Saline Board Closes School Year by Honoring All Who Make Schools Work

The final Saline Area Schools board meeting of the school year opened with gratitude for the people who keep schools running.

At its May 26 meeting, the Board of Education honored 21 retirees whose combined service totaled more than 419 years. Their roles stretched across the district, from food service and custodial work to paraprofessionals, teachers, speech and language pathologists, specialists, finance and community education.

Many Jobs, One Purpose

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Carol Baaki Diglio said school district work starts before most students arrive and continues long after they leave, from buses starting before dawn to custodians finishing late in the evening.

“It is always about the people who collectively make up a memorable learning community for kids,” Diglio said. “And it is always about the people who make it possible for kids to attend schools that are clean, nurturing, rigorous, engaging, diverse, supportive, extremely organized and inclusive.”

Six retirees were recognized at the podium: Tricia Dana, Deb Smith, Judith Hayes, Carl Spina, Rebecca Groeb and Melanie Moore. Their district service ranged from Moore’s 10 years to Dana’s 34 years. The district also held a retiree reception Wednesday.

Student Representative Thanked

The board also thanked Jillian Hayes for her service as student representative.

Board President Tim Austin said Jillian brought detailed reports and was “very involved with all things school and community-related.”

“I was a little nervous when I first got here, but I was quickly briefed with, ‘No, you cannot vote, but yes, you can ask questions,’” Jillian said.

Jennifer Steben said Jillian’s passion and inclusivity showed through the way she represented clubs, sports, classes and student experiences.

“I think you are really living a wonderful high school experience, and I know that you’re going to have a fabulous future,” Steben said.

Student Showcase Highlights Achievement

The student focus continued with a Saline High School showcase presented by Principal Theresa Stager. The showcase featured four seniors who were among the district’s National Merit finalists and Southeastern Conference All-Academic top students.

“This is one of my favorite board showcases because it’s the last one that we do every year, and it is the culmination of a whole lot of work,” Stager said.

The students shared college plans, grade-point averages and activities ranging from Science Olympiad and marching band to robotics, Quiz Bowl, Students Against Racism and food drives.

Stager said Saline had six National Merit finalists this year. National Merit recognition begins with the PSAT/NMSQT, taken during junior year. The Southeastern Conference All-Academic top five is based on GPA and SAT score.

When board members asked what advice the students would give, one senior encouraged them to listen closely to teachers.

“I know that every teacher I’ve had here truly cares about me and is willing to provide me any help that I may need,” the student said. “Listening to the teachers who do the day-to-day of the school and have been here for longer than your terms is probably the most beneficial thing.”

Another student offered advice for incoming freshmen.

“You grow in your discomfort,” he said. “Just put yourself out there and be unapologetically yourself.”

Looking Ahead

Superintendent Rachel Kowalski said May is filled with concerts, field days, award nights, graduation and transition celebrations. She also acknowledged recent losses in the school community and said Saline continues to show care and connection in moments of joy and sorrow.

June 3 and June 4 are half days for students. June 4 is the final day of the 2025-26 school year. Graduation is scheduled for Sunday at Hornet Stadium, with gates opening at 4 p.m. and the ceremony beginning at 6 p.m.

The district is also preparing for two renewal proposals on the Aug. 4 ballot: the CARES recreation and playground millage and the sinking fund. Kowalski said both renewals would involve no increase to current tax rates, which are set to expire after the 2027 tax levy.

The district is continuing its review process after the board authorized moving forward with the purchase of 5683 Hines Drive in Pittsfield Township for early childhood programs.