Salem officials warn state funding formula keeps local pressure on FY27 budget School and city finance staff told the Salem School Committee Feb. 9 that the Chapter 70 formula and a growing 'added increment' are reducing state aid and increasing pressure on local budgets, even as the governor's FY27 proposal would modestly raise Salem's foundation aid.

Salem officials are sounding the alarm as a rising "added increment" in state funding formulas threatens to squeeze local school budgets even further, despite a modest increase in foundation aid.

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#MA #CitizenPortal #SalemSchools #LocalBudgeting #SchoolAidReform #EducationFunding

Salem School Committee approves 2026-27 calendar, adopts enrollment targets The Salem School Committee voted unanimously to approve the 2026-27 calendar with Oct. 30 changed to a half day for students and remote professional development for staff, and adopted district enrollment targets aimed at socioeconomic balance; Bentley remains exempt from a kindergarten income target.

The Salem School Committee just approved a new district calendar for 2026-27, featuring a half day on October 30 and ambitious enrollment targets to ensure socioeconomic balance!

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#MA #EducationReform #SocioeconomicBalance #CommunityIntegration #SalemSchools #CitizenPortal

Salem-Keizer SD 24J projects $25 million structural shortfall; board weighs furloughs and negotiated fixes CFO Heidi Sun told the Salem-Keizer SD 24J board a five-year forecast shows a roughly $25 million recurring general-fund shortfall and a decline in reserves; trustees urged pursuing negotiated solutions to avoid teacher layoffs and school-day cuts.

Salem-Keizer SD 24J is facing a staggering $25 million deficit, putting teachers and instructional days at risk—what will the board decide to save our schools?

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#OR #EducationFunding #SalemSchools #StaffingChallenges #SchoolBudgeting

Salem School Committee Approves Upcoming Field Trips and Discusses Student Assessment Improvements Committee approves field trips and reviews significant student growth in assessments across schools.

The Salem School Committee's recent meeting buzzed with community spirit, approving exciting field trips while empowering students to take an active role in their education.

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#MA #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #SalemSchools #CommunityInvolvement #EducationReform

Salem School Committee Approves Agenda and Discusses Student Support Initiatives Committee approves agenda and promotes new student support initiatives during September meeting.

The Salem School Committee's recent meeting highlighted a commitment to community engagement, but why did the audience remain silent?

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#MA #CitizenPortal #CommunityInclusivity #PublicEngagement #SalemSchools #StudentSupport

City Council Approves Key Milestones for School Construction Project Completion Council reviews project timeline and design updates as construction progresses toward 2028 deadline.

The Salem Public Schools SHS Building Committee is racing against time to finalize the design for the new high school, with critical deadlines approaching and community engagement at the forefront of their mission.

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#MA #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #SalemSchools

Massachusetts Building Trades Advocates Project Labor Agreements for Salem High School Construction Dan McNulty argues for project labor agreements to enhance community benefits in school construction.

The Salem High School construction debate is heating up as advocates push for Project Labor Agreements to boost local employment, while opponents warn of rising costs and limited competition.

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#MA #CitizenPortal #ConstructionPolicy #CommunityImpact #SalemSchools

Salem High School Expands Early College Pathways and CTE Programs for Students Salem High School will broaden early college pathways and CTE programs for 70 students.

Salem High School is transforming education by expanding early college pathways and enhancing diversity initiatives, paving the way for a brighter future for its students.

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#MA #CitizenPortal #CommunityPartnerships #SalemSchools #DiversityInEducation #EducationInnovation

Salem High School deans present code of conduct progress to school board Deans provide an update on implementing code of conduct goals at Salem High School.

Salem School Board received an inspiring update from high school deans on the positive impact of their code of conduct, paving the way for a brighter educational future!

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#NH #PositiveEnvironment #CitizenPortal #SalemSchools #StudentBehavior #EducationReform

Salem High School implements new electronic hall pass system to manage student movement Salem High School launches SmartPass to enhance classroom management and reduce hall violations

The Salem School Board is tackling student absenteeism, cell phone policies, and has introduced a cutting-edge electronic hall pass system to transform the educational landscape.

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#NH #CitizenPortal #ClassroomManagement #StudentAttendance #SalemSchools #EducationReform

School Committee considers participation in school choice program amid enrollment discussions Committee evaluates school choice options while anticipating challenges from new high school programs.

The Salem School Committee is shaking up education by voting to join the school choice program, promising new opportunities for students in a rapidly changing landscape.

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#MA #EducationReform #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #SalemSchools #EnrollmentStrategy

Salem school board honors Grady Smith for charitable contributions and personal resilience Grady Smith recognized for generosity and overcoming health challenges while helping others.

Eighth grader Grady Smith is a true inspiration, overcoming a life-threatening illness to spread joy and hope through his charitable initiative, "Grady's Gift."

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#NH #CommunityService #YouthEmpowerment #HealthResilience #CitizenPortal #SalemSchools

Salem School Board approves $268K Chromebook replacement contract with YNS Technologies The board awards contract for 630 Chromebooks to YNS Technologies, saving $18,000.

The Salem School Board just approved a $268K contract for new Chromebooks, ensuring students have the tech they need while saving $18,000!

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#NH #StudentResources #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #SalemSchools #EducationTechnology

Parent addresses Salem School Committee on excessive screen time for children Parent urges Salem School Committee to limit children's Chromebook usage in elementary schools.

A concerned parent is sounding the alarm on excessive Chromebook use in elementary schools, urging the Salem School Board to rethink technology's role in young students' education.

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#NH #ChildDevelopment #EducationReform #TechnologyBalance #CitizenPortal #SalemSchools

Salem educators discuss funding strategies for pre-k and staffing challenges Committee reviews grant options to sustain pre-k programs amid budget constraints.

Salem educators are grappling with funding challenges that threaten pre-k programs and staffing as they explore grant options to secure a brighter future for their students.

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#MA #PreKInitiatives #CitizenPortal #EducationFunding #SalemSchools #GrantSustainability

Salem Schools launch revamped Scholarships and Early College web pages Salem Schools update scholarships and Early College pages to enhance student access to opportunities.

Salem Schools are revolutionizing student resources with a revamped Scholarships page featuring 101 opportunities and an Early College program that lets students earn college credits before graduation!

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#MA #StudentSuccess #CommunityEngagement #EducationAccess #SalemSchools