Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) recognized Saginaw Valley Church of the Nazarene with its Exemplary Leadership and Distinguished Service Recognition during the church’s Sunday service on December 7, honoring the congregation for extraordinary partnership and support of the district’s preschool community during a time of urgent need.
Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Collier and Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Programs Dr. Erin Senkowski joined the congregation to present the recognition and thank church leadership and members for their response when multiple circumstances threatened to disrupt preschool services for local families.
Last school year, a fire at Brunkow Preschool combined with ongoing renovations at Jerome Preschool created an urgent need for safe, licensed classroom space to ensure continuity of early learning services. With limited immediate options available, Saginaw Valley Church of the Nazarene stepped forward, expanding its capacity to support a total of 244 children. This included six Jerome classrooms serving 92 children, eight Brunkow classrooms serving 118 children, and two existing classrooms serving 34 children already housed at the church’s Valley location.
“When our preschool community faced overlapping challenges, Saginaw Valley Church of the Nazarene stepped forward without hesitation,” said Dr. Collier. “Their generosity ensured continuity, stability, and peace of mind for families during an uncertain time. This partnership exemplifies what it means to serve children first.”
The church’s flexibility and hospitality allowed Saginaw ISD to maintain consistent early learning services while renovations progressed and recovery efforts continued.
“Our congregation has been honored to serve the community’s needs, especially in emergency situations,” said Pastor Nathan Miller of Saginaw Valley Church of the Nazarene. “We are more than willing and happy to continue our partnership with Saginaw ISD and the children of Saginaw.”
Dr. Senkowski emphasized the importance of community partnerships in early childhood education. “Young children rely on routine and familiar support systems,” she said. “Because of this partnership, learning continued in a safe and nurturing environment, even in the midst of unexpected challenges.”
With sincere appreciation, Saginaw ISD thanks Saginaw Valley Church of the Nazarene for being an exceptional partner to its preschool community.
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