School Committee
Regular MeetingSalem, MA · June 17, 2024
Minutes
Minutes of the Regular Session
of the Salem School Committee
Monday, June 17, 2024
Rm. 227, 29 Highland Ave.
Hybrid Meeting
Members Present: Mayor Dominick Pangallo, Manny Cruz, Mary Manning,
AJ Hoffman, Beth Anne Cornell and Veronica Miranda
Others in Attendance: Superintendent Stephen Zrike, Deputy Superintendent Kate
Carbone and Assistant Superintendent Pauley
Members Absent: Amanda Campbell
Call of Meeting to Order
Mayor Pangallo called the meeting to order at 7:06 pm and mentioned that the public can join
the meeting online via Zoom using the link on the posted agenda.
Approval of Agenda
Vice Chair Cruz made a motion to approve the agenda. Member Miranda seconded and it was
so VOTED. Motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment
Mayor Pangallo explained the public participation process as well as the availability of Spanish
interpretation. There were no comments.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Mayor Pangallo introduced the consent agenda:
- Approval of minutes of Regular SC meeting held on June 3, 2024
- Approval of Warrants: 6/6/24 - $549,282.18; 6/13/24 - $711,762.69
- Approval of the Salem High School Golf Team to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL from
8/15/24 - 8/20/24
Vice Chair Cruz made the motion to approve the consent agenda. Member Miranda seconded
and it was so VOTED. Motion passed unanimously.
Recognition of FY 24 Retirees
Superintendent Zrike recognized educators and staff who recently retired after serving the
Salem Public Schools for 15 - 34 years. Superintendent Zrike lauded their dedication and
commitment to the students and families. Mayor Pangallo echoed Superintendent Zrike and
Page 1
thanked them for being role models to younger educators. Mayor Pangallo read the names of
the following retirees:
Cynthia Hatcher - 32 years
Karyn Reardon - 34 years
Adriana Martin - 22 years
Janice Fischer - 15 years
Anne Linger - 23 years
Catherine Stavrakas - 13 years
Paige Covello - 25 years
Patricia Mento - 29 years
Hope Flynn - 30 years
Ellen Finn - 25 years
Thomas Boucher - 31 years
Skender Karagjozi - 16 years
Andrea Corriveau - 18 years
The following retirees who were present at the meeting received the city seal and a token of
appreciation from Mayor Pangallo and Superintendent Zrike followed by a group photo:
Ellen Mandel-Steiner - 15 years
Melinda Marino - 27 years
Patricia Barton - 36 years
Paula Geist - 18 years
Jody Cicchetti-Randazzo - 20 years
Judith Borden - 34 years
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Zrike wished everyone a wonderful summer break as the next day will conclude
the 2023-2024 school year. Superintendent Zrike also thanked everyone for the successful
school year and provided a reminder that the next school year will begin after Labor Day except
for Carlton Innovation School. Superintendent Zrike said that summer resources for both math
and ELA are available on the website. The summer reading challenge will have the name of a
student drawn from each school with the prize being a ride to school with Derby, the Police
Community Resource Dog Derby. Superintendent mentioned the upcoming PRIDE parade as
well as the painting of crosswalks led by Member Hoffman.
A. Class Rank Discussion (Priority 1.4)
Superintendent Zrike invited Salem High School Principal Burns and Ms. Meghan
Grosskopf Sousa, College and Career Center Director to the podium for the presentation
on class rank. The presentation highlighted inequities and the reasons why eliminating
class rank will be beneficial to students. Responses were provided for clarifying
questions from School Committee members. Vice Chair Cruz asked for some information
about feedback from students of how the competitiveness and class ranking had
Page 2
impacted them. Principal Burns said that the feedback was received from students
directly, surveys and other means. Principal Burns said that in previous years there were
families that requested the school to recalculate the students’ Grade Point Average
(GPA) because the scores were very close.
