School Committee

Salem Public Schools School Committee Amanda Campbell​ ​ AJ Hoffman Beth Anne Cornell​ ​ ​Mary A. Manning Manny Cruz, Vice Chair​ ​ ​ 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” REVISED REGULAR SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING Notice is hereby given that the Salem School Committee will hold a Regular School Committee meeting on October 6, 2025 at 7:00 p.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/83664704182?pwd=ws03WOG1hKfuL3dl8VPkrQqLrOVIgA.1 Passcode: 518984 1.​ Call of Meeting to Order 1. ​ Summary of Public Participation Policy (School Committee 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. 2.​ 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. 2.​ Approval of Agenda 29 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970 Phone: 978-740-1212 Email: sdorai@salemk12.org 3.​ Public Comment ​ If you wish to participate in the public comment portion of the meeting, you may come up to the podium to speak during this section of the meeting. If you wish to provide a comment via Zoom, you may do so by entering the Zoom meeting and clicking the raise hand feature. When it is your turn to speak, a host will announce your name and will unmute your line and allow you to speak. 4.​ Approval of Consent Agenda 1.​ Approval of Minutes of Regular School Committee Meeting held on September 24, 2025 2.​ Approval of Field Trip to Hershey and Philadelphia, PA for Salem High School Music students on May 15-18, 2026 3.​ Approval of Field Trip to Cape Cod Fairgrounds for Salem High School Varsity Boys Cross Country Team on October 12-13, 2025 4.​ Approval of FY26 Warrants: 1.​ 09/25/2025 - $732,520.30 ​ 5.​ Student Representative Report ​ 6.​ Superintendent’s Report 1.​ Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) Update 2.​ Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Update 3.​ Finance and Operations Report 1.​ Budget Transfer Requests 7.​ Subcommittee Reports 1.​ Finance Subcommittee 2.​ Personnel Subcommittee 3.​ Building & Grounds Subcommittee 4.​ Curriculum Subcommittee 5.​ Policy Subcommittee 8.​ Motions and Resolutions ​ 1.​ Budget Transfer Requests 9.​ Announcements 10.​ Adjournment Respectfully submitted by, Shirley Dorai ​ Executive Assistant to the School Committee and 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.” Page 2  Escuelas Públicas de Salem Comité Escolar Amanda Campbell​ ​ AJ Hoffman Beth Anne Cornell​ ​ ​ Mary A. Manning Manny Cruz, Vicepresidente​ ​ ​ Veronica Miranda Alcalde Dominick Pangallo, Preside “Conozca sus derechos bajo la Ley de Sesiones Públicas, M.G.L. c.30A § 18-25 y Secciones 2-2028 a 2-2033 de la normativa municipal” REVISADA REUNIÓN REGULAR DEL COMITÉ ESCOLAR Por la presente se notifica que el Comité Escolar de Salem celebrará una Reunión regular del Comité Escolar el 6 de octubre, 2025 a las 7:00 p.m. Esta reunión tendrá lugar en persona en 29 Highland Ave., Rm. 227, Salem, MA. También puede unirse a través de Zoom utilizando el enlace de a continuación. Enlace Zoom para participar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83664704182?pwd=ws03WOG1hKfuL3dl8VPkrQqLrOVIgA.1 Contraseña: 518984 1.​ Orden del día 1. ​ Resumen de la Política de Participación Pública (Política del Comité Escolar nº 6409). Lectura en voz alta: Al Comité Escolar de Salem le gustaría escuchar al público sobre temas que afectan al distrito escolar y que están dentro del ámbito de las responsabilidades del Comité. Habrá 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. 2.​ Interpretación en directo al español. Ahora se ofrece interpretación en español para todas las reuniones regulares del Comité Escolar. Para escuchar esta reunión con interpretación al español, por favor vea las instrucciones a continuación: 1. Haga clic en Interpretation . 2. Haga clic en Spanish 3. (Opcional) Para escuchar sólo el idioma interpretado, haga clic en Mute Original Audio. 2.​ Aprobación del orden del día 29 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970 Phone: 978-740-1212 Email: sdorai@salemk12.org 3.