Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is thrilled to introduce Rodney Woods as the new Great Lakes Bay Early College (GLBEC) and Saginaw County Juvenile Detention Center (SCJDC) Program Director.
Victor Bugni, Executive Director of Instructional Services, shared, "Saginaw ISD, in partnership with the Juvenile Detention Center, is thrilled to welcome Mr. Rodney Woods to our team. After meeting with Rodney, it was clear to us that he possesses the passion and dedication necessary to support all learners. We are confident that he will significantly contribute to supporting our students to become the best individuals they can be."
In his capacity as the Program Director for GLBEC and SCJDC, Mr. 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.
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, Mr. 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."
ABOUT RODNEY WOODS
Rodney Woods currently serves Saginaw Intermediate School District as the Great Lakes Bay Early College and Saginaw County Juvenile Detention Center Program Director. Mr. 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, Mr. 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, Mr. Woods 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, Mr. Woods had accumulated eighteen years of diverse leadership experience in school administration.
Mr. Woods' career reflects his commitment to student achievement and well-being. His educational philosophy emphasizes belief in all students, advocating for equity and equality, strong leadership, professional collaboration, community engagement, and family support. These principles align closely with the values of Saginaw ISD and Great Lakes Bay Early College.
Rodney 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.
Mr. Woods is married to Jennifer Woods, a behavior analyst in the Bullock Creek School District, and they are celebrating their 25th anniversary. They have two sons: Chaz Woods, 24, a Northwood University graduate working at Garber Management Group, and Keason Woods, 21, a senior at Saginaw Valley State University, majoring in General Business with a minor in Business Marketing, set to graduate in December.
ABOUT SAGINAW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is an educational service agency that provides effective and innovative leadership, services, resources, and programs throughout Saginaw County. Saginaw ISD provides career and technical education, early childhood, finance, human resources, instruction, pupil accounting, special education, technology, and transportation services. In addition, Saginaw ISD operates multiple educational programs to meet the unique needs of students ages birth to 26 across Saginaw County, including: Hartley Outdoor Education Center, Head Start/Early Head Start and Great Start to Readiness Programs, Great Lakes Bay Early College, Saginaw County Juvenile Detention Center School, and Special Education Center Programs.
Saginaw ISD serves 12 local school districts, five public school academies, and 22 non-public schools, with a total enrollment of approximately 26,000 students. Public school districts supported include: Birch Run Area Schools, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District, Carrollton Public Schools, Chesaning Union Schools, Frankenmuth School District, Freeland Community School District, Hemlock Public School District, Merrill Community Schools, Saginaw Public School District, Saginaw Township Community Schools, St. Charles Community Schools, and Swan Valley School District.
MEDIA CONTACT
For further inquiries, you may contact Chief of Staff Coty Kuschinsky at ckuschinsky@sisd.cc