The Woodhaven-Brownstown School District (WBSD) Board of Education officially approved Matthew Salah as the district’s next Superintendent during its regular meeting on April 14, 2026.

Mr. Salah’s appointment follows final interviews held in March and a 7-0 vote by the Board of Education to extend him an offer. With board approval now complete and contract negotiations finalized, Mr. Salah is set to officially assume the role on July 1, 2026.

A familiar and respected leader within the WBSD community, Mr. Salah brings more than two decades of dedicated service to the district. Since 2024, he has served as Executive Director of Special Services. His extensive leadership experience within Woodhaven-Brownstown includes:

Newly approved Matthew Salah surrounded by family.

- Director of Special Services (2020–2024)

- Building Principal and Assistant Principal at Patrick Henry Middle School (10 years)

- Special Education Teacher at Woodhaven High School (5 years)

The Board’s selection followed a comprehensive search process that began with five candidates. After preliminary interviews in March, the field was narrowed to two finalists: Mr. Salah and Dr. Angela Jefferson. The final stage of the process included a community open house and formal interviews, where staff and community members had the opportunity to provide valuable feedback to the Board.

“The board was deeply impressed by the exceptional qualifications of both finalists,” said Laura Berry, WBSD Board of Education President. “Ultimately, Mr. Salah’s proven leadership and unwavering commitment to our district set him apart. He brings the stability we value, paired with a forward-thinking mindset that embraces growth and change. His student-centered approach made him the clear and overwhelming choice to lead our district.”

The WBSD Board of Education extends its sincere appreciation to the staff, parents, and community members who participated in the search process and shared their thoughtful input throughout.

Mr. Salah will succeed Superintendent Mark Greathead, who is retiring after 15 years of dedicated leadership to the district.

The gym was filled with music, laughter and tiny twirling dancers as families gathered for the first-ever Twirling Our Tots — a prom-inspired celebration created especially for the district’s youngest learners.

Organized by TOTE Supervisor Jenny Lauterbach, the event welcomed TOTE and WBSD Early On families for an evening designed around connection, play and joyful early childhood experiences on April 17 at Woodhaven Upper Elementary School.

“Twirling Our Tots was created to give young children the opportunity to experience music, movement and social interaction in a developmentally appropriate way,” said Lauterbach. “We also wanted to create space for families and caregivers to connect with one another and with our providers in a fun, structured and sensory-friendly environment.”

Throughout the hour-and-a-half celebration, children rotated through hands-on stations that encouraged creativity and fine motor development. Young attendees crafted corsages, boutonnières and crowns, decorated mirrors, and proudly prepared for the dance floor.

Families enjoyed food provided by Baldos and Sammie and Pops, while a photo booth captured keepsake keychain photos to remember the special evening.

Beyond the festivities, the event highlighted the critical role early intervention programs play in child development. Early childhood experiences rooted in relationships, play and community support lay the foundation for future success in school and beyond.

“Events like this are so important because they showcase the scope and impact of early intervention programs,” Lauterbach explained. “They also give families a glimpse into what a traditional K–12 school experience can look like, helping ease that transition when the time comes.”

As children spun beneath the lights and families gathered for photos, Twirling Our Tots proved to be more than a themed event — it was a celebration of belonging, growth and community from the very beginning of a child’s educational journey.

Woodhaven High School’s Goon Squad Team 3604 continues to redefine what it means to be a "powerhouse" program. Following a stellar performance at the FIRST Michigan State Championship at Saginaw Valley State University, the team has officially secured their ticket to the FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas.

The weekend was a whirlwind of competitive excellence and historic milestones, cementing the Goon Squad’s legacy as one of the premier robotics programs in the state.

While the Goon Squad’s prowess on the field was undeniable - ranking 5th overall on their field - their biggest victory came in the form of the Impact Award. For the third consecutive year, the team earned this prestigious honor at the State level.

As the highest honor in FIRST Robotics, the Impact Award recognizes the team that serves as a model for others, specifically highlighting Team 3604’s massive contributions to the STEM community through the Goonettes Invitational and their legislative advocacy for robotics funding.

In a first for Team 3604, the spotlight also shone on individual excellence. Samantha Manning was honored with the State-Level Student Leadership Award. Having been a part of the program since elementary school, Manning’s recognition serves as a testament to the team’s mission of "building leaders."

“Robotics has been a part of my life since the fourth grade, I couldn’t imagine life without it,” Manning said. “I am so proud of how I’ve seen this community grow with my assistance. I am so honored to have received this award, I am over the moon. Being part of FIRST Robotics changed my life, and I am so proud to help make that possible for upcoming students. I’d like to thank my parents of course, but as well as all the coaches, mentors, teammates, students, and friends who’ve believed in me every step of the way. I love you all, I love robotics, I love being a part of the FIRST robotics community.”