​ Comentarios del público ​ Consulte las instrucciones anteriores para participar en los comentarios públicos. 4.​ Aprobación del orden del día ​ 1. Aprobación del acta de la reunión regular del Comité Escolar celebrada el 24 de septiembre de 2025 2. Aprobación de la excursión a Hershey y Filadelfia, Pensilvania, para el departamento de música de la escuela secundaria Salem, estudiantes del 15 al 18 de mayo de 2026 3.​ Aprobación de la excursión al recinto ferial de Cape Cod para el equipo de campo a través masculino de la escuela secundaria Salem, del 12 al 13 de octubre de 2025 4. Aprobación de las órdenes de pago del año fiscal 2026: 1. 25-sep-2025 - 732 520,30 $ 5.​ Informe del representante estudiantil 6.​ Informe del Superintendente 1.​ Actualización del Sistema de Evaluación Integral de Massachusetts (MCAS) 2.​ Actualización de la Autoridad de Edificios Escolares de Massachusetts (MSBA) 3.​ Informe financiero y operativo 1.​ Solicitudes de transferencia presupuestaria 7.​ Informes de los subcomités 1.​ Subcomité de Finanzas 2.​ Subcomité de Personal 3.​ Subcomité de Edificios y Terrenos 4.​ Subcomité de Planes de Estudios 5.​ Subcomité de Política 8.​ Mociones y resoluciones 1.​ Solicitudes de transferencia presupuestaria 9.​ Anuncios 10.​ Clausura Respetuosamente presentado por, Shirley Dorai ​ Asistente Ejecutiva del Comité Escolar y del Superintendente “Las personas que necesiten ayudas y servicios auxiliares para una comunicación eficaz, como un intérprete de lenguaje de señas, un dispositivo de ayuda auditiva o material impreso en formato digital, o una modificación razonable en los programas, servicios, políticas o actividades, pueden ponerse en contacto con el Coordinador de la ADA de la Ciudad de Salem en el (978) 619-5630 lo antes posible y no menos de 2 días hábiles antes de la reunión, programa o evento..”  Minutes of the Regular Session of the Salem School Committee Wednesday, September 24, 2025 Rm. 227, 29 Highland Ave. Hybrid Meeting Members Present:​ ​ Mayor Pangallo, Vice Chair Cruz, Amanda Campbell, Beth Anne Cornell, and Mary Manning Others in Attendance:​ Superintendent Stephen Zrike, Deputy Superintendent Carbone and Assistant Superintendent Pauley Members Absent:​ AJ Hoffman and Veronica Miranda Call of Meeting to Order​ ​ T Mayor Pangallo called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and informed the public that the docket contains the public participation procedure and how to access Spanish interpretation. Approval of Agenda​ ​ AF Vice Chair Cruz made a motion to approve the agenda. Member Cornell seconded. A roll call vote was taken. Member Campbell voted YES Member Cornell voted YES Vice Chair Cruz voted YES Member Hoffman ABSENT Member Manning voted YES R Member Miranda ABSENT Mayor Pangallo voted YES Motion passed with 5 votes in favor and 2 absent. ​ Public Comment ​ ​ D There was no public comment. Approval of Consent Agenda​​ 1.​ 2.​ 3.​ 4.​ Approval of Minutes of Regular School Committee Meeting held on August 18, 2025 Approval of Minutes of Regular School Committee Meeting held on September 8, 2025 Approval of Field Trip to Cardigan Mountain and Lodge, Alexandria, New Hampshire for New Liberty Innovation School students on October 21-22, 2025 Approval of FY25 Warrants: 1.​ 08/20/2025 - $5,716.28 2.​ 08/27/2025 - $2,229.74 3.​ 09/03/3035 - $13,509.38 4.​ 09/17/2025 - $8,000.00 Page 1 ​ Approval of FY26 Warrants: 1.​ 08/21/2025 - $395,708.35 2.​ 08/28/2025 - $776,878.96 3.​ 09/04/2025 - $1,041,650.39 4.​ 09/11/1015 - $576,209.07 5.