Rodney Woods will serve as the new Great Lakes Bay Early College (GLBEC) and Saginaw County Juvenile Detention Center (SCJDC) Program Director at Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD).
As the Program Director for GLBEC and SCJDC, Woods will provide detained youth with consistent academic support and ensure their smooth transition back into school and community. He will also lead the GLBEC program, enabling high school students to earn substantial college credits and gain valuable college experience at no cost. His work focuses on creating transformative educational paths and fostering long-term academic and career success for students in diverse settings.
Woods began his educational career in the fall of 1997 at Bay City Public Schools, starting as a 3rd grade teacher at Washington Elementary School. Over nine years, he distinguished himself in the classroom, focusing on reading, writing, and math. In 2006, Woods transitioned to administration at Washington Elementary as the Assistant Principal for two years before moving on to Handy Middle School, serving as an Assistant Principal until 2010.
The subsequent school year marked his return to elementary education, as he took on the role of Head Principal at MacGregor Elementary. Throughout his tenure, he held various administrative positions within Bay City Public Schools, culminating in his retirement in January 2021. However, his passion for education led him back to the field, joining Bangor Township Schools as the Head Principal of Bangor Central Elementary for the 2021-2022 school year. He later became the Director of Athletics & Facilities at the same district. By January 2024, Woods had accumulated eighteen years of diverse leadership experience in school administration.
Woods earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Saginaw Valley State University in 1996, followed by a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in 2000. He holds an Administrator’s Certificate from the Michigan Department of Education, is a 2010 Gerstacker Fellowship graduate, and has a Superintendent Certification. Additionally, he is licensed in Property & Casualty and Life & Health Insurance and is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
The Saginaw ISD’s Board of Education approved the hiring of Rodney Woods on January 16th, with his tenure beginning on January 22nd. Reflecting on his new role, Woods shared, “I am truly honored and excited to begin my new role as the Program Director for Saginaw County Juvenile Detention Center School and the Great Lakes Bay Early College. It’s a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young individuals by providing them with educational continuity and advanced learning opportunities. I look forward to contributing to a nurturing environment where every student can thrive academically and prepare for a successful future.”
