That’s because the lion’s share of the one-time special school aid is covering cost overruns for a 6-mill, $100 million buildings bond that voters approved in November 2000 for the new Saginaw United High and three other projects.

Inflation and supply chain troubles have pushed the price tag into the $140 million range. Instead of going back to taxpayers for even more money, school leaders are covering the excess by tapping most of their $60 million ESSER grant.

ESSER stands for Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief, companion to ARPA, the American Rescue Plan Act. Both were passed in D.C. to help local schools and communities cope with COVID-19’s  economic damage. Support in Washington was bipartisan during the worst of the pandemic, although many Republicans now are backtracking.

City Council members with ARPA used half of their $52 million to bolster the regular budget, and they still are going through the ins and outs of accepting outside proposals for the other half.

In the school board’s case, without the infrastructure projects, the ESSER funds could have been spent in the buildings, instead of on the buildings, for more teachers and programs.

Superintendent Ramont Roberts told trustees at their July 10 session, “Things are getting pretty tight right now.” One example is spending nearly $100,000 to maintain the dilapidated southeast “science wing” at Saginaw High (left rear from the front), delaying the $500,000 demolition estimate. The first cost-cut was to refrain from HVAC updates at remaining buildings that lack air conditioning for the increased 90-degree school days that climate warming has wrought.

The district will consider suing contractors for alleged errors that led to some of the overruns, Roberts said. He did not identify the companies that are subject to potential litigation.

In addition to Saginaw United opening this fall on the riverfront, other projects include moving SASA to Arthur Hill, locating the new Handley Elementary behind Arthur Hill, and converting a portion of Saginaw High to a middle school. Another plan called for converting a portion of Saginaw High to a social services and recreation center, but the City Council and County Board both backed out of the proposal for collaboration.

Property owners annually are paying roughly $3 for each $1,000 of sales value, slated to close around calendar 2050, while this decade also finishing the 2004 millage for Thompson Middle and the new Loomis Elementary.

Roberts said some amenities, especially athletic facilities, won’t be ready in time for the Saginaw United opening, which means the Phoenix footballers — the sports moniker selected by students and approved by the board — probably will be playing another season at the Saginaw High and Arthur Hill stadia, rather than on North Niagara street at the old Bean Bunny site.

Regardless, the superintendent pledged to fulfill all promises from the 2020 millage campaign, which broke historic precedent with higher support on the West Side than on the East Side.

To view the discussion, click here.

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For Michigan undergraduate students taking 30 credits in the upcoming academic year, this translates to a total annual tuition of $12,930, up by $690 from the prior year’s cost. SVSU President George Grant Jr. emphasized that this budget will support continued investments in student safety, well-being, and career preparedness, underscoring the institution’s commitment to enhancing the overall student experience.

In addition to the budget approval, the Board ratified a new three-year labor contract with the SVSU Support Staff Association (MEA/NEA). This agreement includes a variety of wage increases for current employees, averaging around 4.3% in the first year, with those having the longest tenure receiving the largest boosts due to the addition of an extra pay step. Newly hired employees will benefit from pay increases ranging between 6% and 11% in their first year, depending on their classification. Over the next two years, members of the collective bargaining unit will see wage hikes of 2.5% in the second year and 2% in the third year. Additionally, the university will increase its contributions toward health insurance premiums.

The SVSU Support Staff Association represents 156 employees working in various secretarial, clerical, and facilities/maintenance roles. The Association members ratified the agreement on Wednesday, June 12.

The Board also approved several significant capital expenditures. They authorized up to $4.025 million to renovate the residence halls Great Lakes A-C, part of the First Year Suites complex. This move continues SVSU’s streak of being recognized for having the “best dorms” among all public universities in the U.S. for five consecutive years, according to Niche.

In a further effort to enhance campus infrastructure, the Board approved $600,000 for a transit gateway project to improve public transportation connectivity within the Great Lakes Bay Region. This project includes $500,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Additionally, $400,000 has been earmarked for upgrading the university’s storage area network for Information Technology Services.

The meeting also saw the approval of promotions for 14 faculty members, effective July 1. Those promoted to professor are:

• Prashanth Anekal, management
• Cal Borden, biology
• Kylie Jaber, economics
• Julie Lynch, psychology
• James McEvoy, biology
• David Nichols, philosophy
• Travis Pashak, psychology
• Jennifer Stinson, history

The faculty members elevated to associate professor are:

• Zachary Cohle, economics
• Babak Lotfaliei, finance
• Peggy Jones, mechanical engineering
• Brian Maricle, biology
• Aos Mulahuwaish, computer science and information systems
• Kavindya Senanayake, physics

Kathleen Schachman has been reappointed as the H.R. Wickes Endowed Professor of Nursing, and Peter Rose-Barry will continue as the Finkbeiner Endowed Professor of Ethics.

