Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Erin Senkowski to the newly created position of Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Programs. In this role, Dr. Senkowski will oversee the district’s Special Education, Early Childhood, and Instructional Services departments. Career and Technical Education (CTE) leadership support will also be integrated into the Instructional Services department under her leadership.
Dr. Senkowski’s promotion is part of a district-wide restructuring designed to enhance collaboration and increase the capacity of all departments within Saginaw ISD. Having previously served as the Executive Director of Special Education, Dr. Senkowski’s extensive experience and leadership qualities made her the ideal choice to lead Saginaw ISD’s instructional programs into the future. As a result of her advancement, the hiring process for a new Executive Director of Special Education will soon begin to ensure the department continues to receive strong leadership and support.
“This appointment marks a significant step as we lead the district forward,” said Dr. Jeffrey Collier, Superintendent of Saginaw ISD. “Dr. Senkowski’s leadership will help us push boundaries, innovate, and build a stronger foundation for every student, regardless of zip code. Her dedication to empowering staff and students alike will best prepare us to meet the challenges ahead.”
This organizational change comes as part of a broader restructuring initiative aimed at increasing the capacity of our departments and enhancing collaboration throughout the district. The new position will work alongside Scott Sawyer, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, who will lead the Finance, Human Resources, and Technology departments, along with oversight of Hartley Outdoor Education Center.
“With this restructuring, we’re creating new opportunities for growth throughout the district,” said Scott Sawyer, Deputy Superintendent of Operations. “Dr. Senkowski’s deep knowledge and leadership make her the perfect fit for this role. I’m excited to collaborate with her as we strengthen support for our district and county.”
With nearly 20 years of service in education and her longstanding commitment to providing equitable opportunities for all students, Dr. Senkowski brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. Her leadership has been instrumental in several key initiatives, including the successful passage of the 2022 Special Education millage, the renovation of the Millet Learning Center, and the comprehensive capital project at Jerome Preschool. Dr. Senkowski was also recently honored with the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education’s (MAASE) Marvin Beekman Award in 2023, which further highlights the significant impact she has made on our district and special education as a whole.
“It is an honor to take on this new role and continue serving the students, families, and staff of Saginaw ISD,” said Dr. Erin Senkowski. “I’m grateful for the trust placed in me by Dr. Collier and the board of education. This new position allows us to focus even more intently on our mission of empowering every learner, and I’m looking forward to the journey ahead.”
The Saginaw ISD Board of Education has been a strong supporter of the restructuring initiative. Ruth Coppens, Board President of Saginaw ISD, added, “By establishing the Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Programs position, we are enhancing our capacity to meet the diverse needs of our students and staff. This new alignment underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional educational leadership and support for students across our entire county.”
ABOUT DR. ERIN E. SENKOWSKI, Ph.D.
Dr. Erin Senkowski serves as the Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Programs for the Saginaw Intermediate School District, a position she began in 2024. During her 20 years in education, she has served a variety of roles that support the advancement of students with exceptionalities across the educational setting.
Dr. Senkowski has spent her entire career serving students and families in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Prior to her work in Saginaw County, she served as a teacher for students with Autism and Emotional Impairments for the Midland County ESA. In 2005, she continued her teaching career with Saginaw Township Community Schools as a special education teacher for six years. She assumed her first leadership role in 2011 with the Saginaw ISD, where she served as the Special Education Supervisor assigned to the Freeland Community School District and Saginaw ISD Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program. In 2014, she was promoted to the Assistant Director of Special Education for the Saginaw ISD and then again promoted to the Executive Director of Special Education in August of 2016. She has also served as adjunct faculty at Central Michigan University in the Special Education Department.
Dr. Senkowski holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Arts in Special Education from Central Michigan University, an Education Specialist Degree from Saginaw Valley State University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. She holds teaching certifications in K-12 Special Education, Elementary Education, and English. She also holds a school administrative certification and full approval as a Director of Special Education in the State of Michigan.
Dr. Senkowski’s focus on providing high-quality, equitable educational experiences for all students, especially children with disabilities, runs deep. She continually works to advocate for the needs of students with disabilities by promoting partnerships across the region and state. She is actively involved on various state and national level committees, currently serving as the co-chair of the Legislative Advocacy Committee for the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE), where she works closely to provide input on pending legislation and policy impact on students and educators across the state. Locally, Dr. Senkowski serves on the Saginaw United Way Board of Directors. Dr. Senkowski was also recently honored with the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education’s (MAASE) Marvin Beekman Award in 2023, which further highlights the significant impact she has made on our district and special education as a whole.
Dr. Senkowski enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and being outdoors. She and her husband Gary, who is also an educator, are the proud parents of three children: Owen, Adelyn, and Eli.
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
ckuschinsky@sisd.cc