Salem School Committee approves $1.75M, advances merger planning
Salem School Committee approves merger of Carlton and Saltonstall elementary schools with broad transfer provisions. The committee approved $1,754,551.31 in warrants and received a detailed update on the planned consolidation into a single unified school for 2026-27, with a transfer request period
School Committee · Meeting of January 5, 2026
Salem School Committee approves merger of Carlton and Saltonstall elementary schools with broad transfer provisions. The committee approved $1,754,551.31 in warrants and received a detailed update on the planned consolidation into a single unified school for 2026-27, with a transfer request period running January 12 through February 6 and staff assignments finalized by February 13. Community naming suggestions are due January 16, and the committee will discuss proposed school names at its January 26 meeting.
Deputy Superintendent M. Kate Carbone reported the district hired 206 employees over the past year (57 teachers) but noted that staff-of-color retention remains at 79 percent, below the district's 85 percent goal.
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Source: the School Committee meeting of January 5, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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