Finally, the Board confirmed appointments to previously authorized public school academies, continuing its support for education in the wider community.

These decisions reflect SVSU’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and improving the quality of campus life for its students and staff.

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The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) to Master of Social Work (MSW) Program aims to bolster the behavioral health workforce in the state by increasing the number of master’s level social workers. Eligible bachelor’s level social workers who enter a full-time advanced standing MSW program and agree to at least two years of full-time employment in public sector behavioral health in Michigan will receive the one-time stipend.

“This program is another investment by the state to increase access to behavioral health care for Michigan families,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We are committed to helping families access behavioral health care services when and where they need them. We anticipate up to 150 students will be able to obtain their master’s degree in social work through this program.”

In addition to SVSU, several other universities across Michigan will receive funding to support this initiative:

• Andrews University: $208,236
• Eastern Michigan University: $371,976
• Ferris State University: $167,169
• Grand Valley State University: $384,339
• Madonna University: $314,824
• Michigan State University: $498,358
• Northern Michigan University: $90,578
• Oakland University: $409,741
• Spring Arbor University: $511,468
• University of Michigan: $853,394
• Wayne State University: $1,001,848

Participating universities will now begin the process of contracting eligible students into the program. These students must enroll in a full-time advanced standing MSW program, which typically spans three semesters or one year, depending on the university.

For additional information, interested individuals can contact Jilliann Betzer at BetzerJ@michigan.gov.

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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.”

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Most recently, Hornbacher has served since 2012 as the senior director of financial services at the University of Michigan-Dearborn; in that role, he implemented a responsibility center management budgeting model for the university’s four academic colleges. He also had the principal role in managing nearly $25 million in federal HEERF funding for pandemic relief. 

Hornbacher has worked at UM-Dearborn since 2004. Prior to that, he served in various accounting roles during six years at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Over the course of his career, Hornbacher has supported and led research administration, student financial services, controller functions, budgeting, accounting, auxiliaries, and financial aid. 

“Noel understands the complexities of regional public universities and the associated financial implications,” said George Grant Jr, SVSU president. “He brings a strong financial acumen and a diverse set of experiences with him to provide strategic leadership as we seek to maximize the financial resources available to support our students, faculty and staff.” 

SVSU has a solid financial position with an A1 rating and stable outlook that were affirmed by Moody’s Investor Service last February. 

“I am tremendously excited to serve SVSU and advance it both strategically and financially for our current students and everyone who is positively impacted by the university,” Hornbacher said. “Continuing the strong position SVSU has in the area and making it known far and wide as a great higher education institution is a high priority for me.”   

Born in Saginaw and raised in Cass City, Hornbacher spent significant time on SVSU’s campus during his formative years, accompanying his father who was completing a bachelor’s degree, and attending academic and athletic contests featuring regional high schools. 

Hornbacher earned a bachelor’s degree at Eastern Michigan University and an M.B.A. at UM-Dearborn. He also completed a yearlong leadership development program in business and finance leadership through the University of Michigan. 

In addition to his employment responsibilities, Hornbacher is a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission. He also has served as a volunteer treasurer for youth football and cheerleading programs in Canton, Michigan.

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When Jamie Kraatz was an elementary student, she never dreamed of becoming a teacher, much less a superintendent.

In fact, in her family, few had even finished high school.

Now she’s making her public debut in the executive chair when the STCS Board of Education meets at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15, at Arrowwood Conference Center. 

“Education can change someone’s entire life path,” Kraatz notes. “I was among the first in my family to graduate from high school and the only one to move ahead farther than that, all the time thinking that college was for other people, not for people like me.”

A result of her experiences is that she always will emphasize a personal “student-centered”  focus in all aspects, from advanced placement to remedial reading, to support for college that was lacking during her own childhood.

Trustees promoted her in November over outside candidates, after Bruce Martin retired, based on her performance over five years as director of curriculum and instruction. Her credentials include a bachelor’s from Saginaw Valley State and a master’s from Central Michigan.

She says her expanded priorities now will go beyond maintaining the classroom activities, to maintaining the classrooms themselves. The township’s eight schools are in the 50-year-old age range and beyond, and a first major millage bond proposal last spring was defeated overwhelmingly by opponents.

She saw the depth of a defeat with only 23 percent support, less than one in four, and still pursued the top job. After all, major personal hurdles are nothing new.

Path to progress

Jamie’s father passed away when she was in kindergarten, and she grew up in a single-parent home for most of her childhood.

In sixth grade, she describes having a negative experience with a teacher. She is concise, “not a storyteller,” and simply summarizes that she said the teacher made her feel judged as “not capable,” deflating any self-confidence she needed as a young girl.

That’s when she decided she wanted to become a school teacher herself, to provide better and much more positive encounters for pupils than those memories she keeps.

