Salem Public Schools
Over the past several years, Salem Public Schools has been navigating several financial pressures — the expiration of federal pandemic-recovery funds, sharply rising costs in out-of-district tuition, transportation and utilities, and a state funding formula (Chapter 70) that has not kept pace with inflation.
The Salem School Committee understands that it must address these challenges with a sense of urgency and an eye toward long-term sustainability. To this end, the School Committee has been in the process of exploring school reconfiguration options at the elementary level. They have facilitated forums and organized multiple retreats to find ways to operate a more fiscally responsible portfolio of schools given our enrollment. While our enrollment has grown since the pandemic, projected demographic trends make it clear that the current number of schools and programs are not sustainable. The Committee has three goals for consideration when ultimately making a decision about the future state of our elementary schools. They are committed to:
Elevating the learning experience for every student through innovative programs, engaging instruction, and environments that foster curiosity, creativity, and academic growth.
Advancing our core value of equity by ensuring that every decision promotes fair access to opportunities and supports.
Ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability by making thoughtful, forward-looking decisions that protect resources for today’s students and future generations.
To assist with providing a thoughtful and thorough analysis of our elementary school portfolio, the School Committee has engaged two expert education consultants who are both Salem residents and future Salem Public Schools parents. They are in the process of visiting schools and reviewing enrollment trends, student assignment practices, finances, transportation costs and facility conditions. They will speak with a variety of stakeholders as well as examine the notes from public forums to understand the unique educational contexts of each community. Please note that these partners will not be making decisions; instead, they will offer deeper insights and analysis to help guide our next steps. They will share their findings and offer a recommendation to the School Committee for discussion at their regularly scheduled Nov. 3, 2025 meeting. In the weeks following this meeting, the School Committee will deliberate about the best path forward with regard to reconfiguration. They will also provide opportunities for public input and comment before any decisions are finalized.
We appreciate your support and continued partnership as we work to best position the Salem Public Schools for future success.
Enjoy the weekend,
Steve
She actively connects with families and staff, always listening to their suggestions for improving our food service. Ms. DuBois also has a warm demeanor and inviting disposition that makes all students feel valued at Saltonstall.
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Changing a program’s fortunes, basically overnight, doesn’t happen all that often in high school sports. But that’s exactly what the Salem High girls soccer team seems to have done in the first month of the 2025 campaign.
Salem High School is offering an in-school SAT for interested seniors on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. This is completely free and a great opportunity for students to take/retake the SAT tests for college/program admissions.
Interested seniors must register no later than Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025.
This deadline is final as we need to register each student with College Board and order tests. Scholars must register with their school issued email accounts.
The Salem Police Department is seeking applicants for crossing guard positions. To apply, contact the Human Resources Department at Salem City Hall at (978) 619-5630.
For more information, contact Lt. David Tucker:
- T: (978) 744-0171, ext. 50271
- E: dmtucker@salempd.net
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.