The Saline school board on March 24 approved a pilot program to bring Pre-AP coursework to Saline Middle School next school year, with new offerings in biology and visual art. The vote was 5-0. Trustees Nathan Hanson and Jason Tizedes were absent.
District administrators said the pilot is intended to expand access to rigorous coursework, strengthen academic preparation for high school and improve equity for students interested in advanced classes. The original proposal also included Pre-AP world history and geography, but that course will instead be folded into the seventh grade curriculum.
Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Kara Davis told the board the district received enough student interest to run two sections of Pre-AP biology and one section of Pre-AP art during the pilot year. She said enrollment will be open to interested students, and the district plans to monitor participation and student progress as the program moves forward.
Trustee Lauren Gold called the proposal “a great opportunity for the students.” Vice President Jennifer Steben said the effort was being “managed very well within the district.”
The meeting began with a student showcase from Saline Middle School’s WEB Leaders, part of the school’s Where Everybody Belongs program, who described how they help incoming sixth graders feel welcome through orientation, transition activities and school events. The students said they want younger students to know they “always have a home at SMS.”
The board also approved the district’s high school reproductive health curriculum in a separate 5-0 vote. The curriculum was recommended by the district’s Sex Education Advisory Board and aligns with updated Michigan Health Education Standards.
During updates, Superintendent Rachel Kowalski highlighted district literacy events, academic competitions and spring performances as the district heads toward spring break.
Featured photo: Saline Middle School WEB Leaders speak during a student showcase at the Saline Board of Education meeting. Photo by Heather Finch
8123 Main St Suite 200 Dexter, MI 48130
