SAGINAW, MI — A new initiative is aimed at amplifying student perspectives during the policy-making process of Saginaw Public Schools leaders.
Officials announced four district students this month began serving as non-voting members of the 5,000-student district’s board of education.
District officials said the teenagers “will provide critical insights on behalf of their peers and act as a vital link between the board of education and the district’s student body.”
The primary members consist of Tierra Pringle, of Saginaw United High School, and Diya Ramakrishnan, of Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy (SASA). Two alternates named to the group are Iesha Little, of Saginaw United High, and Riya Patel, of SASA.
“This marks an exciting new phase of governance as Saginaw Public Schools continues its commitment to being a 21st-century, future-focused district,” Board of Education President Charles Coleman said in a statement. “Bringing students to the board with full participation rights brings a level of expertise to our discussions — especially when deciding on issues that directly impact our students.”
Coleman said the student representatives “give us an advantage at a time when districts are competing for students and striving to be innovative and progressive.”
The voting members of the Saginaw Public Schools board are Coleman, Vice President Janet Nash, Treasurer Ruth Ann Knapp, Secretary Mark Rooker and Trustees Joyce Seals and Mattie Thompson.
The board’s next regular meeting isw 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 at the district headquarters, 550 Millard. Meeting agendas and minutes are available online.
Saginaw Public Schools represents the largest of the 12 public school districts operating within Saginaw County.