermediate School District (SISD) Board of Education is NOT directly elected by the public.
Instead, its members are selected through representatives of local school boards.
Yet this board oversees millions in taxpayer dollars, approves district expenditures, and is responsible for the superintendent's contract and compensation.
Now, here's where things get interesting. 📖
Dr. Katherine "Katie" Ellison serves as BOTH:
📌 President of the Saginaw ISD Board of Education.
📌 Vice President of the Hemlock Public Schools Board of Education.
Two separate school districts. Two separate budgets. Two positions carrying significant responsibility for public oversight.
Yesterday, ABC12 reporter Terry Camp reported that he had been seeking answers from Saginaw ISD regarding Superintendent Jeffrey Collier's compensation for approximately two weeks.
When a response finally came from Board President Ellison, it simply confirmed that the board had approved Collier's contract at its June 22 meeting.
No explanation of the compensation increase. No discussion of the financial justification.
Just confirmation that the board approved it.
And that raises a question worth asking.
If school board members approve superintendent contracts, compensation packages, and district expenditures, shouldn't taxpayers expect more than confirmation that a vote took place?
Remember, SISD's board members are not directly elected by the public. But the local school boards involved in selecting them ARE elected by their communities.
With November school board elections approaching, understanding that distinction matters.
This isn't about any one board member. It's about the responsibility that comes with overseeing public money.
Whether a board member is directly elected or indirectly selected, the obligation to provide transparency and accountability should remain the same.
After all, taxpayers are funding these institutions.
They deserve more than a rubber stamp and a meeting date.
With receipts and respect,
Lady B 🕯�
#LadyBudgetdown #SaginawISD #HemlockPublicSchools #SaginawCounty #SchoolBoardAccountability #TaxpayerTransparency #MichiganSchools #PublicEducation #WithReceiptsAndRespect