Saline board approves budget amendment, HVAC and vehicle buys; rejects giving superintendent final say in staff assault determinations

Saline Area Schools' Board of Education on March 11 approved a series of budget and procurement items and set the next steps in its superintendent search while declining a proposal that would have given the superintendent the final determination in whether certain staff incidents constituted assault.

The board voted unanimously to adopt a 2024–25 general fund budget amendment and to approve purchases that included a 2025 Ford pickup for grounds work and HVAC equipment for middle‑school renovations. Trustees also approved hiring a consultant to perform a third‑party review of district athletics. After extended discussion, the board voted down a motion to designate the superintendent as the district’s sole determiner of whether an incident met the legal standard of assault.

Why it matters: the actions lock in near‑term capital spending for building projects and operations, start a consultant review intended to examine athletics processes, and preserve the board as a possible forum of appeal for staff who disagree with internal determinations about assaults. The failed motion prompted the meeting’s longest debate, as trustees, administrators and union representatives discussed legal standards, staff protections and the district’s grievance process.

What the board approved

- Budget amendment: Trustees voted 7–0 to adopt the 2024–25 general fund amendment as submitted by Assistant Superintendent Miranda Owsley. The board discussed the amendment in committee ahead of the meeting; trustees and finance committee members said the district remains committed to classroom priorities while noting pressure on the fund balance as enrollment trends and long‑term salary and benefit costs change.

- School of choice guidelines: The board approved the 2025–26 school of choice guidelines as recommended by Superintendent Lodge, 7–0.

- Grounds vehicle: The board approved purchase of a 2025 Ford regular‑cab 4x4 through the MiDEAL purchasing cooperative for $46,416 to replace a 2004 Chevrolet 2500 used for grounds and snow removal, 7–0.

- HVAC equipment for middle school: The board approved purchase of HVAC equipment from Trane for $1,229,784 and associated controls listed at $412,525 for the middle‑school renovation project. Staff told trustees that the purchase via a cooperative vendor would lock current pricing before an announced price increase; trustees approved the request by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

- Third‑party athletics review: The board authorized a contract, not to exceed $10,000, with consultant Scott Robertson to review athletics processes including coaching recruitment, evaluation, student‑athlete eligibility procedures and related topics. The board set a target to receive the consultant’s report before the June board meeting so trustees would have time to review it.

What the board rejected

- Superintendent designation on assault decisions: The board debated a motion to designate the superintendent as the determining authority on whether an incident involving a student constituted an assault against staff. The motion was introduced after the SEA (Saline Education Association) grievance process and subsequent conversations yielded a proposed clarification for returning a physically aggressive student to the classroom. Trustees, administrators and union representatives disagreed about whether the question at issue was the legal finding of an assault or the narrower issue of intentionality and return‑to‑class procedures.

After more than an hour of discussion in which Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Carol Abecchi Diglio, Superintendent Steve and several trustees and union representatives framed the options, the motion failed by voice vote: one in favor, six opposed.

Discussion highlights and context

- SEAC update and student showcase: The board heard a report from the district’s Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Committee representatives Kelly Van Single and Daisy Sharman described parent‑led meetups, socialization activities from preK through young adult, professional development for families about transitions to adulthood, and plans to form a fundraising subcommittee. Van Single summarized the committee’s role as “to support, advise, and recommend the processes and standards for delivery of special education and services for Saline Area Schools.”

Students from Saline High School’s AP Spanish class presented a student showcase about a recent cultural‑immersion trip to Costa Rica. Teacher Ascolacey and students Ethan Hornberger and Lizzie White described homestays, school visits, and cultural excursions that the students said strengthened language skills and cultural understanding.

- Safety and security protocols: Director of Safety and Security Daniel Kerrick briefed the board on the district’s adoption of the "standard response protocols" (SRP) developed by the I Love You Guys Foundation and recommended by the Michigan State Police. He called the system “all‑hazard” and summarized the SRP terms — hold, secure, lockdown, evacuate and shelter — and said classes will practice lockdown drills three times a year, including at least one drill during a passing time or other non‑class period. Kerrick also outlined work on the emergency operations plan, Gaggle monitoring for concerning online activity, behavior threat assessment teams (a new state requirement), visitor protocols for large events, and plans to standardize criminal‑background checks for volunteers and contractors.

- Superintendent search: Jay Bennett of the Michigan Association of School Boards presented results of a community and staff survey run as part of the superintendent search. Bennett summarized top traits respondents wanted — collaborative leadership, a background in K‑12 education and administrative experience, fiscal and curriculum knowledge — and presented a draft candidate profile. Trustees discussed wording and asked Bennett to attach a finalized set of selection criteria to the job posting within a day.

Votes at a glance

- Adopt 2024–25 general fund budget amendment: Passed 7–0. - Approve 2025–26 school of choice guidelines: Passed 7–0. - Designate superintendent as determining factor for assault: Failed (1 yes, 6 no). - Purchase 2025 Ford pickup (grounds): Passed 7–0; amount $46,416; funded from general fund per staff. - Approve HVAC equipment purchase (Trane) for middle school renovations: Passed by voice vote; vendor pricing noted at $1,229,784 for equipment and $412,525 for controls; staff said cooperative pricing avoided an expected price increase. - Contract with consultant Scott Robertson for athletics review (not to exceed): Approved; contract amount not to exceed $10,000; target delivery before June. - Move September board meeting from Sept. 23 to Sept. 30: Approved 7–0.

What trustees said (summary)

Trustees and district staff repeatedly discussed the tradeoffs between administrative efficiency and staff protections. Supporters of leaving the designation with the superintendent argued administrative staff are better placed to make complex, immediate determinations and that the grievance language had been negotiated with the SEA; opponents said staff need recourse and protection and that the board must remain an available appeal body. Several trustees urged more consistent districtwide restorative practices and training.

What’s next

Staff will finalize contract details with the athletics reviewer and return the consultant’s report to the board once complete. The superintendent search posting will include the board’s selection criteria after final edits. The district’s safety office will continue rolling out SRP training and will share materials for parents and visitors; trustees asked administration to provide a public overview so families understand the different protocols.

Public comment and community reaction

Multiple community members and district employees addressed the board during public comment, including expressions of support for teachers, concerns about recent executive actions at the state level regarding diversity, equity and inclusion, and questions about the background‑check and hiring process for the new safety director. Board president Michael McVey and other trustees acknowledged those comments and directed staff to follow up where appropriate.

The board next meets April 8; trustees said items coming back will include continued policy work, budget monitoring and any follow‑up on the safety and athletics reviews.