Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) proudly announces that David Smith, Executive Director of Finance, has been accepted into the Henry Marsh Institute for Public Policy at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). This distinguished program, founded in 2011, is dedicated to equipping leaders in the Great Lakes Bay Region with the tools to become effective advocates and change agents within their communities.
When asked about his acceptance into the program, David shared, "I'm really excited to be part of the Henry Marsh Institute for Public Policy at Saginaw Valley State University. I’m looking forward to learning more about public policy and leadership so I can make a bigger impact in our community."
Mr. Smith has over 20 years of experience across various industries and a robust background in financial management. His academic credentials include an Associate of Science from Delta College, a Bachelor of Professional Accountancy, and an MBA from SVSU. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Delta College, sharing his expertise with the next generation of financial professionals.
David joined Saginaw ISD in 2019 and is an active member of the Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) and the Association of School Business Officials International. David has also served as president of the Saginaw Valley School Business Officials.
"David Smith's acceptance into the Henry Marsh Institute for Public Policy is an incredible opportunity for him to deepen his understanding of public policy and sharpen his leadership skills. This experience will empower him to take on greater challenges, build meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact in our community," said Deputy Superintendent of Operations Scott Sawyer.
The Henry Marsh Institute for Public Policy offers a year-long program designed to engage participants in discussions on public policy, governance, and leadership. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of local political institutions, public policy analysis, and effective campaigning. This multi-partisan initiative selects a diverse cohort of leaders committed to fostering positive change in their communities.
ABOUT DAVID SMITH
David Smith is the Executive Director of Finance at the Saginaw Intermediate School District (SISD), where he has served in the finance office for over five years. With 20 years of experience spanning various industries, David brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for financial leadership to his role.
David began his educational journey at Delta College, earning an Associate of Science in 2005. He then graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a Bachelor of Professional Accountancy (BPA) in 2008. Continuing his professional growth, he returned to SVSU in 2012 to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
David’s career launched in 2005 at an accounting firm, where he provided tax planning, financial analysis, and startup support for local businesses. Upon earning his BPA, he joined a local CPA firm’s audit team, conducting audits for municipalities and non-profits across Michigan. It was here that David first encountered the field of school finance, offering business manager services to Arenac Eastern and Au Gres-Sims school districts.
In 2012, David transitioned to a controller role at a manufacturing company, where he established the organization’s first finance department. Around this time, he also began teaching finance courses as an adjunct faculty member at Delta College, discovering a passion for education and mentoring. In 2019, David joined Saginaw ISD, where he continues to support the district’s mission of excellence in education.
David is an active member of the Michigan School Business Officials and the Association of School Business Officials International, and has served as president of the Saginaw Valley School Business Officials.
A proud advocate for Saginaw County, David is inspired by the community’s people and opportunities. He feels fortunate to live and work in a region where he can make a meaningful impact. David and his wife reside in Hemlock, Michigan, in a country home they share with their daughter and several rescued pets. In his free time, David enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and spending quality time with his large extended family.
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