Saginaw Intermediate School District is proud to recognize Board Treasurer Ruth Ann Knapp, who was recently honored by the University of Idaho Alumni Association’s Silver & Gold Society for her exceptional leadership, philanthropy, and service to education and community.
The Silver & Gold Award recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves through outstanding professional achievements and meaningful contributions to their communities. A lifelong educator, Ruth Ann earned bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Education from the University of Idaho and dedicated more than four decades to enriching the lives of students through education and the arts.
Ruth Ann spent her professional career with Saginaw Public Schools, serving as the district’s K–12 Music and Fine Arts Coordinator, where she supported instructional programs and expanded access to fine arts education for students across the district. Her impact extends beyond the classroom through sustained leadership and service across the Saginaw community.
Since 2021, Ruth Ann has served on the Saginaw ISD Board of Education, currently holding the position of Board Treasurer. She also serves on the Saginaw Public School District Board of Education, reflecting a long-standing commitment to public education at both the local and countywide levels. In addition, she has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as Board President of Positive Results Downtown Saginaw (PRIDE), completing two terms as President of the Michigan Music Education Association, and being named a “Saginaw Hero” by the Saginaw Branch of the NAACP.
Saginaw ISD Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Collier said the recognition reflects Ruth Ann’s lasting influence on education and the community, “Ruth Ann Knapp represents the very best of public service,” said Dr. Collier. “Her leadership is thoughtful, student-centered, and grounded in a deep belief in the power of education and the arts. This national recognition affirms the extraordinary impact she continues to have on students, educators, and our community.”
Saginaw ISD extends its appreciation to Positive Results Downtown Saginaw (PRIDE) for their collaboration and partnership in sharing this recognition. We are honored to celebrate Ruth Ann Knapp and congratulate her on this well-deserved national alumni honor.
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