B. Summer Work Project Update (Priority 4.3)
Superintendent Zrike invited Assistant Superintendent Pauley and Facilities Director,
Zissis Alepakis to present the facilities summer work update. In response to a question
from Member Miranda, Mr. Alepakis said that there are 32 staff members in the facilities
department. In response to another question, Superintendent Zrike said that it is
possible for parents to volunteer in some instances but for the most part this is not the
case due to liability. Mr. Alepakis responded to the next question that in terms of
facilities, Salem High School utilizes more funds and labor due to its size which is
465,000 square feet. Each custodian usually is in charge of about 40,000 square feet of
cleaning space. There are currently six custodians at Salem High School. Mr. Alepakis
continued that the second is Bentley Academy Innovation School because of the age of
the building and the lack of adequate maintenance over the years. Bentley does not
have air conditioning and requires a substantial amount of work.
Member Manning inquired why the Bertram Field Building needed to be painted already
because it only opened recently. Mr. Alepakis responded that the building has had
heavy usage in the two years since it opened. Member Manning requested that the
Building and Grounds Subcommittee be informed about any updates regarding the
kindergarten playground at Bates School. Member Manning asked that the Braille
signage at Bentley Academy Innovation School be reviewed to make sure it meets the
needs of the school since it is a dual language school.
Student Representative Report
None
Old Business
None
New Business
None
Finance and Operations Report
A. Budget Transfers totaling $153,978.70
Assistant Superintendent Pauley said that this is the last set of transfers for FY 24 and that it
is part of balancing the budget at the year end. The transfers were for unspent funds from
personnel lines to non-personnel lines.
Page 3
Vice Chair Cruz made a motion to approve the budget transfers totalling $153,978.70.
Member Cornell seconded and it was so VOTED. Motion passed unanimously.
Subcommittee Reports
None
School Committee Concerns and Resolutions
None
Adjournment
Vice Chair Cruz made a motion to adjourn. Member Cornell seconded and it was so VOTED.
Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8:27 pm.
Respectfully submitted by,
Shirley Dorai
Executive Assistant to the School Committee & Superintendent
Page 4
Agenda
Mary A. Manning Beth Anne Cornell
Manny Cruz AJ Hoffman
Amanda Campbell Veronica Miranda
Mayor Dominick Pangallo, Chair
“Know Your Rights Under the Open Meeting Law, M.G.L. c.30A § 18-25 and
City Ordinance Sections 2-2028 through 2-2033”
DATE POSTED: June 13, 2024
REGULAR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the Salem School Committee will hold a Regular School Committee
meeting on June 17, 2024 at 7:30p.m. This meeting will take place in person at 29 Highland
Ave., Rm. 227, Salem, MA. You can also join via Zoom using the link below.
Zoom Link to participate:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84330945015?pwd=vRnzah7OPXJtG3uNzJbXlWl4QYMqqw.BqJUHNvFN2S
yqc8Y
Passcode: 615544
I. Call of Meeting to Order
A. Summary of Public Participation Policy (SC Policy #6409).
Read aloud: The Salem School Committee would like to hear from the public on issues
that affect the school district and are within the scope of the Committee’s
responsibilities. Spanish interpretation is available for anyone who needs it.
The members of the School Committee would like to remind the public that Salem Public School
students regularly attend School Committee meetings. We encourage all meeting participants to
model respectful and productive public discourse for our young learners.
B. Live Spanish Interpretation.
Spanish language interpretation is now provided for all regular School Committee
meetings. To listen to this meeting with Spanish language interpretation, please see
instructions below:
1. Click Interpretation .
2. Click Spanish
3. (Optional) To hear the interpreted language only, click Mute Original Audio.
C. Instructions for Participating in Public Comment
Should any member of the Salem community wish to participate in public comment during
this meeting, please click on the following link to sign up and submit your comment
electronically: https://forms.gle/9gcdCWHZVSsWoGMv8. A district staff member will be
compiling all comments which will be shared with members prior to the end of the public
meeting. Comments will also be summarized in the meeting minutes. Please contact Krista
Perry at kperry@salemk12.org or 617-285-7567 with any questions or to report any
technical difficulties you experience.
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Public Comment
See above instructions for participating in public comment.
