Salem Public Schools
SPS Community,
As we begin a new school year, I want to extend warm wishes to our colleagues, students, and families who will celebrate Rosh Hashanah and the beginning of the Jewish New Year, 5787. This season of reflection, renewal, and new beginnings feels especially meaningful as we open another year of learning together. Shanah Tovah to all who celebrate!
We received terrific news over the week: In a recent report from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the District’s chronic absenteeism rate has decreased 14.8 percent over the last four years (from 34 percent of students in 2022-23 to 19.2 in 2025-26), and has seen Salem Public Schools move from 18th to third among Gateway cities. Eight of our schools during that time have lowered their chronic absenteeism rates by double digits.
It really does take a village, and I think Mayor Pangallo said it best: “The latest chronic absenteeism data for Salem Public Schools reflects the hard work of our educators and the deep commitment of our students. Together, we’re making Salem schools more engaging, and children are thriving as a result. While these numbers are encouraging, though, we also know that we have more work to do. We want every student in our city to feel joy, enthusiasm, and belonging when they step into a Salem classroom.”
At last Tuesday’s School Committee meeting, I presented my Summer/Fall 2026 Entry Plan, which details how I will continue to ensure the priority of learning and listening before enacting any organizational shifts. The Entry Plan and my slides are available to view on the front page of our website, while video of Monday’s School Committee meeting can be found here.
On Thursday, I very much enjoyed meeting and connecting with and listening to our families at the Bentley Academy Innovation School open house and listening session, which drew a terrific turnout. I was joined at Bentley by School Committee member Veronica Miranda and Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Engagement Laura Assade.
I’m looking forward to continuing our Listening Sessions next week just prior to our Open House nights. Next week’s open houses/listening sessions include:
Bates Elementary: Wednesday, Sept. 16 (5:30-7:00) | Listening Session at 4:30 p.m. with School Committee member Megan Stott.
Sarah Parker Remond School: Thursday, Sept. 17 (5:30-7:30) | Listening Session at 4:30 p.m. with School Committee member Yamily Byas and Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Engagement Laura Assade.
Finally, this morning I attended the September 11th ceremony at the Salem Fire Department Headquarters on Lafayette Street and was enlightened to hear several very moving speeches and stories about Salem’s role in the September 11th recovery mission. I was also very proud to see the Salem High School Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard present the colors for the ceremony.
Dr. Tommy Welch
Superintendent
Salem Public Schools Making Significant Gains in Chronic Absenteeism, per DESE Report
Salem Public Schools has made significant gains with chronic absenteeism – ascending from 18th to third among the 26 Massachusetts Gateway cities from 2022-26 – as the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released data for all schools and districts showing attendance and chronic absenteeism rates.
The Salem News | 2026 football preview: Get-after-it attitude in Salem under new coach Segala
Consider this: the last time the Salem Witches had a new head football coach, Tom Brady still had nine seasons to play — and four more Super Bowl rings to gather — before ending his NFL career.
Salem High School Tabs Michael Daly as Athletic Director
Michael Daly, a native of Boston, was named the Athletic Director at Salem High School, SHS Principal Glenn Burns announced last Friday afternoon.
To ensure the safety of all patrons and preserve our high-performance athletic surfaces, all motorized vehicles, including e-bikes, e-scooters, and mopeds, are strictly prohibited on the track and artificial turf field.
Why this is enforced:
- Safety First: Fast-moving motorized vehicles pose a significant collision risk to runners, athletes, and children using the facility.
- Surface Protection: Vehicle weight, tires, and motor heat cause severe, costly damage to synthetic turf fibers and track surfacing.
Permitted Alternatives:
- Bicycles, E-Bikes & Scooters: Must be parked in designated bike racks outside the perimeter fence before entering the athletic area near the red bike racks.
- Mobility Devices: Standard manual and power wheelchairs used for accessibility purposes are fully permitted.
Please help us keep the facility safe and operational for everyone. Violators may be asked to leave the premises.
Salem Public Schools are part of the Massachusetts Special Education Parent Advisory Council (MASSPAC). MASSPAC offers many free special education-related parent trainings and supports in multiple languages. Find a training and register now.
Among the most popular celebrations at Salem Public Schools, the Food and Nutrition Services is preparing its menu for the Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) accordingly.
On Tuesday, Sept. 15, kicking off our celebration, SPS students will have the option of enjoying two turkey tacos or two plant-based Mexican crumble tacos with black bean and corn salsa and locally sourced pico de gallo. On Monday, Sept. 21, SPS scholars have a choice of chicken and cheese empanadas bean and cheese papusas. Three days later on Thursday, Sept. 24, students will be served a choice of chicken and beef quesadillas; while on Sept. 30 our middle school and high school kitchens will serve pastelon – a ground beef and plantain lasagna.
ParentSquare is the communication platform for Salem Public Schools. Families receive communication from the district, school, and their student's classroom all in one space. Families can communicate 1-to-1 with teachers, register for parent-teacher conferences, and more.
If you are not receiving messages from ParentSquare or if you are having trouble, contact your school's front office. You can visit www.parentsquare.com for more information.