Saline Board Welcomes New Student Representatives

Photo: Karlie Smith and Winston Balbach will serve as the Saline Area Schools Board of Education’s student representatives for the 2026-27 school year. Photo by Heather Finch

Two Saline High School students with interests ranging from journalism and politics to music, athletics and business will bring student voices to the Saline Area Schools Board of Education during the 2026-27 school year.

Karlie Smith and Winston Balbach, both members of the Class of 2027, were introduced as the board’s new student representatives during the June 9 Board of Education meeting.

Saline Board of Education Vice President Jennifer Steben said Smith and Balbach stood out for their kindness, openness and different areas of involvement, which she said could help them connect with a wide range of students.

Smith is involved in volleyball, National Honor Society and AP Government. She also served as yearbook editor-in-chief during her junior year, an experience she described as fun but also a lot of work.

Her interests in politics and journalism will continue this summer through an internship with U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell. Smith also works as a lifeguard at Travis Pointe.

Balbach is involved in volleyball, National Honor Society, chamber choir, Ten Tones and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also serves on the NHS fundraising committee and is taking AP Government.

Balbach said student presentations at board meetings helped spark his interest in serving as a student representative. He said he enjoys understanding how a student body and a governing body work together. This summer, he will attend a business program in North Carolina.

The student representative role gives Saline students a direct presence at the board table. While student representatives do not vote, they can share student perspectives, ask questions and take part in board discussions.

Smith and Balbach follow outgoing student representative Jillian Hayes, who served during the 2025-26 school year.