IV. Approval of Consent Agenda
A. Approval of minutes of Regular SC meeting held on June 3, 2024
B. Approval of Warrants: 6/6/24 - $549,282.18; 6/13/24 - $711,762.69
C. Approval of the Salem High School Golf Team to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL from
8/15/24 - 8/20/24
V. Recognition of FY24 retirees (Priority 2.4)
VI. Superintendent’s Report
A. Class Rank Discussion (Priority 1.4)
B. Summer Work Project Update (Priority 4.3)
VII. Student Representative Report
VIII. Action Items: Old Business
IX. Action Items: New Business
X. Finance & Operations Report
A. Budget Transfers totaling $153,978.70
XI. Subcommittee Reports
● Finance Subcommittee
● Personnel Subcommittee
● Building & Grounds Subcommittee
● Curriculum Subcommittee
● Policy Subcommittee
XII. School Committee Concerns and Resolutions
XIII. Adjournment
Respectfully submitted by,
Krista Perry
Executive Assistant to the School Committee & Superintendent
“Persons requiring auxiliary aids and services for effective communication such as sign language interpreter, an assistive
listening device, or print material in digital format or a reasonable modification in programs, services, policies, or activities,
may contact the City of Salem ADA Coordinator at (978) 619-5630 as soon as possible and not less than 2 business days
before the meeting, program, or event.”
Mary A. Manning Beth Anne Cornell
Manny Cruz AJ Hoffman
Amanda Campbell Veronica Miranda
Alcalde Dominick Pangallo, Preside
“Conozca sus Derechos según la Ley de Reuniones Abiertas, M.G.L. c.30A § 18-25 y Secciones de
Ordenanzas de la Ciudad 2-2028 hasta 2-2033”
FECHA DE PUBLICACIÓN 13 de junio de 2024
REUNIÓN REGULAR DEL COMITÉ ESCOLAR
Por la presente se notifica que el Comité Escolar de Salem celebrará una Reunión regular del
Comité Escolar el 17 de junio de 2024 a las 7:30 p.m. Esta reunión se llevará a cabo en persona
en 29 Highland Ave., Rm. 227, Salem, MA. También puede unirse a través de Zoom utilizando el
enlace a continuación.
Haga clic en el enlace a continuación para unirse al seminario web:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84330945015?pwd=vRnzah7OPXJtG3uNzJbXlWl4QYMqqw.BqJUHNv
FN2Syqc8Y
Contraseña:615544
I. Convocatoria a la Sesión Abierta
a. Resumen de la Política de Participación Pública (SC Política #6409)
Lectura en voz alta: El Comité Escolar de Salem desea escuchar al público sobre temas
que afectan al distrito escolar y que están dentro del alcance de las responsabilidades
del Comité. Se ofrecerá interpretación al español para quien lo necesite. Los miembros
del Comité Escolar desean recordar al público que los estudiantes de las Escuelas
Públicas de Salem asisten regularmente a las reuniones del Comité Escolar. Animamos
a todos los participantes de la reunión a modelar un discurso público respetuoso y
productivo para nuestros jóvenes estudiantes.
b. Interpretación al español en vivo
La interpretación al español se provee en todas las reuniones del Consejo Escolar
Regular. Para escuchar estas reuniones con la interpretación al español, por favor vea
las instrucciones de abajo:
1. Pulse en Interpretation .
2. Pulse en Spanish
3. (Opcional) Para escuchar la lengua interpretada solamente, pulse Mute Original
Audio.
c. Instrucciones para Participar en el Comentario Público
Si cualquier miembro de la comunidad de Salem desea participar en el comentario público
durante esta reunión, por favor pulsar en el enlace de abajo para registrarse y someter su
comentario electrónicamente: https://forms.gle/9gcdCWHZVSsWoGMv8.. Un miembro del
Mary A. Manning Beth Anne Cornell
Manny Cruz AJ Hoffman
Amanda Campbell Veronica Miranda
Alcalde Dominick Pangallo, Preside
“Conozca sus Derechos según la Ley de Reuniones Abiertas, M.G.L. c.30A § 18-25 y Secciones de
Ordenanzas de la Ciudad 2-2028 hasta 2-2033”
personal reunirá todos los comentarios que serán compartidos con los miembros antes de
finalizar la reunión pública. Los comentarios también serán resumidos en las minutas de la
reunión. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Krista Perry en kperry@salemk12.org o en el
617-285-7567 si tiene alguna pregunta o para informar de cualquier dificultad técnica que
experimente.
