Foundation Presents Check to Saline Schools, Announces Newest Hall of Fame Class

It was billed as a night to watch the Avengers at Emagine Theatre. But, as usual, the Foundation for Saline Area Schools spring reception was a celebration of the superheroes who’ve cultivated one of the best school districts in the state.

The reception was held Thursday evening. Guests paid $20 a ticket for a special screening of Avengers: End Game. They also watched as the foundation presented a check for $86,000 to the school district, honored volunteers and trustees, and announced the latest class to be inducted into the FSAS Hall of Fame.

The newest class, who will be inducted Sept. 14, includes:

• Jennifer Allison (Brostrom) - Distinguished Alumni from the class of 1984.
• James Cameron - Distinguished educator.
• Kenneth Feldkamp - Distinguished service (awarded posthumously to his wife Nancy)
• Duane Koppelman - Distinguished educator
• Robert Marcero - Distinguished educator
• Mary Thomas - Distinguished educator

Thomas, Koppelman and Nancy Feldkamp were in attendance Thursday.

The FSAS contribution to the district includes $22,000 in teacher and student-led grants, $31,000 in building grants and $33,000 in district grants.

The funds are not insignificant to the school district, according to Saline Area Schools Superintendent Scot Graden. While the district is highly regarded, it’s funded by the state at a  level that ranks very close to the bottom. The lowest-funded districts in Michigan receive $7,871 per student. Saline receives $7,895 per student. Ann Arbor, who competes with Saline for students because of Schools of Choice laws, receives $9,410 per student.

“I think what people don't understand is that from a state funding standpoint, we're just above the base level. It's organizations like the foundation that give us opportunities to do things that might give people the perception that we receive more money than we do,” Graden said.

The sixth annual Hall of Fame weekend begins with a tailgate at the football game, Sept. 13. The group will be recognized at halftime of the football game. The induction ceremony will be held Sept. 14 in the Ellen A. Ewing Performing Arts Center. The FSAS Hall of Fame, located outside the performing arts center, is presented with the help of partnering sponsor Old National Bank.

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