​ 09/18/2025 - $588,899.74 Vice Chair Cruz made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Member Cornell seconded. A roll call vote was taken. Member Campbell voted YES Member Cornell voted YES Vice Chair Cruz voted YES Member Hoffman ABSENT Member Manning voted YES Member Miranda ABSENT Mayor Pangallo voted YES Motion passed with 5 votes in favor and 2 absent. ​ Student Representative Report ​ T AF Student Representative Sula was unable to be in attendance. Superintendent Zrike said that the Student Advisory Group had a meeting recently where 20 students attended. The students wanted to find a way to support newcomer students in Year 2 for Salem High School and New Liberty Innovation School. The students also wanted more gluten free options in the cafeteria, clarification regarding bathroom access procedures, and raised the matter of foul odors in the high school. Two of the students expressed interest in being in the State Student Advisory Council to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). Superintendent Zrike sent the names of the students and is waiting to hear from BESE. Superintendent Zrike added that he was going to work with the students to enhance their leadership skills. ​ R Vice Chair Cruz highlighted the need for the Student Advisory Group to engage with the School Committee directly. Vice Chair Cruz and Member Campbell had done training with the Student Advisory Group in the past. Superintendent Zrike said that scheduling is a challenge and that a virtual meeting might be better. D Superintendent’s Report Superintendent Zrike said that the current enrollment numbers is about 80-90 students more than last year at the same time. However, there are fewer newcomers to the district. Superintendent Zrike added that the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test results embargo will be lifted on the following Monday. A letter will be sent to the community regarding the district performance and a presentation to the School Committee will take place on October 6th. Superintendent Zrike added that families will also receive a letter regarding the reconfiguration process at the elementary school level. There would be a presentation to the School Committee for consideration in November regarding this matter. 1.​ College and Career Counseling Update​ Page 2  Salem High School (SHS) Principal Burns and Director of College and Career Counseling, Meghan Sousa provided a presentation. Member Cornell said that there has been a lot of measurable progress and ensuring the students understand the process. Vice Chair Cruz said that some districts are having conversations about using My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) at the middle school level. Principal Burns and Ms. Sousa said that there have been discussions with the Collins Middle School about incorporating MYCAP lessons into crew and advisory periods. The 8th graders have access to Naviance (college and career readiness software platform). In response to Vice Chair Cruz, Ms. Sousa said Naviance has been expanded to the alumni tracker which allows more data gathering to provide alumni support as they are move to college. Ms. Sousa added that surveys are also used to gather data. Member T Cornell spoke about the importance of having age appropriate conversations with younger learners about college. Member Cornell asked for an update in the near future about how this is being implemented into the curriculum for younger students. Member Cornell mentioned that middle school students should be prepared to do more homework so that they are prepared for the amount of work required in high school. AF Principal Burns mentioned that more academic conversations are happening at the 9th grade level especially around Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Superintendent Zrike commented that students are getting more access to AP courses. Superintendent Zrike said that the graduation rate alone is not enough, what students do beyond graduation in order to be competitive is also important. Superintendent Zrike added that the expanded partnership with OneGoal and others increases tracking and support for students’ post secondary endeavours. Vice Chair Cruz asked if staff from OneGoal can speak at the School Committee in the future. 2.