Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is pleased to announce that Scott Sawyer has chosen to continue his leadership journey as the district’s Executive Director of Finance, following Board of Education approval on September 22, 2025. He will conclude his role as Deputy Superintendent of Operations and officially begin this new role on October 6, 2025. The position became available after former Executive Director of Finance David Smith accepted a leadership role with Midland County Educational Service Agency (ESA). Saginaw ISD plans to repost the Deputy Superintendent of Operations position at a later time.
For Scott, this decision reflects his passion for finance and his desire to focus his time and expertise where it can have the greatest impact. “At a time when school finance is rapidly evolving at both the state and federal levels, this intentional role allows me to strengthen our internal systems and expand support for business officials across our county and region,” said Scott Sawyer. “I’m grateful to continue serving our districts, helping ensure stable, transparent, and student-centered financial stewardship.”
During his tenure as Deputy Superintendent of Operations at Saginaw ISD, Scott played a pivotal role in supporting finance leadership for major capital projects, including funding strategies for the Central Campus renovation, the Millet Learning Center’s ongoing renovation, and the transformation of Jerome Preschool. His work has provided a solid financial foundation for these projects while also ensuring transparency and accountability in their funding processes.
Beyond projects, Scott has consistently shared his expertise with peers and mentored business officials throughout the region. In 2021, he was named Michigan School Business Officials’ (MSBO) School Business Official of the Year and also received the MSBO’s Meridian Award of Excellence in 2024 for his impact in mentoring and advancing school finance.
“Scott has consistently demonstrated servant leadership and a deep commitment to the financial health of our schools,” said Dr. Jeffrey Collier, Superintendent of Saginaw ISD. “His decision to focus his work as our Executive Director of Finance comes at a pivotal time for education budgets, and I am confident his expertise will bring stability, guidance, and mentorship throughout our ISD and to our local school districts. This role allows Scott to lean into his passion while continuing to strengthen the foundation of service that Saginaw ISD provides.”
Saginaw ISD is grateful for Scott’s wide-reaching leadership as Deputy Superintendent and looks forward to the continued expertise and stability he will bring to the Executive Director of Finance role.
Please join us in congratulating Scott as he continues to help lead our mission to serve, innovate, and empower.
ABOUT SCOTT SAWYER, J.D.
Scott Sawyer most recently served as Deputy Superintendent of Operations at Saginaw Intermediate School District, where he oversaw a broad portfolio of services while championing finance leadership and mentorship. With more than 22 years of professional experience in education, Scott is a passionate advocate for service, educational leadership, and school operations.
Scott began his professional career as a Math Teacher at Chesaning Union Schools in 2003 and was promoted to Director of Finance in 2006. In 2010, he transitioned to Birch Run Area Schools to serve as their Business Manager. He joined Saginaw ISD in 2015 as Executive Director of Human Resources. In 2019, he took on the additional Executive Director of Finance role before being promoted to Deputy Superintendent. Outside his responsibilities with Saginaw ISD, Scott is a Partner Attorney for Dickinson Sawyer, PLC.
Mr. Sawyer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alma College and a Juris Doctor degree from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, as well as licensure with the Michigan State Bar Association and the United States District Court Eastern District of Michigan. He also maintains certifications for secondary teaching, school administration, and Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO). In 2021, Scott became a doctoral candidate in Western Michigan University's Philosophy in Educational Leadership program.
Scott was recognized by MSBO as School Business Official of the Year for the State of Michigan in 2021 and received the Meridian Award in 2024 for his work in school finance mentorship. He regularly participates with county and state organizations, leading conversations, presentations, and publications in areas of school finance, labor relations, pandemic response, and law, including FOIA, FMLA, OMA, Title IX, and public employee social media/free speech. He has directly mentored area school business and human resources officials and provides guidance to districts throughout Michigan.
In his spare time, Scott enjoys playing guitar in several bands, drawing artwork, and participating in many community service and social equity activities. He and his wife, Christine, happily share their home with a collection of cats they have rescued and adopted.
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, five 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.
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Coty Kuschinsky | Chief of Staff & Communications Director