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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The proliferation of gun violence, gang activity, drug use, crime and other destructive behavior are all fueled by our education system, the elimination of affirmative action, the reduction of blue-collar jobs, inadequate health care and the criminal justice system.  This panel discussion will be limited to just one of these factors, education.

Experts will discuss the educational challenges students of color face,  solutions to those challenges, and how to take advantage of the opportunities that do exist.  The panel will include:

• Michael H. Gavin, Delta College president
• George Grant, Jr., Saginaw Valley State University president
• Pamela L. Pugh, Michigan K-12 Board of Education president
• Ramont Roberts, Saginaw School District superintendent
• Gwendolyn Thompson-McMillon, Oakland University professor

It is my hope that this deliberative-dialogue style event will provide a way for community members of diverse views and experiences to seek a shared understanding of the educational problems African Americans face and search common ground for solutions. This event is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact me at (989) 798-6738 or via  malikthompson0513@gmail.com.

Hon. M.T. Thompson, Jr. is a long-time civic leader and a retired Saginaw County District Court judge.

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“I am deeply humbled to be recognized by the Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA) as the 2024 Michigan Superintendent of the Year,” said Dr. Collier. “However, this recognition is a reflective testament of the transformative servant leadership provided to our community by the entire team of committed educators throughout Saginaw ISD. This award also indicates a sample representation of the incredible collective efforts of superintendents and thought partners throughout the State of Michigan who work to advance positive opportunities and outcomes for all students, regardless of zip code. Thank you to MASA for this honored recognition, and thank you to all who have provided support, trust, and belief in my collaborative styles of leadership and vision.”

Michigan’s Superintendent of the Year award is presented annually by MASA to a superintendent who has shown tremendous effort and dedication to enriching the lives of students and the community as a whole. After an open nomination and application process, the annual award winner is selected by a panel representing education stakeholders across the state. Collier received seven separate nominations for this year’s award, including testimonials from current staff, stakeholders, and previous colleagues and educators he has mentored.

Dr. Collier is the first ISD Superintendent to receive this honor in the award’s history. “Dr. Collier’s leadership has been transformative in our educational community,” said Mark Whelton, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community Schools Superintendent and award nominator. “He recognizes the critical role that local school districts play in the overall success of our educational system and goes above and beyond to offer support, guidance, and resources.” 

“I’ve known Dr. Collier a long time, having worked with him as both a district leader and now in his current role, and can absolutely say that he truly is a transformational leader,” said MASA Executive Director Dr. Tina Kerr. “He has an innate ability to always work in true partnership with those around him, and his unwavering commitment to his team, the local school districts in Saginaw County, and public education across the state is evident and admirable. We are very proud to have Dr. Collier representing Michigan as this year’s Superintendent of the Year.”

Collier has more than 24 years of educational experience across multiple levels and districts. In July 2020, he was named the Superintendent of Saginaw ISD, which encompasses 12 local public school districts and five public school academies that serve approximately 26,000 students from birth to age 26. Prior to leading the ISD, Collier spent eight years as the Superintendent of the Au Gres-Sims School District. He was also a building principal at Tawas Area High School and a middle school assistant principal at Bay City Public Schools. 

Under Collier’s leadership, Saginaw County successfully passed a Special Education Millage in 2022 – the first time in 48 years that such a measure was approved. The millage was passed at the statutory maximum level for special education and is expected to be an investment of at least $88.5 million over the next decade for special education programs in school districts within the ISD.

Collier’s work has also focused on addressing the critical educator shortage. He was one of 12 founding members of the Talent Together program – a collaborative consortium that aims to attract and train future educators by pooling resources and expertise – and currently sits on the organization’s Governing Board.

In addition to the surprise presentation at Tuesday’s board meeting, Collier will be formally recognized at MASA’s 2024 Midwinter Conference in January in Detroit, Michigan. A $1,000 student scholarship will also be presented and donated to Saginaw ISD in his honor by this year’s Michigan award sponsor, Williams & Company. 

As Michigan’s 2024 Superintendent of the Year, Collier is now in the running for the national Superintendent of the Year award from the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). AASA will convene a Blue-Ribbon Selection Committee to select four national finalists in December. In January, the four finalists will participate in a national briefing and interviews at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.. The National Superintendent of the Year will be announced in February at the AASA National Conference on Education in San Diego, California, where all State Superintendents of the Year will also be honored.

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Known for building connections with students, Goode-Tibbs says getting to know the students in her building is one of the most rewarding things about her job.

“Being an educator has many challenges, but it is very rewarding and valuable work. One of my favorite things to do as the principal at Arthur Hill is observing and visiting classes to engage with students in their element. Having those discussions and taking a genuine interest in students helps me get to know them and their interests and goals.”

The Michigan Lottery established the Excellence In Education awards in 2014 to recognize outstanding public-school educators across the state during the school year.

Winners of the weekly award receive a $2,000 cash prize. At the end of the school year, one of the weekly award winners is selected to receive the Lottery’s Educator of the Year award and receives a $10,000 cash prize.

Goode-Tibbs was nominated for the award by a student who spoke about the impact the principal has had on the school.

“When I first started out in high school, I was a very shy and quiet person. Not only was it my first year as a high school student, but it was also Ms. Tibbs first year as principle at Arthur Hill High School. In that first year, I learned a lot from her. She helped me come out of my shell and more importantly she helped me get over my anxiety. Her impact was not just felt by me. At Arthur Hill High School, when you take a health class you get a major baby project where you take a robot baby home over the weekend. With this project there comes a fee of about $5. Out of the goodness of her heart, she paid the fee for every single student taking one home. It doesn’t stop there. Any student can email her and set up a time to sit down and talk with her. She also is very kind to her staff. Every holiday season she goes out of her way to buy all the staff, from the teachers to the custodians, a gift bag full of gift cards and candy. She really makes a big difference at Arthur Hill.”

Goode-Tibbs earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University. She has been an educator for 29 years, the last three as principal at Arthur Hill High School.

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