Salem Public Schools
SPS community,
On Monday, we shared a letter with our families and staff providing a budget overview for the 2025-26 school year. Our situation here at Salem is not unique – many other districts in the Commonwealth are facing similar challenges.
There are several factors contributing to our fiscal reality:
Pandemic recovery funding (ESSER funds) is no longer available
Some major expenses are rising significantly: services for out-of-district tuition, transportation, and utilities
Chapter 70, the largest source of state funding for schools, has not increased at a rate that keeps pace with inflation
We have made budgetary decisions that we believe are in alignment with our strategic goals; these include not filling vacant positions, right sizing the number of staff in places where student enrollment has declined and, where possible, that are not student-facing. We have heavily weighed and incorporated the feedback that we received during public input sessions and during my monthly stakeholder meetings with educators, students, and families.
On Monday evening, Apr. 7, we will present our initial budget to the School Committee for review (7 p.m. in School Committee Chambers at the Collins Middle School) and a public budget hearing is scheduled for Monday, Apr. 14 (7 p.m. at Collins). It is expected that the School Committee will vote on a final budget at their regular meeting scheduled for Monday, Apr. 28 (7 p.m. at Collins).
We encourage our families to share their thoughts by attending these meetings or by e-mailing: spsbudget@salemk12.org.
Finally, I did want to remind families of our adjusted students’ last day of school across the system. As a reminder, we had a snow day on Feb. 6 and thus the last day will be pushed back by one day (pending no unexpected events!). Specifically:
The last day for Salem High School seniors will be Thursday, May 29
The last day for Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten will be Monday, June 16
The last day for all students in Grades 1-11 will be on Friday, June 20 (early release)
The last day for Carlton Kindergarten will be Monday, June 16
The last day for Carlton students in Grades 1-5 will be on Tuesday, June 17 (early release)
Enjoy the weekend,
Steve
Ms. Campbell is a strong advocate for her students, ensuring that they are actively engaged and part of every grade level experience at Collins: performing and attending the musical, participating in Unified Sports, traveling on field trips and completing high level academic work. She is patient, regularly communicates with families and has high expectations for what her students can accomplish.
Ms. Campbell is a champion for inclusivity, access and for supporting school cultures where every student belongs. We are lucky that Ms. Campbell is part of the SPS team!
Salem High School Color Guard Captures NESBA Championship
The Salem High School Color Guard captured the 2025 New England School Bands Association (NESBA) Color Guard Championship Saturday in front of its home crowd at the Veterans Memorial Field House.
SHS Drama Club Earns Three Awards at METG High School Drama Festival
Juniors Isabella Rios, Kira Bester and Gemma Murphy each won individual honors to highlight the Salem High School Drama Club’s performance of the original play, “This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing,” at the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG) High School Drama Festival preliminary round Saturday, Mar. 1 at Saugus High School.
VIEW GALLERY: MBAE Representatives Observe Salem High School CTE, Early College Pathways
The Salem High School Career Technical Education (CTE) Department welcomed guests from the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education (MBAE) and local dignitaries to showcase CTE and Early College programming; whether/how students could participate in both programs; and what support we need to further enhance these opportunities.
Entirety of SHS Junior Class Attends NACAC College Fair
In a first for Salem High School, the entire junior class attended the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) College Fair in Boston Thursday, May 27, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
The Salem News | Salem officials to decide on final design for new high school project
The Salem High School Building Committee is deciding among four different designs for a new school that officials say will reduce energy expenses and operating costs, provide improved community assets, and create a better place to teach and learn.
Salem Public Schools students are invited to join the Spring 2025 Listening Sessions organized by Governor Maura Healey's Youth Advisory Council (YAC).
The Council is organizing Listening Sessions to discuss concerns, challenges, and opportunities youth face across the Commonwealth. Their voice and feedback will help advise the Healey-Driscoll Administration on recommendations to advance the interests of the youth community in Massachusetts. These meetings will be hosted through Zoom:
- Session 1: Tuesday, Apr. 15 (5:30 p.m.)
- Session 2: Tuesday, May 20 (5:30 p.m.)
Student can register for each session at the button below.
Each year, The Margaret Voss Howard Teacher Recognition Award recognizes one Marblehead teacher and one Salem teacher as representative of all the excellent, dedicated teachers in the community who make a difference to children every day.
- Who is eligible? Teachers from the district schools in Marblehead and Salem, Massachusetts, are eligible.
- What is the award? As of 2025, each honoree receives an unrestricted cash award of $1000.
- Who may nominate? Anyone—educators, parents, students, citizens—may make a nomination..
- How do I nominate someone? Send a letter of nomination with your reasons for nominating the teacher, being as detailed and specific as possible. Include the teacher’s name, school, and position, and include your email and your relationship to the teacher. Please keep nominations confidential and do not inform individuals that they have been nominated.
- Nominations must be submitted by April 17, 2025.
With the Massachusetts Child and Family Tax Credit, families may be eligible for $440 for each child under age 13, dependents who aged 65+ or have a disability, or a spouse who needs care. Families do not need to have earned income in 2024 or have a Social Security number to qualify. There is no income cap or limit to the number of dependents. This does not impact public benefits. FindYourFunds has outreach materials available in 11 languages to encourage families to file taxes this year.
Learn more and find free tax help at: findyourfunds.org/dese
Support the Salem High School freshman class at the Class of 2028 Paint Night Fundraiser Wednesday, Apr. 16 at the SHS Art Wing.
Spaces are limited. Please complete the below form after making your payment to secure your spot by Friday, Apr. 11. Payments are accepted at the SHS front desk or Room 251.
For those unable to attend, donations are gratefully accepted. Please indicate 'donation only' on the form.
For more information, contact Taina Javier, SHS Family Engagement Facilitator: Tjavier@salemk12.org | 781-771-6660
The Salem Parks and Recreation Department has announced its programming for the the summer of 2025, highlighted by its 'Adventure Awaits' Enrollment Fair Wednesday, Apr. 30 at the Mayor Jean A. Levesque Community Life Center (5-6:30 p.m.).
Salem families can learn about the 2025 lineup of summer camps, classes and programs for youth of all ages. A parent/guardian will need to be present when enrolling on site.
The Salem Alliance for the Environment (SAFE) is sponsoring two community conversations with the Salem State University Policy Lab and the Geography & Sustainability Department as part of programming for Earth Days 2025 - Climate Change & Biodiversity.
- Wednesday, Apr. 9: A Just Energy Transition in Salem, Mass. | Ellison Center, 1:40-2:55 p.m.
- Friday, Apr. 11: Salem's Coalition Success Story: Environmental Justice & Community Benefits Agreements | Ellison Center, 1:40-2:55 p.m.
SAFE is a key sponsor of Salem State Earth Days, and is contributing this year by donating a limited supply of free books to give away at events.
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.