June 4, 2020

Dear Saginaw County Residents and Families,

The school districts of Saginaw County respond when there are people in need. School districts quickly adapted to Governor Whitmer’s order to close schools on March 13, 2020 due to the COVID-19 situation, quickly transitioning to remote learning to engage with students. Several schools also stepped up to serve the greater community during the recent flooding to serve as quarantine sites for those impacted by the overflowing Tittabawassee River.

Recent heartbreaking events spanning the nation are nothing less than painful. The murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor are evidence of continued racial injustices occurring across the country. So many of our African American families’ narratives include the history of violence that their families endured across generations. So many of our African American families living and working in our county can share the fears they hold raising their own sons and daughters. So many African American citizens can speak to the injustices they experience daily across our county.

One would think that 2020 would see the elimination of racism and social injustices. However, current events demonstrate that the journey is long and all of us must commit to helping our students learn that there is no place for hate in our world. Across the past few years, school districts from across the county committed to learning more about social equity and justice. This learning is ongoing and continues. 

Superintendents across Saginaw County stand together to support those experiencing bigotry, violence, and misunderstanding. We commit to:

  • serving as allies and advocates for African Americans residing in our county and beyond; 
  • educating all staff members on unconscious bias and mitigating the impact of such;
  • instituting curriculum addressing the history of racism and bigotry at all levels of our schools;
  • participating in and facilitating critical conversations;
  • quickly addressing instances of prejudice, injustices, and isolation in our schools.

As leaders of the twelve districts and the intermediate school district, we stand together to build a stronger, more inclusive place to live, work, go to school, and play. We stand together to help all students and their family members experience an inclusive, safe learning environment free from racism and bigotry.

With deep respect,

Dave Bush, Superintendent
Birch Run Area Schools

Mark Whelton, Superintendent
Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District

Rachel Snell, Superintendent
Carrollton Public Schools

Michael McGough, Superintendent
Chesaning Union Schools

Adele Martin, Superintendent
Frankenmuth School District

Matt Cairy, Superintendent
Freeland Community School District

Donald Killingbeck, Superintendent
Hemlock Public School District

Gwen Glazier, Superintendent
Merrill Community Schools

Ramont Roberts, Ph.D., Superintendent
School District of the City of Saginaw

Bruce Martin, Superintendent
Saginaw Township Community Schools

Michael Decker, Superintendent
St. Charles Community Schools

Mat McRae, Superintendent
Swan Valley School District

Jeff Collier, Incoming Superintendent
Saginaw Intermediate School District

Kathy Stewart, Ph.D., Superintendent
Saginaw Intermediate School District
ADMINISTRATION OFFICES
3933 Barnard Road   Saginaw, Michigan 48603   Phone: (989) 249-8700
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Richard Burmeister Ruth Coppens Allan Pettyplace Joseph Powe Leola Wilson