II. Aprobación de la Agenda
III. Comentario Público
Favor de ver arriba para instrucciones sobre cómo participar en los comentarios públicos.
IV. Aprobación de la Agenda Consensuada
A. Aprobación del acta de la reunión regular del Comité Permanente celebrada el 3
de junio de 2024
B. Aprobación de las órdenes de pago: 6-jun-24 - $549,282.18; 13-jun-24
$711,762.69
C. Aprobación del equipo de Golf de Salem High School a Walt Disney World en
Orlando, FL del15-ago-24 -20-ago-24
V. Reconocimiento a los jubilados del año fiscal 24 (Prioridad 2.4)
VI. Reporte del Superintendente
a. Debate sobre el rango de la clase (Prioridad 1.4)
b. Actualización del proyecto de trabajo de verano (Prioridad 4.3)
VII. Reporte de la Representante Estudiantil
VIII. Elementos de Acción: Asuntos Antiguos
IX. Elementos de Acción: Asuntos Nuevos
Mary A. Manning Beth Anne Cornell
Manny Cruz AJ Hoffman
Amanda Campbell Veronica Miranda
Alcalde Dominick Pangallo, Preside
“Conozca sus Derechos según la Ley de Reuniones Abiertas, M.G.L. c.30A § 18-25 y Secciones de
Ordenanzas de la Ciudad 2-2028 hasta 2-2033”
X. Reporte de Finanzas y Operaciones
A. Transferencias presupuestarias por un total de $153.978,70
XI. Reportes de los Subcomités
● Subcomité de Finanzas
● Subcomité de Personal
● Subcomité de Edificios y Terrenos
● Subcomité de Planes de Estudios
● Subcomité de Política
XII. Inquietudes y Resoluciones del Comité Escolar
XIII. Clausura
Sometido respetuosamente por,
Krista Perry
Asistente Ejecutiva del Comité Escolar y del Superintendente
“Las personas que requieran ayuda auxiliar y servicios para una comunicación eficiente tal como un
intérprete de lenguaje de señas, un dispositivo asistente para escuchar, o material impreso en formato digital o
una modificación razonable de programas, servicios, políticas, o actividades, puede ponerse en contacto con
el Coordinador ADA de la Ciudad de Salem al (978) 619-5630 a la brevedad y no más de 2 días laborales
antes de la reunión, programa o evento.”
DRAFT
Salem Public Schools
Salem School Committee
Meeting Minutes
June 3, 2024
On June 3, 2024 the Salem School Committee held its regular School Committee meeting at
7:00 PM using a hybrid model.
Members Present: Manny Cruz, Mary Manning, Beth Anne Cornell, Veronica
Miranda, and AJ Hoffman
Members Absent: Mayor Dominick Pangallo and Amanda Campbell
Others in Attendance: Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike, Deputy Superintendent Kate
Carbone, Assistant Superintendent Elizabeth Pauley, Ellen
Wingard, Dr. Kimberly Talbot, Laura Assade, Jennifer Doucette-Ly,
Carlos Arias Reyes, and Christopher O’Donnell
Call of Meeting to Order
Manny Cruz calls the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and requests a call of attendance. He
explained the Public Participation Policy 6409 and also explained the availability of Spanish
interpretation.
Attendance
Manny Cruz recognizes the attendance with members. Veronica Miranda motions for approval
and Beth Anne Cornell seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken.
Manny Cruz Present
Mary Manning Present
Beth Anne Cornell Present
Amanda Campbell Not Present
Veronica Miranda Present
AJ Hoffman Present
Mayor Pangallo Not Present
Approval of Agenda
Manny Cruz requested a motion to approve the Agenda. Mary Manning motions for approval
and seconded by Beth Anne Cornell. A roll call vote is taken.
