Scott Sawyer Named 2021 Michigan School Business Official of the Year

Saginaw ISD Deputy Superintendent, Scott Sawyer, J.D., has been named the 2021 Michigan School Business Official of the Year by Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO). This prestigious annual award honors an individual whose recent accomplishments and contributions in school business have occurred during the past two years.

Bill Chatfield, MSBO President, stated, “Mr. Sawyer was pivotal in leading the Saginaw ISD in providing guidance concerning COVID-19 pandemic legislation. He presented at the local, regional, and state-level on a variety of topics related to COVID-19.” Mr. Chatfield continued, “Scott developed a comprehensive flow-chart that reflects general legal standards outlining the Federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act and coordinating employee leave options along with employer onboarding protocols used by school districts throughout the state.” [watch video]

The MSBO awards ceremony took place online via Zoom on Wednesday, April 21, during the 82nd Annual Conference and Exhibit Show Opening Ceremonies. As MSBO’s School Business Official of the Year, Mr. Sawyer received a professional development scholarship to attend the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International Annual Conference and Expo taking place October 13-16, 2021, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Additionally, by proxy of this recognition, Mr. Sawyer is now also simultaneously nominated for ASBO International’s Eagle Award, which honors school business professionals who stop at nothing to be change agents for the students in their district and beyond.

Mr. Sawyer provides servant leadership to all internal departments within the ISD and over 800 employees, as well as local school districts and educational programs throughout Saginaw County. Scott is a strong advocate for all students and educators. He demonstrates a consistent commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has helped facilitate Orange Frog corporate leadership training, based upon Shawn Achor’s style of sustainable peak performance and positive psychology, to ISD staff and regional educators. Further, Scott serves on the Saginaw Light Up the City Planning Committee, and remains an engaged member of the Michigan Negotiators Association, Michigan Association of School Personnel Administrators, Saginaw County Bar Association, Saginaw Valley School Business Officials, and Michigan School Business Officials.

Saginaw Intermediate School District Superintendent, Jeffrey Collier, stated, “Scott Sawyer is a highly respected and valued leader throughout the Michigan educational community. He works in close partnership with local school districts to support critical decision-making and models ethical professional standards. Scott’s determined focus, dedication, and expertise in school business services benefits our organization, our county, and our regional partnerships. On behalf of the entire Saginaw Intermediate School District, it is an honor and privilege to join MSBO in celebrating Mr. Sawyer’s prestigious recognition.”