​ R Playground Committee Update ​ Superintendent Zrike introduced Ms. Kathryn Mattern, a Parent Teacher Association member from the Bentley Academy Innovation School, who also led the Superintendent Advisory Playground Committee. Ms. Mattern along with Ms. Erika Clifford, Parent Teacher Committee President at Horace Mann Laboratory School, and Melinda D Baker-Buzdygon, Parent Teacher Organization Co-President at Carlton Innovation School, presented the Playground Committee update. Vice Chair Cruz asked the parents to share their research into playgrounds so that the conversation and advocacy on this matter can continue. Member Cornell said that for the past three years, about $1.6 million has been spent on playgrounds and this was based on the most urgent needs in terms of the legal perspective or safety perspective. Member Cornell said that communication on how this process happens is needed so that the community can be aware. Member Cornell suggested using natural materials for playgrounds and getting input from landscape designers. Page 3  Ms. Mattern said that it is unrealistic to expect parents to raise a million dollars for playgrounds and added that using natural materials as well as involving a landscape designer still comes with a high price tag. Member Cornell commented that the current playgrounds are not sustainable financially or environmentally. Ms. Mattern highlighted that a landscaped playground might have accessibility issues and that the upfront cost would be high. Ms. Mattern added that a playground especially for an early childhood school is basic infrastructure. Ms. Baker-Buzdygon commented that hiring someone to look for grants will be more productive than having parents drive the effort. In response to Vice Chair Cruz, Ms. Mattern said that the Early Childhood Center and the Salem Park, Recreation and Community Services collaborated and received a $60,000 grant for a shade structure but it has not yet been installed. Superintendent Zrike provided information about the plans regarding playgrounds at some of the schools and added that mats are one alternative to eliminate having woodchips on the playgrounds. T Assistant Superintendent Pauley provided information about playground improvements that occurred in the last five years including the installation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible mats at the Saltonstall School, installation of outdoor classrooms, repairing playgrounds, undertaking of a comprehensive playground study, addressing safety issues, doing work on the Witchcraft Heights Elementary School and 3.​ AF Bates Elementary School playgrounds. Ms. Mattern commented that the playground study did not include the Carlton Innovation School playground. Member Campbell said more clear communication is needed regarding long-term and short-term plans. Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Update​ Superintendent Zrike provided an update on the high school building project. Mayor Pangallo added that community events where information about the project has already been taking place. Vice Chair Cruz thanked everyone involved with the building committee for their work. 4.​ R Finance and Operations Report There was no report. Subcommittee Reports ​ ​ D 1.​ ​ 2.​ 3.​ Finance Subcommittee ​ No report at this time. Personnel Subcommittee ​ No report at this time. ​ Building and Grounds Subcommittee​ ​ No report at this time. 4.​ Curriculum Subcommittee Page 4 ​ No report at this time. 5.​ Policy Subcommittee​​ No report at this time. Motions and Resolutions 1.​ Authorization for the Disposal of Surplus Materials Member Campbell said these materials are outdated or broken. Superintendent Zrike said there is some urgency to remove these materials from Salem High School and the Collins Middle School so that the space can be used. Member Cornell made a motion to dispose the surplus materials. Member Campbell seconded. A roll call vote was taken. Member Campbell voted YES Member Cornell voted YES Vice Chair Cruz voted YES Member Hoffman ABSENT Member Manning voted YES T AF Member Miranda ABSENT Mayor Pangallo voted YES Motion passed with 5 votes in favor and 2 absent. Announcements​ There were not any announcements. Adjournment​ R Vice Chair Cruz made a motion to adjourn at 8:35 pm. Member Cornell seconded. A roll call vote was taken. A roll call vote was taken. Member Campbell voted YES Member Cornell voted YES Vice Chair Cruz voted YES