She began her career in an elementary classroom in her hometown, Standish, and then made her big move for an instructional administrative post in nearby AuGres. Then her SVSU connections led her to Saginaw Township, where she is establishing family roots. Husband Kent Kraatz, still noted in Standish-Sterling sports lore, is assistant principal at Heritage High, where one son is currently a student Another is enrolled at SVSU, and a third graduated from West Point and is enlisted in the Army.

Aim for involvement

Kraatz wants to focus on much more community involvement in the township schools.  The STCS millage team, including a unanimous school board, was not surprised that the May referendum bit the dust. They recognize the inflationary sticker shock of a $242.9 million upgrade, including a new Heritage. Their trepidation in moving ahead is the margin of defeat. 

Instead of second-guessing the infamous low of 23 percent in favor, the new superintendent looks at total voter turnout of a mere 33 percent and how the community can be more engaged with their local school district, which she describes as “the hub” of the community.

Kraatz says, “That is extremely low voter turnout for the township. People need to better understand where our facilities are in terms of age, what’s needed as we progress.  We will continue building relationships, and we will look for ways to involve the residents more in the schools, whether they have children attending or not.” 

A theme in last spring’s millage campaign was building safety during an era of mass shootings. With her curriculum background, the new superintendent will emphasize a need for facilities to house the ever-growing course offerings.

Up next for the superintendent and district is Feb. 27, when a renewal of separate millage funds to support operations is on the township ballot. The referendum is for the renewal of a non-homestead 18 mills, which means a continuation of a levy only on businesses and rental properties, not primary residences. That’s on top of the 6 mills that everyone pays to the state school aid fund under Proposal A reforms of 1994.

Non-homestead approval in the township has been routine in past decades, and school officials aim to ensure that voters realize this is routine business, not related to any revised building improvement plans. Those will come soon enough, another tall challenge for Jamie Kraatz in her unexpected life’s calling.

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Director Deborah Sanchez says all support is welcome.

“Money is freed up for other expenses. like housing and transportation,” she notes.

At Saginaw Valley State, a long-time selling point has been the lowest tuition among Michigan’s four-year public universities. Now, in addition, SVSU advertises, “New for incoming freshmen in fall 2024, guaranteed scholarships for 3.0+ GPA.”

The Cardinal Commitment states: “Many incoming freshmen at SVSU have their entire tuition paid for by scholarships and grants that never have to be repaid. (This) assures qualifying first-time-in-college students that SVSU will help provide additional funding if their basic tuition costs exceed their grants and scholarships.”

Anyone seeking an estimate may visit svsu.edu/costquiz. For overall info, see svsu.edu/cardinalcommittment.

At Delta, the marketing moniker for decades has been that junior college expenses are far lower than at the four-year schools. Now, in addition, Delta pitches “Michigan Reconnect” with free tuition for pupils ages 21 and older.

A brochure states: “Sometimes life gets in the way of a dream. Work, kids, military, money, health issues. But it’s never too late.”

The previous age standard was 25 or older, and advocates aim to one day make two-year community colleges tuition-free for all.

To learn more, visit Michigan.gov/Reconnect.

Saginaw Promise has awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarship aid to 695 pupils since its creation in 2012. This year’s deadline is Feb. 9. Check saginawfoundation.org/site/scholarships/.

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Hemmeter Elementary is a kindergarten to 5^th grade gifted and talented magnet school with an enrollment of approximately 317 students. The school was also ranked #3 in Michigan magnet elementary schools.  

Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well the school prepares their students for high school.

“Hemmeter is excited to be recognized as one of the best elementary schools in Michigan,” said Hemmeter Principal Jim Bailey. “The award is a testament to the dedication of our entire school community. I could not be more proud of our teachers, support staff, families, and students for working together to make Hemmeter such an amazing school.”

The Saginaw Township Community Schools (STCS) is comprised of eight elementary, middle and high schools within Saginaw Township, Michigan, and serves nearly 4,600 students.

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SVSU worked with Saginaw Public Schools to adapt the university’s Accelerated Certification with Residency program to meet the unique needs of the urban school district. Through a combination of academic coursework and classroom teaching experience, Saginaw Public Schools employees who have completed bachelor’s degrees can complete the requirements to become a certified teacher in about a year. 

“This partnership is a great example of our commitment to the community we serve,” said George Grant Jr, SVSU president. “The students in this program are committed to staying and serving in the school district where they were already working, which enhances the education local students receive.” 

SVSU worked to create a special cohort of students that includes an emphasis on the unique circumstances of urban education. 

“The partnership with SVSU will assist our district for years to come, in placing highly qualified teachers in front of our students,” said Ramont Roberts, superintendent of Saginaw Public Schools. “We are grateful for the work of Representative O’Neal and Senator McDonald Rivet in making sure that we have the necessary resources to fund the program. This is a shining example of true collaboration, and I am honored to be a part of it.” 

