Board Extends Superintendent Scot Graden until 2021-22

The Saline Board of Education and Superintendent Scot Graden agreed to a new contract which could keep Graden at the helm of the school district until the end of the 2021-22 school year.

Graden’s base pay will jump to $164,000 from $152,000 – although Graden is no longer eligible for up to $8,000 a year in stipends and bonuses.

A press release from the district cited the board’s July informal evaluation of Graden and the recently discussed 360 Survey of school district stakeholders (story to come) as examples of the board’s satisfaction with Graden’s performance.

“Superintendent Graden continues to move the district forward in a very positive manner.  His performance meets the expectations of the Board,” board President Tim Austin said in a news release.

Graden began his career with the district in 1995 as Community Education program specialist. In 2000 he was appointed Director of Community Education and also served as Athletic Director for a brief time. In 2007 he was named interim Superintendent and he took the permanent post in 2008.

"I am proud to serve Saline Area Schools. I greatly appreciate the support of the Board of Education, the Saline Area Schools staff and the community. I continue to be excited about the future of the district,” Graden said.

According to the news release, the board removed all stipends and combined them into salary for more transparency.  The board will conduct another informal evaluation of Graden in the fall and a formal evaluation in December.

Graden's 10 years on the job make him the third longest-serving superintendent in school district history. If he completes the five years left on his contract he'll have served 15 years, overtaking Harold Hintz, who ranks second in longevity.

Longest Serving Superintendents in Saline History:

• Leo Jensen - 1943-1964
• Harold Hintz - 1964-1978
• Scot Graden - 2007-2017
• Ellen Ewing- 1993-2001
• Maurice Conn - 1985-1993
• Norman Katner - 1978-1984
• TM Clay - 1934-1940

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