Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) and United Steelworkers (USW) Local 9521 are celebrating a new three-year collective bargaining agreement representing a significant investment in the professionals who support the daily operations, educational programs, and student services provided throughout Saginaw County.
The agreement was ratified by USW membership and approved by the Saginaw ISD Board of Education on October 7, 2026. Its redesigned compensation structure delivers salary increases averaging 24.1%, establishing more competitive wages across a broad range of support positions while strengthening the district's ability to recruit and retain employees.
Saginaw ISD's USW bargaining unit represents more than 200 employees working throughout the district's educational programs, facilities, and operations. Unlike bargaining units representing a specific educational discipline or department, USW Local 9521 represents a broad range of professionals, including paraprofessionals, behavior aides, health care aides, transportation employees, custodial and maintenance professionals, secretaries, food service employees, technology and finance support staff, and other specialized personnel. These employees serve in classrooms, school buildings, administrative offices, transportation operations, and programs such as Hartley Outdoor Education Center, helping ensure students, educators, and families have the support necessary for successful educational experiences.
“One of Saginaw ISD's greatest strengths is the diversity of expertise and talent across our organization,” said Dr. Jeffrey Collier, Superintendent of Saginaw ISD. “Our USW employees bring a wide range of skills and experiences to their roles, and their contributions are integral to the quality of services we provide throughout Saginaw County. This agreement reflects our commitment to maintaining a competitive workplace where talented professionals choose to build their careers, grow with our organization, and continue contributing to our shared mission of serving students, families, and schools.”
The agreement also responds to broader workforce challenges affecting Michigan schools. A statewide study conducted through the Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan identified significant staffing shortages among paraprofessionals and school bus drivers, two of the many classifications represented by USW at Saginaw ISD. Researchers also documented increasing vacancies and declining applicant pools across Michigan's education workforce, underscoring the importance of competitive compensation and effective recruitment and retention strategies in maintaining a strong educational support workforce.
The new compensation structure provides more competitive starting wages and clearer opportunities for salary growth throughout an employee's career. By creating greater consistency across positions while recognizing differences in responsibilities and qualifications, the agreement strengthens Saginaw ISD's ability to attract new talent and support employees as they build long-term careers with the district.
“Our union represents a great group of employees who do so much to support students and staff throughout the district,” said Janis Skidmore, President of United Steelworkers Local 9521. “From paraprofessionals and secretaries to custodians, therapy assistants, cooks, kitchen assistants, bus aides, bus drivers, and mechanics, our members fill many different roles across multiple buildings. While our jobs may look different from one another, we all play an important part in helping the district run smoothly and making sure students get the support they need each day. We are proud of our members and the work they do, and we look forward to moving ahead with this new agreement. Thank you to all of our members for the important role you play in our schools and community!”
Beyond compensation, the agreement maintains important employee benefits and updates provisions supporting vacation, personal and family leave, and other employment needs. Employees with 20 or more years of continuous district service will also receive an annual $500 longevity payment, recognizing their longstanding commitment to Saginaw ISD.
The agreement directly advances Workforce Excellence, one of the five pillars of Saginaw ISD's 2025–2028 Strategic Compass, by strengthening competitive compensation, employee recognition, recruitment, and retention. Investing in the professionals who support district operations also advances the district's commitment to Educational Advancement, ensuring students and educators have the facilities, transportation, instructional assistance, and operational services necessary for high-quality educational programming.
Individuals interested in building a career with Saginaw ISD can explore current employment opportunities through the district's Join Our Team page. The ratified collective bargaining agreement will be available through Saginaw ISD's Transparency Reporting resources.
Jointly issued by:
Saginaw Intermediate School District | Dr. Jeffrey Collier, Superintendent
United Steelworkers Local 9521 | Janis Skidmore, President