Saginaw ISD proudly celebrates Chelsea Korzecki, Principal of Millet Learning Center, as the recipient of the 2025 Murray O’Batten Humanitarian Award. Presented by the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) at their February meeting, this award honors special education administrators who exemplify honesty, integrity, trust, and compassion.
For nearly 16 years, Chelsea has been a dedicated leader in special education, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive. Under her leadership, Millet Learning Center has fostered a culture of collaboration, trust, and innovation. She has expanded staff development opportunities, enhanced mentorship programs, and strengthened community partnerships to improve educational experiences for students and families. Recognizing the challenges of staff retention, Chelsea led initiatives that created a more supportive work environment, reducing turnover and increasing job satisfaction among educators and support staff.
Beyond her work at Millet, Chelsea has been a driving force in professional development across Michigan. She played a key role in establishing the New Administrators Academy, providing mentorship to new leaders in special education. Her advocacy for continuous learning and leadership development has left a lasting impact at Saginaw ISD and beyond.
The Murray O’Batten Humanitarian Award was created in honor of Murray O. Batten, a former Director of Special Education for the Michigan Department of Education. Batten was widely respected for his kindness, integrity, and advocacy for students with disabilities. The award is given annually to ISD/ESA special education administrators who embody his values and dedication to education.
Chelsea shared, “This recognition is a reflection of the incredible team at Saginaw ISD who work tirelessly to support our students. The heart of special education is in the collaboration and dedication of educators, families, and staff who make a difference every day. I am honored to receive this award and grateful to be part of such an inspiring community.”
Executive Director of Special Education David Krantz, a past recipient of the award, added, “Chelsea’s leadership is rooted in her commitment to students, families, and staff. She is a tireless advocate, ensuring that every student has access to the support they need. Her dedication to special education has strengthened not only Saginaw ISD but also the broader educational community in Michigan.”
Saginaw ISD is proud to recognize Chelsea Korzecki for her outstanding leadership and dedication to special education. Her impact continues to shape the future for students, staff, and families across the region.
ABOUT CHELSEA KORZECKI
Chelsea Korzecki is Principal of Millet Learning Center for Saginaw Intermediate School District. She was previously the Countywide Supervisor of Special Education within Saginaw ISD and has 16 years of experience in Special Education. Chelsea thrives on the opportunity to create a supportive environment while fostering collaboration among staff, students, and families to promote student success.
Chelsea began her career as a long-term substitute English Teacher for Bridgeport Spaulding Schools. She then continued her career with Midland Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher for students with Emotional Impairments and the Transitions Facilitator. While teaching in Midland, she chaired the Students Against Violence Everywhere Committee and served as a class representative. Chelsea then transitioned into administration in 2017 as a local Special Education Supervisor for Saginaw Township Community School and then was promoted to the Saginaw ISD Countywide Special Education Supervisor position in 2019.
As a Countywide Special Education Supervisor, she had the opportunity to develop and implement Saginaw ISD's mentorship program. Chelsea led the ancillary staff work teams as well as the lead administrator for staff evaluation. She made many university connections to promote internship opportunities as well as positive partnerships with contractors to meet staffing needs for local districts. Chelsea was an integral part of Saginaw ISD, winning Partner of the Year in 2023-2024 with Presence Learning for exemplary work to address the needs of special education students in Saginaw County.
Mrs. Korzecki holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Arts in Special Education from Saginaw Valley State University. She holds teaching certifications in K-12 Emotional Impairment Special Education, 6-12 English, and K-12 Physical Education. She also has a School Administrative Certificate and full approval as a Supervisor of Special Education.
Throughout her career, she consistently looks for growth opportunities, support, and sustainability. She is a passionate advocate for students with disabilities, ensuring equal access and opportunities for everyone. She is also an active member of the Michigan Association and Administrator of Special Education (MAASE). As well as the New Administrators Academy Chair with MAASE. She is looking forward to presenting the New Administrators Academy at the National Council of Administrators of Special Education this fall on behalf of MAASE.
Chelsea enjoys running, cooking, and quality time with her family: Brent (husband), Macie (10), and Karston (7). Chelsea and her family enjoy spending time at their cottage on Sand Lake boating, snowmobiling, and fishing.
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