Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) proudly announces the retirement of Cheryl Vinson Taylor, Principal of Millet Learning Center, effective July 31, 2024. Cheryl concludes her remarkable 37-year career in special education, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, innovation, and compassion.
Cheryl began her career at Millet Learning Center as a classroom teacher, and her passion for Special Education led her to become an esteemed leader within the district. Cheryl advanced to the leadership role as Principal of the Saginaw ISD Transitions Center, where she served for ten years. There, she was instrumental in merging two post-secondary special education programs into one program under the Saginaw ISD. Over the last seven years as Principal of Millet Learning Center, Cheryl has guided Millet through numerous challenges and milestones, including navigating the complexities of the pandemic, overseeing a major remodeling project, and addressing significant staffing shortages. Her leadership has been instrumental in updating the curriculum, integrating advanced technology, and launching new initiatives in augmentative communication, social-emotional learning, and sensory integration.
"Millet Learning Center will always hold a special place in my heart," Cheryl shared in a heartfelt letter to the Millet families. "Together, we have created new traditions such as Camp Millet and the Halloween-themed Open House. My vision was and continues to be that Millet Learning Center will become one of the best center-based programs in Michigan. I am confident that the next administrative team will continue this work and move the program forward."
Dr. Erin Senkowski, Executive Director of Special Education at Saginaw ISD, expressed deep gratitude for Cheryl's contributions, "Cheryl has been an incredible leader within our organization, and many of us at the Saginaw ISD will deeply miss her. Her leadership skills, ability to handle challenging situations, and strong advocacy for the staff and students of Saginaw ISD have been invaluable. Cheryl's long-time expertise, especially at the Millet Learning Center, has significantly contributed to the development of high-quality educational experiences for all students. Millet is better because of her tenure as principal, and we are deeply grateful for her leadership."
Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Collier also extended his appreciation, "Cheryl Taylor's commitment and dedication to the students, families, and staff of Millet Learning Center have been extraordinary. Her vision and servant leadership have left a lasting impact, and her efforts have paved the way for future success. We celebrate her incredible career and wish her all the best in her retirement."
The Saginaw ISD community is invited to join in celebrating Cheryl's retirement and extending their best wishes for her future endeavors. Cheryl's tireless advocacy and compassionate leadership have left an indelible mark on the Millet Learning Center, and she will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of working with her. The announcement of the new principal for Millet Learning Center will be made soon, ensuring a smooth transition and continued excellence in leadership.
ABOUT CHERYL VINSON TAYLOR
Cheryl Vinson Taylor served seventeen years in Administration as Principal of the Saginaw Intermediate School District's (ISD)Transitions Center and Melvin G. Millet Learning Center in Saginaw, Michigan. With 37 years of experience in Special Education, Cheryl is a visionary leader and tireless advocate for students with exceptionalities and their families. During her professional career, Ms.Taylor has been a successful self-contained classroom teacher in both general education and center-based program settings. She has served as a Teacher Consultant for students with Cognitive Disabilities and an Inclusion Specialist providing support for students, teachers, and families in the local districts throughout Saginaw County. Ms.Taylor advanced to a leadership role as Principal of the Saginaw ISD Transitions Center in 2007, where she served for ten years before transitioning to the Millet Center in 2017. She is the Saginaw ISD's first African-American School Administrator and the only individual to lead both county-wide programs.
Cheryl holds a Bachelor's in Arts and a Master's in Special Education from Eastern Michigan University. Her professional certifications include teaching certificates in Elementary Education, Cognitive Impairments, and Learning Disabilities. She also holds Teacher Consultant, Special Education Supervisor, and Special Education Administration certifications.
Ms. Taylor is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE), CASE, Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning (MACUL), and Supervisors of Low Incidence Populations (SLIP). She has served on various committees for these organizations as well as the Saginaw ISD and Michigan Department of Education.
Cheryl believes strongly in service to the community. She has served on several non-profit organizations' boards of directors, including the Saginaw Friendship Games, United Sisters In Christ, and the Executive Board of SVRC Industries. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Mustard Seed Shelter, a privately funded shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness. Ms. Taylor is an alumnus of Leadership Saginaw (Class of 2010) and is a member of the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce and the Midland Area Community Foundation.
Ms. Taylor is a native of Saginaw, Michigan, and a graduate of Saginaw High School. She and her husband, Eric, have been married for 31 years. They have two wonderful adult children, Darius and Monique, who reside in Wixom and Flint, Michigan, respectively. Cheryl enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, golf, and Spartan football (Go Green!)
ABOUT MELVIN G. MILLET LEARNING CENTER
Melvin G. Millet Learning Center provides individualized educational programs and services to address the unique needs of Saginaw County students with low-incidence handicaps in a welcoming school atmosphere. The diverse student population includes approximately 270 students (ages 3 through 25) with moderate-to-severe performance challenges. These are expressed either individually or in combination by cognitive, physical, or health impairments or autism.
Support services at Millet Learning Center are as comprehensive as may be experienced in clinical health care settings, but within a school atmosphere to accomplish an educational mission. Professional support staff includes nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, and social workers. For better health, all classrooms participate in an instructor-led adaptive physical education program that includes the use of a gymnasium and a fully accessible outdoor play and learning center. Nutrition is assisted by a complete food service program that offers a full range of dietary options.
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