Member Hoffman ABSENT D Member Manning voted YES Member Miranda ABSENT Mayor Pangallo voted YES Motion passed with 5 votes in favor and 2 absent. Respectfully submitted by, Shirley Dorai ​ ​ ​ Executive Assistant to the School Committee & Superintendent Page 5 Salem Public Schools 2025 MCAS, ACCESS & Accountability Results School Committee Meeting October 6, 2025 Salem Public Schools 1  Our achievement gaps with all high school content areas State Performance and Grades 3-8 ELA is smaller than it was in 2019. In Grades 3-8, Salem Public State SPS Schools improved the percentage % M or E change % M or E change of students meeting/exceeding compared to 2024 compared to 2024 expectations between 2024 and 2025 at a rate higher than the state ELA Grades 3-8 +3 +8 average in all 3 content areas ELA Grade 10 -4 -7 tested. Math Grades 3-8 0 +2 At the high school level, the rate of improvement of Salem Public Math Grade 10 -3 -1 School students meeting/exceeding expectations Science Grades 5 & 8 0 +3 between 2024 and 2025 as compared to the state average was Science Grade 10 -3 -3 variable. Some evidence of impact from Question 2. MA Accountability System  Over two years, Salem Public Schools has made 2025 Accountability Percentile Ranks significant progress toward meeting targets (66%). 2023 2024 2025 Percentile Percentile Percentile Progress Toward Target School Rank Rank Rank (over 2 years) Bates 38 49 56 Substantial Progress (71%) BAIS 16 21 25 Moderate Progress (49%) Carlton 37 41 36 Limited or No Progress (24%) CMS 9 11 21 Substantial Progress (68%) HMLS 18 23 14 Moderate Progress (47%) Salts 24 33 34 Substantial Progress (67%) WHES 25 34 38 Substantial Progress (65%) SHS 20 33 43 Substantial Progress (54%) Accountability Reflections ● During the last two years, Salem has met or exceeded more accountability targets than any Gateway City in the Commonwealth. ● Over half of Salem schools (5 out of 8) made substantial progress toward their targets in 2025 (Bates, Collins, Saltonstall, Witchcraft and Salem High School). ● 6 out of 8 schools improved their percentile rank in two consecutive years (Bates, Bentley, Collins, Saltonstall, Witchcraft and Salem High School). ● All schools but 1 have a designation of “Not requiring assistance or intervention”. ○ Salem High School is listed as “Requiring assistance or intervention” due to low participation of English Learners (ELs) or Former English Learners (FELs). Every subgroup must have a 95% participation rate, and ELs/FELs at Salem High School participated at 94%. If one more student in this group had tested, the school would have had a designation of “not requiring assistance”. ● The Salem Public Schools as a District met or exceeded 66% of the established targets which is considered making “Substantial progress toward targets”. Accountability Reflections ● Chronic absenteeism rates continue to improve such that we had the third lowest rate of absenteeism out of 26 Gateway City school districts. ● 73% of our students passed an advanced coursework class in 11th or 12th grade (3rd among Gateways). ● Our achievement gaps with the state in all high school content areas and Grades 3-8 ELA are smaller than they were before the pandemic. 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Total AP Students 253 147 115 89 60 147 180 Number of Exams 496 265 207 146 133 273 335 AP Students with 3+ Scores 168 40 58 40 31 65 72 Percentage of students with 3+ 66.4% 44.94% 50.43% 44.94% 51.67% 44% 40% SHS Enrollment 952 948 888 803 860 886 916 District-level MCAS Results 7  Grade 3-8 math results place us in the middle tier Comparison to Gateway Cities 3-8 Math of Massachusetts Gateway Cities.  Salem outperformed 20 out of 25 other Comparison to Gateway Cities 3-8 ELA Gateway Cities on 3-8 ELA.  Salem outperformed 20 out of 25 other Comparison to Gateway Cities 5 & 8 Science Gateway Cities on 5th and 8th Science. 