A New Era of Innovation and Learning

Jerome Preschool, a beloved cornerstone of early childhood education in our community, is undergoing a transformative construction project that promises to elevate the learning experience for our youngest learners. After more than seven years of rental tenancy, Saginaw ISD proudly acquired the Jerome Elementary Campus from Saginaw Public School District in the Fall of 2021. Established in 1976, the Jerome building has a rich history of nurturing young minds and is now set to embark on an exciting new chapter.

A Modern Makeover with a Purpose

The renovation of Jerome Preschool is more than a facelift; this vision is a commitment to creating a state-of-the-art learning environment. Key updates include:

• Structural Enhancements: Upgrades include roof repairs, a new parking lot, enhanced lighting, and a state-of-the-art HVAC system to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all.

• Green Innovations: The addition of a greenhouse, vibrant green walls, and classroom hydroponics will seamlessly integrate nature into the learning experience, providing students with hands-on opportunities to explore and connect with the environment, landscapes, and fresh food.

• Community Involvement: Our newly established professional learning center, medical clinic partnership, and community garden are designed to foster family engagement and build stronger partnerships between the school and the surrounding neighborhood.

Introducing Green STEM Education for Preschool

With the steadfast support of the Saginaw ISD Board of Education and the visionary guidance of Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Collier, Dr. Erin Senkowski, Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Programs, is leading the integration of Green STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) as an overlay onto our curriculum. This pioneering initiative combines environmental education with STEM while maintaining high-quality instruction, sparking curiosity, and fostering a deep connection to the natural world for our preschoolers.

Enriching Learning Environments

Classrooms will be revitalized with new flooring, furniture, and equipment as a commitment that our facilities reflect our standard of excellence. These updates are designed to create a vibrant, engaging space where students can thrive.

A Community Effort

This transformative effort has been a collaborative cross-departmental effort between Saginaw ISD's Early Childhood and Instructional Services departments as we have focused on bringing together diverse teams for the success of this project. Partnerships with local organizations will further enhance the health and development of our students and their families.

Funding the Future

This ambitious project is supported by specific funds allocated by Saginaw ISD, utilizing the State of Michigan’s Pension Unfunded Actuarial Accrued Liability (UAAL) reimbursement program. Importantly, this ensures that the transformation does not impact the operating funds of Head Start or GSRP, reflecting our district's commitment to responsible financial stewardship.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare to welcome students to the new Jerome Preschool in the 2025-2026 school year, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. This transformation is about more than a building; it’s about redefining early childhood education in our community. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build a brighter future for our students.