SUPERINTENDENT
rachel kowalski selected to lead district
The Saline Area Schools Board of Education, with a 7-0 vote, has appointed Rachel Kowalski as the district’s next superintendent. Board President Michael McVey expressed confidence in her leadership, stating, “Rachel is a seasoned and accomplished educator whose dedication to public education and student success will uphold our district’s commitment to excellence. We believe her vision and innovative approach will propel us forward.”
Kowalski brings experience as a superintendent and systems-level leader, with a strong record of driving student achievement through strategic planning, inclusive practices, and transparent leadership. She has successfully led districts through transformative change, collaborating on key initiatives, improving attendance and enrollment, and expanding educational programs while maintaining sound fiscal management. Whether in rural communities or large urban districts, her leadership is defined by adaptability, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to students.
Since 2022, Kowalski has served as Superintendent of Colon Community Schools, where she has built collaborative, forward-thinking teams dedicated to student success. Prior to that, she held leadership roles such as Director of Curriculum in Clintondale, Michigan, District Administrator in Orange County, and K-12 Curriculum Director in Osceola County, Florida. Her broad experience across diverse school systems has equipped her with a deep understanding of the evolving educational landscape.
The selection process was rooted in Saline Area Schools’ commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. Criteria were developed based on input from parents, staff, students, and community members via an online survey. Residents provided direct feedback during candidate interviews, and administrators, faculty, students, and parents contributed insights through structured stakeholder discussions. The board appreciates the community’s involvement, input, and support throughout the process.
As Kowalski prepares to assume her new role, she and the board are finalizing contract negotiations, with plans for her to officially step into the superintendent position, upon successful contract negotiations and board approval, on July 1, 2025.
Second Round Interviews
second round interviews
The Saline Area Schools Board of Education has scheduled community open houses on May 7, 2025, from 4:00 pm-5:45 pm for the two finalists for the open superintendency. The final candidates will be available to meet with staff, students, and community members at Liberty School, 7265 N Ann Arbor St, Saline, MI 48176. Those in attendance will be able to fill out an input form that will then be shared with all the board members.
The Saline Area Schools Board of Education has also scheduled the following two candidates for second-round interviews on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025- Livestream Link
6 pm- Rachel Kowalski, Ed.D., Superintendent, Colon Community School District, MI
7:15 pm- Nicholas Steinmetz, M.A., Superintendent, Madison School District, MI
Interviews will be held in the Liberty School Board Room, 7265 N Ann Arbor St, Saline, MI 48176. Staff and the community are encouraged to attend. There will be an opportunity to fill out feedback forms after each of the interviews. Copies of the feedback forms will be presented to the board.
First Round Interviews
The Saline Area Schools Board of Education has identified the following six candidates for first round interviews. Interviews will be conducted in the Liberty School Board Room April 29 and 30 following the schedule below.
Tuesday, April 29, 2025- Livestream link
- 6pm- Harold Yearwood, Ed.D., Superintendent (former), Columbia, MO
- 7pm- Alexander Cintron, Ph.D., Director, Detroit Public Schools Community District, MI
- 8pm- Tracey Lowder (II), MA.E., Principal/Superintendent (former), Portage Community Schools/Vandercook Lake Schools, MI
Wednesday, April 30, 2025- Livestream link
- 6pm- Martin DuBois, M.A., Superintendent, Reading Community Schools, MI
- 7pm- Nicholas Steinmetz, M.A., Superintendent, Madison School District, MI
- 8pm- Rachel Kowalski, Ed.D., Superintendent, Colon Community School District, MI
Staff and the community are encouraged to attend. There will be an opportunity to fill out interview feedback forms after each of the interviews. Copies of the feedback forms will be presented to the board.
Focus Groups
FOCUS GROUPS
All meetings will be held at Liberty School, 7265 N. Ann Arbor St., Saline, MI 48176 unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
9:30 a.m. Admin Team (Saline High School Media Center, Room 222)
10:15 a.m. High School Students (Saline High School Media Center, Room 222)
1:00 p.m. Parents and Community Members
3:00 p.m. Students and Alumni
4:10 p.m. Elementary ESP Staff
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
9:00 a.m. ESP Union Leaders
10:00 a.m. ESP & Unaffiliated Staff
11:00 a.m. SASAA Union Leaders
3:05 p.m.- Secondary ESP Staff
4:00 p.m. Parents and Community Members
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
1:00 p.m.- SEA Union Leaders
3:05 p.m. Secondary Teachers (SEA)- Board Room
4:10 p.m. Elementary Staff (SEA)- Board Room
5:30 p.m. Parents and Community Members
Community Survey
COMMUNITY SURVEY
Input may also be shared via an online survey at the link below:
The survey is being administered by the MASB Executive Search team on behalf of the District and takes about ten minutes to complete. Anonymous individual responses will be combined with those from the face to face meetings with stakeholders to provide important community input to the Saline Board of Education as it seeks to identify the best candidate for the position.
The survey has been extended and will be open through March 9, 2025.