Through the State of Michigan’s “Grow Your Own Teacher” funding initiative, the Saginaw Public Schools employees who enroll at SVSU will see all education expenses covered by the grant. 

“Schools and students need good teachers now more than ever. ‘Grow Your Own’ is a smart, practical response to our teacher shortage,” said State Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet. “The $2 million we secured for this partnership will go a long way to help Saginaw Public Schools fill vital classroom positions.” 

SVSU teaches some courses in Saginaw Public Schools buildings for added convenience, recognizing the time demands of busy working professionals. 

“The ‘Grow Your Own’ program provides excellent experience and grand opportunities,” said State Representative Amos O’Neal. “SVSU’s partnership with Saginaw Public Schools is such a blessing to our school district, our students and our community. If you are thinking about getting certified as a teacher, I encourage you to apply. This $2 million investment will help cover costs for those who seek to earn their teacher certification — there is no better time than right now.” 

Saginaw Public Schools hosted a news conference Monday, Nov. 6 at the newly constructed Handley Elementary School to showcase the partnership with SVSU. 

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To answer the inquiry, he needed to look no farther than his colleagues on an all-star panel assembled by Bethel Men’s M.T. Thompson Jr., retired county judge.

Roberts is working with Michael Gavin and George Grant, the new presidents of Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University, on a “Grow Your Own” effort to find candidates first within the district’s employee ranks, and beyond within the local populus. Some may require more full semesters of study, but some already have achieved bachelor degrees and need only teaching certificates. During the first-year startup, 50 prospects are receiving support that ranges from financial incentives to mentorships, so that Saginaw may look within to address the shortage, instead of relying so much on outside recruitment.

At the same time, Pamela Pugh pushes for state funding and leadership as president of the Michigan K-12 Board of Education and Gwendolyn Thompson-McMillon, the judge’s sister, is an Oakland University literacy professor and author who organizes elementary-level volunteer tutors through “I Read, I Lead, I Succeed.”

The quintet’s common theme was that a team approach always is essential, no matter what the obstacles and barriers, intentional or institutional.

At the same time, the audience of nearly 200 included other local education icons, from Saginaw STEM founder Dante Davis to Kermit Diggs, who was ahead of her time when she emphasized science starting more than 40 years ago in her classroom at Morley Elementary. Men of Bethel Chairman Ralph Martin also leads the Saginaw Library Commission and the Saginaw African Cultural Festival.

Bethel’s retired pastor, P. David Saunders, concluded the two-hour think tank by reflecting on all he had learned and the information he had gained.

“It can’t just stay here, if we really wish to see a change,” Pastor Saunders said, summarizing a need for outreach.

Judge Thompson said the first followup steps will be for individuals to carry out improvements and reforms within their own bailiwicks, and then for participants to reassemble and evaluate actions that are taken.

Gavin and Grant agreed that their top overall aim is to boost African American enrollment at Delta, now 11 percent, and at SVSU, currently 8 percent. Both exceed MSU’s 7 percent and U-M’s 4 percent, but still fall short of Saginaw County’s 19 percent black population headcount.

Saginaw Valley State, said Grant, now offers free tuition within the Great Lakes Bay region to students from households in the income range of $70,000 or lower, with options found at go.svsu.edu. Similar tuition-free opportunities are in place for Delta, delta.edu.

Don’t forget history

Men of Bethel emphasized an agenda for the future and what Grant described as a “what works” priority on approaches with track records of success, but history was in focus.

Professor McMillon described growing up near Houghton School and being part of one of the first federal Head Start preschool classes and then the city’s schools’ Project BRITE. This was a positive startup during the early and middle 1960s, but then came systemic demolition to clear a path for Interstate 675, which joined the northeast railroad yard in destructively chopping the community into small enclaves. Her husband, Rev. Dr. Vincent D. McMillon, now is pastor of St. Paul Baptist on Fifteenth Street, a few blocks from her childhood home, which immediately borders the business loop.

Roberts also was direct, asserting that U.S. public education at the start was designed by capitalists into layers that favor advanced curricula for elite wealthy families and friends, aiming to restrict options for the working class in order to maintain their labor pool.

Nowadays, some of the same elites push to banish books that don’t match their personal viewpoints on ethnic equity and justice.

“Therefore, we need to disrupt a system that is designed to protect those capitalist interests,” the superintendent summarized. “We have to be careful that we do not perpetuate the class system.”

For her part, McMillon quoted Frederick Douglass, the abolitionist viewed as radical for his time: “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”

To learn more about Men of Bethel and/or enlist in the Education Summit action plan, including to volunteer as a tutor or a mentor, contact Judge Thompson at malikthompson0513@gmail.com or Ralph Martin, ralmart4@aol.com.

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