Steve Laatsch, Interim Superintendent's Blog

  January 19, 2021 As I reflect on MLK Jr. Day and Dr. King's legacy, I am inspired about the work that is taking shape in the Saline Area Schools. SAS has taken many steps to better support equity within our schools. This includes: Developed Equity Teams in all school buildings Diversified our hiring/staffing practices Developed a hate/speech policy to better support our students Revamped the way history can be taught from multiple perspectives Provided Equity training for all SAS staff members  Continue to provide opportunities for SAS staff to deepen their equity education through coursework at our local WISD Developed a "Deepening DEI Through Literacy Committee" in order to support ALL students in their ability to connect to the SAS curriculum  "All students deserve a curriculum which mirrors their own experience back to them, upon occasion — thus validating it in the public world of the school. But curriculum must also insist upon the fresh air of windows into t

SAS Community,   Tonight, January 12th, with Scot's pending retirement, the Saline Board of Education appointed me to be the Interim Superintendent for the Saline Area Schools through June 30, 2021.   I know it is going to be difficult to follow in the footsteps of Scot Graden’s outstanding leadership over the course of the last 13 years. With that said, I have great confidence in our staff, students and the community to move us forward in a very positive manner. I am grateful to have earned the trust of the Board of Education to lead SAS through the remainder of this school year. I am looking forward to this challenging opportunity.   Although I have been in the District for over 20 years as a Heritage School teacher, Heritage School principal and Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, I recognize that the role of Interim Superintendent will be more complex. As part of my plan for the first 100 days in this role, I will be providing a number of opportunities for the community to