Saginaw Public School District has taken a historic step toward student voice and engagement by welcoming its first-ever student members to the Board of Education.
Two students and two alternates officially began their service during the Board’s Sept. 17, briefing session and participated in their first action meeting on Sept. 24.
While these student leaders are not voting members, they 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.
Student Board Members:
Tierra Pringle – Saginaw United High School
Diya Ramakrishnan – Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy (SASA)
Student Board Member Alternates:
Iesha Little – Saginaw United High School
Riya Patel – Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy (SASA)
The district also welcomed back student ambassadors representing Saginaw United, SASA, and Saginaw Career Complex (SCC). These ambassadors continue to serve as youth leaders and community representatives for their schools.
Board of Education President Charles H. Coleman, Ph.D., called the addition of students to the Board a bold, forward-thinking move.
“This marks an exciting new phase of governance as Saginaw Public Schools continues its commitment to being a 21st-century, future-focused district,” Dr. Coleman said. “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."
Dr. Coleman said the student leaders are high-performing academically as well as active in the community.
"Their perspectives give us an advantage at a time when districts are competing for students and striving to be innovative and progressive,” he said.
By including student members and alternates on the Board, Saginaw Public Schools continues its strategic plan priority of ensuring students have a voice in decisions that shape their education.