Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) proudly welcomes Ralph Martin to the Board of Education following his election during the district’s Biennial Board Election on June 2, 2025. A seasoned public servant with over 30 years in public safety, Mr. Martin brings a wealth of experience in community service, student advocacy, and school safety. During the board’s organizational meeting on July 24, he was officially named Trustee.
“I’ve always believed in the power of being a steady, positive presence for others, especially young people,” said Mr. Martin. “In this new role, I look forward to supporting initiatives that uplift our students and ensure safe, inclusive learning environments across Saginaw County.”
Mr. Martin retired as Fire Marshal for the City of Saginaw and currently serves as a Fire Marshal Inspector for the State of Michigan’s Bureau of Fire Services. His work includes inspecting school facilities across the state and advising on building code and safety compliance, an expertise that will support Saginaw ISD’s ongoing commitment to secure and well-maintained schools. Martin has received numerous recognitions throughout his career, including the American Red Cross Fire Hero Award and the Michigan Banner’s Heart of the City Humanitarian Award.
Dr. Katherine Ellison, newly elected President of the Saginaw ISD Board, shared, “Ralph’s broad experience and thoughtful leadership are an asset to our board. His insight will further strengthen our commitment to putting students first in every decision we make.”
Beyond his professional work, Mr. Martin is actively involved in several civic and nonprofit organizations, including the Public Libraries of Saginaw Board of Trustees, Saginaw Branch NAACP, Saginaw HELPS violence intervention initiative, and the Saginaw County READ program, where he’s volunteered for over two decades.
“We are pleased to welcome Mr. Martin to the Saginaw ISD Board,” said Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Collier. “His dedication to public service, equity, and student well-being aligns closely with our mission to serve, innovate, and empower. His perspective will add tremendous value to our continued work on behalf of students, staff, and families.”
Mr. Martin joins a team of leaders committed to building a stronger future for education in Saginaw County. Saginaw ISD looks forward to the leadership and integrity he brings to the boardroom.
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