Advisor Becky Matzo noted that this season reflects the heart of the program. “I am so incredibly proud of my team,” Matzo said. “They have gone above and beyond for a robotics program that has helped them find their passion and define their future goals.”

With the State Championship in the rearview mirror, the Goon Squad is now preparing for the ultimate stage: the FIRST World Championship. They will join the best teams from across the globe in Houston to compete, collaborate, and continue their mission of building a more equitable future in STEM.

Next Stop: Houston, Texas! The buss pulled out of the Woodhaven Upper Elementary parking lot on Tuesday, April 28 with a police escort to make the drive down to Texas!

On Earth Day, April 22, students at Gudith Elementary School got their hands a little dirty - in the best way possible - while learning an important lesson about sustainability.

Through a partnership with Smurfit Westrock, Gudith Elementary hosted the TICCIT program (“Trees Into Cartons, Cartons Into Trees”), an engaging, hands-on initiative designed to teach elementary students that trees are a renewable, sustainable resource.

More than 435 students participated in the event, which featured an interactive presentation about the lifecycle of trees, the role they play in everyday products like paper and packaging, and why recycling is so important. Students visited five different stations in the library to plant their own tree seedlings in paperboard cartons. This innovative method allows the carton to act as a protective water funnel when planted in the ground at home. As the seedling grows, the carton naturally breaks down, completing the sustainability cycle.

This year’s event was made even more special with the involvement of the Brownstown Fire Department, who joined volunteers from Smurfit Westrock to support students throughout the planting process and help bring the experience to life.

“The TICCIT program made a wonderful impact on our students, one that will last many years to come,” said Tom Martin, Gudith Elementary School Principal. 

TICCIT, developed by the Paperboard Packaging Council, continues to grow each year. After helping plant more than 10,000 trees in schools across the country and beyond last year, the program is aiming to double its impact in 2026 - reaching 20,000 trees planted in communities around the world.

For Gudith Elementary students and staff, the day’s experience was more than just a fun activity - it was a meaningful opportunity to connect classroom learning to real-world environmental stewardship. As students take their seedlings home to plant with their families, they’re also taking with them a deeper understanding of how small actions can make a big difference for our planet.

Students at Woodhaven High School nominated teacher Jacob Seasock as Teacher of the Month. Senator Darrin Camilleri spoke with students who are part of the Civics Club at WHS, and presented a plaque to Mr. Seasock. "I am very grateful to all my students for their support and appreciation," Seasock said. "They are the reason I do this job & to know they are inspired to follow their dreams means the world to me."

Project Night Night was a HUGE success. Hundreds of books, blankets and stuffed animals were collected. We helped so many children find some comfort and literacy when they need it most. Our WUE community did it again! Thank you to all who donated.

The first cohort of the Wayne RESA and Eastern Michigan University Paraprofessional to Special Educator Program is graduating from Eastern Michigan University. In response to the special education teacher shortage in Michigan, Wayne RESA fully funded the tuition, fees, and textbooks for paraprofessional candidates and partnered with EMU to provide accelerated instruction towards a teaching certificate. Three years later, 36 graduates across 16 Wayne County school districts are graduating as certified special education teachers. 

Congratulations to WBSD’s Alicia Scheffler for completing the very first Para to Teacher Cohort through the Wayne RESA and Eastern Michigan University collaboration initiative. Congratulations to Alicia and all of those that worked so hard to meet this milestone!

“I am honored to be part of this cohort - grateful and excited for what’s ahead,” Scheffler said.

Drama Llama 2026 was a fantastic day led by the talented students of the Woodhaven Theatre Company! 🎭

More than 50 elementary students from across WBSD joined over 50 high school theatre members for a hands-on, high-energy day of creativity and collaboration. WTC students took the lead as group leaders, administrators, and workshop instructors—sharing their passion and expertise every step of the way.

Participants explored a wide range of theatre arts through interactive workshops including Acting, Dance, Stage Combat, Makeup Design, Costuming, Lighting, Sound, Scenic Design, Movement, and even Shadow Puppetry.

From start to finish, this student-led event showcased leadership, creativity, and a true love for the performing arts. What an incredible experience for everyone involved!

5/7-5/9 WTC Spring Production Mamma Mia 7 p.m.

5/13 Woodhaven High School Choir Concert 7 p.m.

5/14 Woodhaven Upper Elementary Band Concert at WHS 7 p.m.

5/20 WHS Percussion and Jazz Band Concert 6 p.m.

5/20 WHS Spring Band Concert 7 p.m.

5/21 Woodhaven Upper Elementary Choir Concert @ WHS 7 p.m.

5/27 Brownstown Middle School Band Concert 6:30 p.m.

5/28 Brownstown Middle School Choir Concert 6:30 p.m.

6/5 Java and Jazz Concert Woodhaven High School 7 p.m.