News Summary
Saline Area Schools is preparing for a significant transition as Superintendent Dr. Stephen Laatsch announces his retirement, effective July 1, 2025. The Board has identified six finalists for the superintendent position, with interviews scheduled for April 29 and 30. The process will be transparent, involving community input and feedback forms after each session, ensuring that the community’s voice is considered in this crucial decision. As the search unfolds, excitement grows for the future of the district under new leadership.
Saline Area Schools Gears Up for a New Chapter as Superintendent Search Begins
Exciting changes are on the horizon for Saline, Michigan, as the Saline Area Schools prepares to bid farewell to long-time Superintendent Dr. Stephen Laatsch, who announced his retirement effective July 1, 2025. After nearly three decades of dedicated service to the district, Dr. Laatsch is set to leave a significant mark on the community as the search for his successor kicks into high gear!
Meet The Candidates
Mark your calendars because the Saline Area Schools Board of Education has announced a list of six finalists for the superintendent position! The big reveal happened on April 23, and includes a mix of experienced educators ready to step into the role. Facilitated by Jay Bennett from the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), the interviews are set to take place on April 29 and April 30 in the Liberty School Board Room.
Here’s the exciting agenda:
- Tuesday, April 29, 2025
- 6pm: Harold Yearwood, Ed.D. – Former Superintendent, Columbia, Missouri
- 7pm: Alexander Cintron, Ph.D. – Director, Detroit Public Schools Community District
- 8pm: Tracey Lowder (II), MA.E. – Principal/Superintendent, Portage Community Schools/Vandercook Lake Schools
- Wednesday, April 30, 2025
- 6pm: Martin DuBois, M.A. – Superintendent, Reading Community Schools
- 7pm: Nicholas Steinmetz, M.A. – Superintendent, Madison School District
- 8pm: Rachel Kowalski, Ed.D. – Superintendent, Colon Community School District
Each candidate will be asked the same set of questions, which they will receive ahead of time. All interviews will follow an open meeting format, ensuring transparency throughout the process as the district seeks valuable community input.
Community Engagement and Feedback
In an inviting gesture, school staff and community members are highly encouraged to attend these interviews and be part of this important transition. After each session, there will be feedback forms available for attendees to share their thoughts, which will then be presented to the school board for consideration in making their decision.
Notably, there was a seventh candidate considered but unfortunately could not be scheduled due to availability issues. The current candidates are a diverse group with backgrounds from various districts in Michigan, bringing a wealth of experience and perspectives to the table. Some may even be familiar faces from the neighboring Jackson and Ann Arbor communities!
A Smooth Transition Ahead
The school board is enthusiastic about finding the right fit for the role given Dr. Laatsch’s notable contributions since he joined Saline Area Schools as a technology instructor in 1997. Dr. Laatsch transitioned to interim superintendent in early 2021, and eventually secured a full-time appointment later that year.
While the clock is ticking down to Dr. Laatsch’s retirement, the board is committed to a thorough selection process. Their early planning reflects thoughtful consideration, as the announcement of his retirement was made back in December 2024, allowing ample time for this important decision.
Input From All Sides
In addition to the face-to-face interviews, the MASB will facilitate further meetings to gather input from both staff and the public. An online survey will also be made available, inviting stakeholders to express their opinions on what they would like to see in their next superintendent. This ensures that the desires of the community are heard loud and clear.
With interviews rapidly approaching, the excitement is palpable! The incoming superintendent is set to step into the district’s leadership role in early July, just as Dr. Laatsch embarks on his next chapter. Stay tuned, Saline; the future looks bright!
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Meet the Candidates for Saline Schools
- Wikipedia: Saline Area Schools
- The Sun Times News: Saline Area Schools Names Candidates
- Google Search: Saline Area Schools Superintendent Search
- MLive: Saline Schools Superintendent Announces Retirement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- The Sun Times News: Superintendent Announces Retirement
- Google News: Saline Schools Superintendent
