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Here are notes from Tuesday’s Saline Area Schools Board of Education meeting:
Kindergarten Enrollment Up
Superintendent Graden reported that kindergarten enrollment is strong. The district targeted about 330 students for the fall. Currently there are 348 students enrolled. Graden expects that number to approach 375 by the start of school.
The district has added a section to maintain class sizes.
Graden said that residential population has stabilized and appears to be growing again.
Marching Band Alumni Night
Saline High School will host its first "Saline Marching Band Alumni Night" Sept. 6 when the Hornets football team hosts Ypsilanti.
The event, coordinated in partnership with the Saline Music Boosters, includes a rehearsal led by director Nate Lampman, a tailgate dinner and a "shared" song performance with the 2013 band at halftime. The rehearsal takes place at 4:30 p.m. and the tailgate dinner at 5:30 p.m.
To participate, the boosters ask people to RSVP at the Saline Music Boosters Website.
Udderly Ridiculous Ag Olympics
Staff from Saline’s schools will compete, school vs. school, in the second annual Ag Olympics at 7 p.m., Aug. 28, during the Saline Community Fair at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. Students and parents are encouraged to cheer on their school in the Battle at the Barnyard.
New Staff Orientation Aug. 26
Human Resources Director Curt Ellis and Superintendent Graden will conduct orientation for new certified staff Aug. 26.
Board Repays Cash
The Board voted to participate once again in the school loan revolving fund. In June, while budgeting, the board planed to borrow about $300,000 to service debts. Instead, the district plans to repay $516,000 to the state fund. Basically, it means that the school district is collecting more taxes than it needs to pay off debt. In other years the district not collected enough tax revenue and, as a result, borrowed from the fund.
Four Appointed to CARES Board
The Board appointed Jim Hoeft, Bari Livsey, Amy McGovern and Chris Michalak to two-year terms on the CARES Board. The board considers applications for grants from organizations looking for CARES millage money to fund cultural, recreational, educational and senior citizens programs.
Thanks for Support
Trustee Paul Hynek thanked school district staff, members of the National Honor Society and members of the Saline High School Crew team for volunteering at the Saline Summerfest kids carnival at Henne Field.
Special Education Golf Outing Successful
The annual special education golf outing took place Friday at Brookside Golf Course. Graden said the event was full due partly to major corporate sponsorship by Faurecia, which sent seven foursomes to the event.
Ellis Outlines Safety Initiatives
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Curt Ellis outlined several safety initiatives planned for the district, including active shooter training and monitoring software.
Graden Reports on Survey
Superintendent Scot Graden reported on the results of a recent survey on school district climate.
Norma Freeman Honored
Retiring vocal music teacher Norma Freeman was honored by the board, colleagues and students.
Board Announces Support for Graden Following Evaluation
The board met in closed session to conduct Superintendent Graden's evaluation. Following the meeting, the board announced its support of Graden and said it would review Graden's compensation in light of the district's successes.
More News from Saline
- SOFTBALL: Saline Roars Back to Earn Split With Dexter Saline split its doubleheader with Dexter Monday to maintain its grip on the SEC Red.
- BASEBALL: Saline Rebounds to Split Doubleheader with Dexter Saline lost its first SEC Red game of the season against Dexter Monday but rebounded for a split to keep the Hornets atop the conference.