Manny Cruz Yes
Mary Manning Yes
Beth Anne Cornell Yes
Veronica Miranda Yes
AJ Hoffman Yes
Motion carries 5-0
6.3.2024 School Committee Minutes
Page 1
Public Comment
Ann Berman, 1401 Crane Brook Way, pleased to announce the recipients for the Salem Teachers
Union scholarship awards for the 2023-2024 school year. Four $1,000 awards were presented to
the following high school students: Jessica Cajigal, Jessica Valatka, Olivia Fernandez, and Tilda
Rieder. The top four scorers earned our Salem Public Schools scholarship and this year twelve
students sat for the exam. This was open to all three high schools in our Salem school district.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Manny Cruz requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Veronica Miranda motions for
approval and seconded by Beth Anne Cornell. A roll call vote is taken.
Manny Cruz Yes
Mary Manning Yes
Beth Anne Cornell Yes
Veronica Miranda Yes
AJ Hoffman Yes
Motion carries 5-0
Before proceeding with the agenda items, Mary Manning requested a brief moment of silence
for another member of the Salem community Ruth Prentiss, who was a secretary at the Salem
High School primarily in the guidance office.
Student Showcase - Bates Elementary School
Principal Smith and Mr. Mercier presented the Bates Student Showcase along with several Bates
students. The students who presented were five fifth grade house leaders at the Bates School.
All five students introduced themselves and stated their reasons for wanting to become a house
leader. The Bates students note the new motto created for the FY 23/24 school year which is
Believe. Be You. Belong…at Bates! The new motto was created so students and teachers would
feel like they belonged. The new motto helps students believe in themselves and their peers.
The new motto started showing up all over the school. Students note “being you” at Bates
means you are still learning what it means to be yourself and it is okay to still be figuring that
out. At Town Hall there was an activity to express how each student was proud of themselves
and why. House leaders created fan days, crazy hair day, decades day, disney day, and super
hero day to create a sense of belonging. Teachers also participated in building projects which
helped them connect with their students. The house leaders who presented wish to continue
the Amazing Shake which is when all fifth graders compete to see who is creative, kind,
persevering, and open minded.
Manny Cruz asks the Bates students if there is one thing from the belonging activities from
elementary school level which activity would you bring to the middle school and why. Students
note to just be themselves in middle school and stay true to themselves, bring Town Halls and
house leaders group, the thought of core values and keeping core values first, share the created
games with the rest of the school, and last bring house leader ideas and how we can all work
together.
6.3.2024 School Committee Minutes
Page 2
Superintendent’s Report
A. Norman H. Read Trust Awardees (Priority 2.4)
B.
Kate Carbone notes annually the SPS puts out an invitation across the districts to
nominate a science teacher who creates excitement in classrooms and brings their
expertise and knowledge to the classroom as well. This year we have an educator from
Bentley Innovation, Saltonstall, and Salem High School. This wonderful award is to
recognize and each educator is given a $500 check to use towards classroom supplies
or to continue educator courses that they have been interested in.
Erica Panacopoulos introduces Amanda Jacquier who is a third grade teacher. Amanda has a
positive attitude and presents a warm demander towards her students. Amanda has beyond
grown as a science teacher and her willingness to try new things.
Saltonstall Principal Jellison who introduces Maggie Tran, who is in her second year who is
teaching 6th grade math and science. Maggie’s students are engaged and her students are
learning and growing and showing such progress.
Jackie Burns, high school science coach, introduces Manna Ohmoto-Whitfield, notes her
organization and experience has been a driving force on the Biology team. She designs well
thought out lessons for students, evidence based writing, and data informed instruction and
feedback cycles. She holds high expectations for all students and this year she has supported
our multilingual students in biology classes.
