Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is proud to celebrate Board Vice President Dr. Katherine Ellison on her recent selection to the Leadership Saginaw County Class of 2026, a 10-month program facilitated by the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce. The program is designed to deepen leadership capacity and civic engagement across Saginaw County.
Dr. Ellison will represent three key organizations in the upcoming cohort: Saginaw ISD as Vice President of the Board of Education, Hemlock Public School District as Vice President of their Board of Education, and the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History as Marketing Coordinator. Leadership Saginaw brings together a diverse group of professionals across industries to explore community issues, strengthen partnerships, and collaborate on projects that benefit the region. Each session offers participants insight into critical areas such as education, public safety, health, and economic development, all while fostering cross-sector relationships.
Dr. Ellison’s selection reflects her deep commitment to service, storytelling, and civic leadership. "I’m honored to represent three organizations I care deeply about—Saginaw ISD, Hemlock Public Schools, and the Castle Museum as part of the Leadership Saginaw Class of 2026," said Dr. Ellison. "This opportunity will allow me to connect with other leaders, elevate our shared goals, and bring back meaningful ideas that serve our communities."
Dr. Jeffrey Collier, Superintendent of Saginaw ISD, praised the announcement. "Katherine leads with both wisdom and compassion. Her unique ability to bridge education, history, and civic engagement makes her a valuable voice for our Board and the broader community," said Dr. Collier. "We are proud to support her in this experience and look forward to the relationships and knowledge she will bring back to benefit Saginaw ISD and the region."
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Ellison on her selection to Leadership Saginaw. We look forward to celebrating her journey and the insight she will bring to the institutions and communities she serves.
ABOUT DR. KATHERINE ELLISON
Dr. Katherine Ellison is Vice President of the Saginaw Intermediate School District Board of Education and Vice President of the Hemlock Public School District Board of Education. She also serves as the Marketing Coordinator for the Castle Museum, where she leads community outreach and storytelling efforts tied to regional history. A scholar and published author with a Ph.D. in History, Dr. Ellison brings a thoughtful and inclusive perspective to each role she serves.
She was recently honored with the State History Award in Communications and Printed Periodicals for the Castle Courier by the Michigan Historical Society. Dr. Ellison’s leadership is grounded in collaboration, service, and a deep belief in the power of education and community connection.
ABOUT SAGINAW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is an educational service agency that provides effective and innovative leadership, services, resources, and programs throughout Saginaw County. Saginaw ISD provides career and technical education, early childhood, finance, human resources, instruction, pupil accounting, special education, technology, and transportation services. In addition, Saginaw ISD operates multiple educational programs to meet the unique needs of students ages birth to 26 across Saginaw County, including: Hartley Outdoor Education Center, Head Start/Early Head Start and Great Start to Readiness Programs, Great Lakes Bay Early College, Saginaw County Juvenile Detention Center School, and Special Education Center Programs.
Saginaw ISD serves 12 local school districts, four public school academies, and 22 non-public schools, with a total enrollment of approximately 26,000 students. Public school districts supported include: Birch Run Area Schools, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District, Carrollton Public Schools, Chesaning Union Schools, Frankenmuth School District, Freeland Community School District, Hemlock Public School District, Merrill Community Schools, Saginaw Public School District, Saginaw Township Community Schools, St. Charles Community Schools, and Swan Valley School District.
MEDIA CONTACT
Coty Kuschinsky - Saginaw ISD Chief of Staff and Communications Director