By Crystal Hayduk
After nearly 15 years as executive director of business and operations, Teresa Zigman plans to leave her administrative position in the Chelsea School District (CSD) at the end of the calendar year.
Zigman is responsible for the district’s finances, employee benefits, student count, and, in conjunction with the superintendent, sinking fund and bond projects. She also oversees food services and the transportation department.
Beginning in January, she will assume duties as the executive director of administrative services at the Livingston Educational Service Agency (Livingston ESA) in Howell. Livingston ESA is the intermediate school district that supports “… approximately 30,000 students and 2,300 educators in the five public school districts and two public school academies in the county,” according to its website.
Zigman said that she wasn’t seeking a new position, but learned about the opening at Livingston ESA through word of mouth. When she realized that her abilities and experience would be a good fit, she decided it was time to make a positive difference in a new area. “It was difficult to think about leaving Chelsea,” she said. “There are 444 staff members here and I know most of them personally and also their families. That being said, I look forward to meeting new people and developing new relationships.
“Still, there’s never a dull moment here [in Chelsea]. It’s time for someone else to keep the momentum going. I have no doubt that Dr. Helber will find someone great,” she said.
Although she lived in Westland when she began her employment in Chelsea, it didn’t take long for her to fall in love with the community. When her daughter started middle school in 2005, the family made Chelsea their home. “A few years after our daughter graduated from Chelsea High School, we downsized to a cottage in Pinckney,” said Zigman.
“At this point, I’m the only administrator in the district who doesn’t live in Chelsea. But my husband and I are always here for one thing or another and we expect that will continue,” she said.
During her years with CSD, Zigman has worked under four superintendents: Ed Richardson who hired her, Dave Killips, Andy Ingall, and most recently, Dr. Julie Helber.
Killips had high praise for Zigman’s contributions to the district. “Over the course of her tenure, Teresa has been a tremendous asset to the school district,” he said. “Her strong background in accounting and finance has allowed the school district to maintain a solid financial foundation, which, in turn, has helped provided improved programs and opportunities for students.
“Teresa always brought the perspective on initiating ideas and funding opportunities that would benefit the classroom and employees. Her integral knowledge of school finance, bonding, and investments will be missed and difficult to replace,” he said, adding, “She poured her heart and soul into the school district to make it a better place. Livingston’s gain is certainly Chelsea’s loss. I wish her well in her new endeavor and want to thank her for her work ethic, dedication to the students and employees of the district, and being a true friend to education.”
Current Superintendent Dr. Julie Helber said, “Mrs. Zigman has been an integral member of the administrative team. Her knowledge and expertise in the area of school finance has been invaluable to the district. I have enjoyed working with Mrs. Zigman and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
Zigman has also witnessed and had to adjust her practice based on changing trends in education, including but not limited to declining population and decreased state funding. “We used to have time to strategize and build for the future, but now legislation and guidelines happen so quickly that there’s less time to think, but more reaction,” she said.
“I’ve grown tremendously and really enjoyed my time here,” said Zigman. “The Chelsea School District is fortunate to enjoy a stability that is among the best in the state.”