C. FY25 Capital Requests (Priority 4.3)
Elizabeth Pauley notes the capital improvement planning process begins in January
and departments of the city are asked to submit their requests for the following year
ahead. After working with the Building and Grounds subcommittee the priorities were
shared and which priorities would benefit schools and align our request with city and
school priorities as well as including funding for special projects. We received $2.9
million in the current school year. In the coming year ahead we will receive $3 million
for capital improvements such as ADA associated repairs to prioritize, controls that will
help with electricity and heating, generators, chiller repairs, replacement of student
and staff devices/hardware, replace lighting to be more energy efficient, continue
repairs on all playgrounds, and lastly safety and security. These funds become available
once the new fiscal year has begun.
Beth Anne Cornell notes next year we need a committee formed to discuss what we
would like our outdoor spaces to consist of moving forward.
Manny Cruz suggested adding Member Cornell’s suggestion to a summer School
Committee retreat agenda to further discuss.
6.3.2024 School Committee Minutes
Page 3
Superintendent Dr. Zrike notes June is the start of Pride Month and let this be a
reminder that this is a time to create a belonging school system for all. Not just for the
month of June but for every month. The Pride parade will be held on June 22nd.
Student Representative Report
none
Old Business
none
New Business
A. Deliberation and vote on the Salem High School JROTC field trip to the Army National
Guard in Stafford, NH from 6/20/24 - 6/22/24
Manny Cruz makes a motion to approve. Beth Anne Cornell makes a motion and seconded by
Veronica Miranda. A roll call vote is taken.
Manny Cruz Yes
Mary Manning No
Beth Anne Cornell Yes
Veronica Miranda Yes
AJ Hoffman Yes
Motion carries 4-1
B. Deliberation and vote on the school physician contract
Manny Cruz makes a motion to approve. Beth Anne Cornell makes a motion and seconded by
Mary Manning. A roll call vote is taken.
Manny Cruz Yes
Mary Manning Yes
Beth Anne Cornell Yes
Veronica Miranda Yes
AJ Hoffman Yes
Motion carries 5-0
Jane Morrissey notes SPS School Physician Dr. Clovene Campbell. Jane Morrissey looks forward
to continuing to collaborate with Dr. Campbell in the future. Mary Manning gives gratitude to
Jane Morrissey for all the work she has done for SPS this past school year.
C. Deliberation and vote on 2024-2025 School Committee meeting schedule
Manny Cruz makes a motion to approve. Beth Anne Cornell makes a motion and seconded by
Veronica Miranda. A roll call vote is taken.
Manny Cruz Yes
Mary Manning Yes
Beth Anne Cornell Yes
Veronica Miranda Yes
6.3.2024 School Committee Minutes
Page 4
AJ Hoffman Yes
Motion carries 5-0
Manny Cruz notes Mayor Pangallo and Member Campbell are not present however after
they have reviewed the School Committee calendar if we have to shift some future meeting
dates we will do so.
Finance & Operations Report
Subcommittee Reports
● Finance Subcommittee
● Personnel Subcommittee
Manny Cruz updates the School Committee noting there was a fifth session with the Salem
Teachers Union to discuss the contract. The meeting was productive and had conversations on
key issues. We are continuing to work with our union to better our paraprofessionals and
discuss compensation and extending leaves in contract as well as job descriptions clarity as well
as resignations. Additionally there was a discussion on substitutes and working on
communicating on compensation on retired educators and coming back as substitutes. There is
another session scheduled in June as well as more sessions over the summer.
● Building & Grounds Subcommittee
Veronica Miranda updates the School Committee noting there was a recent Building & Grounds
subcommittee meeting. In the summer at some point the Building and Grounds subcommittee
will further review the facilities rental form and make necessary changes with guidance from
staff.
● Curriculum Subcommittee
● Policy Subcommittee
School Committee Concerns and Resolutions
Adjournment
Manny Cruz makes a motion to adjourn. Motion made by Mary Manning and seconded by Beth
Anne Cornell. A roll call vote is taken.
Manny Cruz Yes
Mary Manning Yes
Beth Anne Cornell Yes
Veronica Miranda Yes
6.3.2024 School Committee Minutes
Page 5
AJ Hoffman Yes
Motion carries 5-0
Meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.
