SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is proud to announce that Deputy Superintendent Scott Sawyer has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Meridian Award of Excellence by the Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO). Superintendent Sarah Glann of Meridian Public Schools nominated Mr. Sawyer, highlighting his substantial contributions to mentoring finance directors and enhancing school finance management across the state.
The Meridian Award of Excellence recognizes outstanding practices that have been successfully implemented within a district while documenting substantial benefits. "Mr. Sawyer's exemplary servant leadership has significantly advanced the professional development of countless school business officials and educational leaders, not only in Saginaw County but throughout Michigan. His commitment to improving financial expertise in our schools has strengthened operational effectiveness and educational outcomes across the state," said Dr. Jeffrey Collier, Superintendent of Saginaw ISD.
The award was announced and presented to Mr. Sawyer during a special luncheon at the MSBO Annual Conference on April 24, 2024. "I am deeply honored to receive this award, and it has been incredibly gratifying to see the professionals I have mentored excel and serve their districts with distinction. Each success story is a testament to our collective effort to enhance educational leadership and financial stewardship within our schools," said Mr. Sawyer. Along with the honor, MSBO also awarded a $1,000 prize for Saginaw ISD's scholarship fund, which will be acknowledged at an upcoming board meeting.
Scott Sawyer's unwavering dedication over his years of service has left an indelible mark on his peers and the many professionals he has mentored. Saginaw ISD is proud to have such a visionary and dedicated leader in its ranks. His achievements reflect our district's commitment to excellence and our collective mission to improve education for all students regardless of zip code.
ABOUT SCOTT SAWYER, J.D.
Scott Sawyer is the Deputy Superintendent of Saginaw Intermediate School District. With 19 years of professional experience in education, Scott is a passionate advocate for service, educational leadership, and social equity.
Scott began his professional career as a Math Teacher at Chesaning Union Schools in 2003 and was promoted to Director of Finance in 2006. In 2010, he transitioned to Birch Run Area Schools to serve as their Business Manager. He joined Saginaw ISD in 2015 as Executive Director of Human Resources. In 2019, he took on the additional Executive Director of Finance role before being promoted to Deputy Superintendent. Outside his responsibilities with Saginaw ISD, Scott is a Partner Attorney for Dickinson Sawyer, PLC.
Mr. Sawyer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alma College and a Juris Doctor degree from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, as well as licensure with the Michigan State Bar Association and United States District Court Eastern District of Michigan. He also maintains certifications for secondary teaching, school administration, and Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO). In 2021, Scott became a doctoral candidate in Western Michigan University's Philosophy in Educational Leadership program. Scott was recognized by MSBO as School Business Official of the Year for the State of Michigan in 2021 and received the Meridian Award in 2024 for his work in school finance mentorship.
Scott is a strong advocate for public education operations—specifically, finance and human resources. He regularly participates with county and state organizations—leading conversations, presentations, and publications in areas of school finance, labor relations, pandemic response, and law, including FOIA, FMLA, OMA, Title IX, and public employee social media/free speech. Mr. Sawyer directly mentors area school business and human resources officials and provides guidance to districts throughout Michigan.
In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar in several bands, drawing artwork, and participating in many community service and social equity activities. Scott and his wife, Christine, happily share their home with a collection of cats they have rescued and adopted.
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
Coty Kuschinsky - Saginaw ISD Chief of Staff and Communications Supervisor