Respectfully submitted by,
Krista Perry
Executive Administrative Assistant to the School Committee & Superintendent
6.3.2024 School Committee Minutes
Page 6
SALEM
HIGH SCHOOL
Committed to Excellence
Our Current Class Rank Policy:
● Rank is determined by a weighted Grade Point
Average and finalized at the end of each year of
study
● Standard Based Grades are converted into
traditional letter grades awarded a point value for
GPA values
● Independent Study courses and Pass/Fail
courses are not calculated into GPA
● Scholars that earn 51% of their courses outside of
Salem High School are not eligible for ranking
● Dual Enrollment courses are calculated into GPA
as of SY23.
How does our current ranking
policy affect our scholars?
● Top performing scholars who have a negligible GPA
difference can have drastically different outcomes on
college acceptances to elite colleges due to reporting class
rank
● Scholars that require intervention courses are ranked lower
due to P/F grading
● Scholars that elect Career Technical Education programs
are ranked lower since almost all CTE courses are college
prep level regardless of credential recognition
How does our current ranking
policy affect our scholars?
● Students who enter Salem High School later in their high
school career cannot report rank regardless of their GPA
● Scholars are able to pursue Dual Enrollment have an
advantage for a top 10 rank placement by having more
courses for the average
● Class rank fosters an unhealthy level of competition at
Salem High School which is directly against the values of
community and belonging of our faculty and students hold
What are the advantages of eliminating
class rank?
● Scholars are empowered to choose courses and pathways
that align with their interests and post secondary goals
without fear of penalization.
● Scholars are not penalized in rank for mandated
intervention support blocks
Do Colleges Need Class Rank?
According to the National Association for College Admission
Counseling’s annual State of College Admission report
(https://www.nacacnet.org/globalassets/documents/publications
/research/2018_soca/soca2019_all.pdf), a very small
percentage—only 9.1% of colleges—said class rank was a
factor of “considerable importance” in their admissions. Around
a third said it was of “moderate” or “limited impo
rtance” (29.1% and 34.1% respectively). Just over a quarter
(27.7%) said it was of “no importance.”
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR SENIORS?
● Scholars would leave this field blank or for schools or
scholarships that require information the counseling
department will determine the percentage the scholar
falls into (Top 5%, Top 10%, ect)
● Counselors will continue to highlight the academic
achievements through letters of recommendation and
throughout the application process
● Proposed replacement with recognizing students with
graduating cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa
cum laude distinctions
High Schools that do not report
class rank and additional sources:
Falmouth High
Attleboro
Mansfield
Canton
Walpole
Sharon
Norwood
https://counselors.collegeboard.org/college-application
/class-rank
Facilities Presentation
June 17, 2024
Strategic Plan (2023-26):
Core Priorities
2
Work Orders
Operations HERO data
July 2023-
June 2024:
827 work
orders
entered;
647 closed
3
Completed required Asbestos
Highlights: SY 23-24 ●
Inspections
● Provided heat in the SHS Auditorium
● Completed extensive sprinkler
repairs in summer 2023
● Ensured a successful heating season
● Provided PD to Buildings & Grounds
staff
● Upgraded security servers across the
district
● Added secure entry vestibules at
HMLS & SHS
● Added wayfinding signage at Bentley
● Conducted monthly walkthroughs
4
FY24
Surprises Unbudgeted Repairs
5
Context
CIPs in FY25
❏ HVAC-chillers: replacing ten coils in one chiller at Collins and three
coils in one chiller at Salts
❏ Generator: replacing the generator at Bates. It is past its useful life
span and have made costly repairs over the past few years to keep it up
and running
❏ Safety & Security: MEP repairs along with repairs on life safety
equipment district wide
❏ Lighting: replace lighting at HMLS,Bates,Bentley,Carlton, and WHES
❏ Weatherization/infiltration reductions for all schools (except SHS):
❏ Controls: replacing HVAC controls at HMLS
❏ Playgrounds: repairs at Bates,Bentley,HMLS, and Salts and replacing
the kindergarten playground at Bates
6
Context
Summer 2024
❏ Deep clean all buildings
❏ Plumbing repairs
❏ Electrical repairs
❏ ADA repairs
❏ Painting touch ups
❏ Changing HVAC filters
❏ Complete Classroom moves
7
School Based Projects, Summer 2024
Bates Horace Mann
● Boilers + controls ● Make necessary repairs to RTUs
● Gym door replacement ● Convert a science room into a general classroom
● Add mulch to playground, plus repairs ● Install access controls in the vestibule (ADA)
● Floor Tile repairs
Saltonstall
● Replace door in room 208
Bentley/ECC ● Move bank of lockers to second floor
● Replacing 2 classroom doors ● Make repairs to restroom partitions
● Playground repairs ● Replace fence in the front of the school
● Adding a water filling station ● Add mulch to both playgrounds, plus repairs (ADA)
● Move 40 classrooms
SHS
Carlton ● Replacing a mini-split that controls the main server room
● Make necessary repairs to RTUs ● Replacing two cameras that are offline due to water damage
● Replace lighting in academic wings
● Clean up outside garden and make the space
● Installing additional vape detectors
more accessible (ADA)
WHES
Collins ● Repair 2 single staff bathrooms that need the wall to be
● Install additional vape detectors opened up to repair pipes
● Make hvac control repairs ● Replace hvac controls
● Replace coils on one chiller ● Replace the exterior gym camera 8
● Add a camera for the playground
Projects to Be
✓ WHES playground
Completed in
renovation
summer 2024
✓ Bates’ boiler & controls
✓ Witchcraft controls
✓ LED lighting upgrades in all
three floors of the
academic wing at SHS
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New Projects ❏ Lighting upgrades
Beginning in ❏ Bates’ generator
Summer 2024 ❏ Coil replacements for
chillers at Salts & CMS
❏ Bates playground &
other playground repairs
❏ ADA repairs districtwide
❏ Controls at HMLS
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Summer 2024
Things we won't be able to do this summer
❏ Adding additional cameras to exterior of all buildings
❏ Repainting whole schools (including HMLS)
❏ Fully replace all coils in chillers at Salts & CMS
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Looking
Ahead 3 Year Plan
12
To: Salem School Committee
CC: Dr. Stephen Zrike
From: Elizabeth Pauley & Marcie Glick
Date: June 17, 2024
Re: FY24 End of Year Budget Transfers
In preparation for the closing of the FY24 fiscal year, the Business
Office is recommending transfers of $153,978.70. These transfers will
allow us to move unused personnel funds to non-personnel expense
lines that need additional funding. The transfers (detailed below) will
move existing unused funds to accounts with outstanding invoices,
specifically utilities and transportation.
The funds are being transferred between cost centers, and in most
cases funds exceed the $15,000 threshold; for these reasons, this
requires School Committee approval.
Requested Transfers:
Transfer
Account to: Transfer From: Transfer From:
Amount
Name Account Account Name Account Number
Number
Buildings and 13530121 TOTAL:
Grounds -5241 $45,714.10
$22,831.69 English Language Learner 13701620-5140
$22,882.41 Regular Day-HS 13571020-5160
www.salemk12.org @SalemSchoolsk12 @SalemPublicSchools
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Gas 13530121 TOTAL:
- $29,888.00
$2,412.85 Bilingual-Elem Eem 13700820-5114
$27,475.15 Regular Day-HS 13571020-5160
Electricity 13530121 TOTAL:
- $1,516.16
$1,516.16 Bilingual-Elem Ed 13700820-5114
Homeless 13640181 TOTAL:
Transportation -5334 $64,999.07
$23,470.99 Bilingual-Elem Ed 13700820-5114
$36,477.97 SPED-Prep-HS 13641360-5117
$5,050.11 Salem Prep-SPED-Elem Ed 13641320-5125
In District 13640181 TOTAL:
Transportation -5333 $11,861.37
$11,861.37 Salem Prep-SPED-Elem Ed 13641320-5125
I recommend approval of these transfers.
Elizabeth A . Pauley
29 Highland Avenue,
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
Tel: (978) 740-1222
Email: epauley@salemk12.org
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