10 MCAS ELA Results Grades 3-8 11 MCAS Essay Writing Idea Development is scored out of 4 in grades 3-5 and out of 5 in grades 6-8 and 10 Grade % 0-1 Points % Max Points Grade 3 85% 1% We see relative strength in idea development as students enter Grade 4 76% 2% middle and high school. However, idea development in Grade 5 56% 3% the early grades is of particular concern as it reflects our Grade 6 46% 10% students ability to communicate complex ideas in Grade 7 43% 3% writing effectively, a critical skill for future successes. Grade 8 35% 7% Grade 10 22% 25% 3-8 - Question 12 10 - Question 9  5 out of 6 schools have proficiency above 30 ELA by School percent.  There was an increase in the percentage of students meeting and exceeding and a decrease in the 3-8 ELA Year to Year Comparisons number of students not meeting in 3-8 ELA and represents the strongest achievement in ELA for the last four years.  There is significant disproportionality in ELA Subgroup Achievement 3-8 achievement for grades 3-8 ELA and moderate growth for subgroups. 48 SGP 47 SGP 47 SGP 56 SGP for FEL 49 SGP MCAS Math Results Grades 3-8 16  Bates is leading elementary and middle Math by School schools with 40% of students proficient with Witchcraft Heights following close behind. 3-8 Math Year to Year Comparison Overall, math results were flat with some schools increasing their proficiency with others decreasing.  SGPs for subgroups were in the moderate Math Subgroup Achievement 3-8 to high-moderate range. 54 SGP 53 SGP 48 SGP 62 SGP for FEL 55 SGP Racial Demographics There is a persistent racial disparity in performance demonstrating the need for further work in creating inclusive environments where all students experience a sense of belonging. Spotlight–SPS Middle Schools 21 District Middle School ELA Collins and Saltonstall (6-8) 2024 2025 Change significantly increased the percent of students CMS 6 14% 32% +18 meeting or exceeding in ELA. Salts 6 5% 44% +39 While 7th grade data for CMS 7 23% 34% +11 Saltonstall is the lowest in 2025, it reflects a significant Salts 7 26% 21% -5 increase of 16 points from the previous year for this CMS 8 25% 33% +8 cohort of students. Salts 8 29% 35% +6  Collins Middle School increased the percentage Math Collins Middle School of students meeting and exceeding overall. Salts 6th 26% M/E 19% NM  In addition to outperforming neighboring gateway Science Collins Middle School cities, the % of students meeting and exceeding increased by 9 points.  Every school had moderate or high growth in ELA SGP and math. Only one school had low growth in either content area. School ELA Math Bates 61 60 BAIS 52 56 Carlton 47 49 HMLS 45 38 Salts 61 44 WHES 55 50 CMS 58 51 SHS 66 67 25 MCAS Science Results Grades 3-8 26  The performance in science varies significantly by Science by School school with Saltonstall 5th graders leading other schools with 48% proficient. MCAS Civics Results Grade 8 28 Gr. 8 Civics – Background Format The Civics assessment has 2 sessions: Domains Assessed: State-Level Performance Task: ● Foundations of Government ● Government Structures ★ Addresses one topic in-depth ● Rights and Responsibilities ○ Three 1-point constructed-response ● Civics Practices questions ● Civic Knowledge ○ One 4-point constructed-response ● Civic-based Questions question ● Analyzing Sources ○ Seven 1-point selected-response ● Explanations and Reasoning questions which include multiple-choice, multiple-select, and technology-enhanced items. Timeline End-of-Course Test: 2018 - DESE launches new History/SS Framework ★ Addresses all of the standards 2023 - Pilot of items and format ○ 32 machine-scored test questions ○ Item types include multiple-choice, 2024 - Field test across the entire state multiple-select, and technology-enhanced questions 2025 - 1st year of full implementation F.A.Q. Gr. 8 Civics – Background Source Analysis and Content Knowledge Multiple Choice Constructed Response Gr. 8 Civics — Baseline Results 2025 was the first year of full implementation of the 8th Grade Civics MCAS. Based on data shared, students are scoring 5% points below the state on the constructed response items and 8% on selected response.  jg jg 1. District Achievement & Growth (All Students)​ 4 1.1 Grades 3–8 Achievement Levels (2025)​ 4 1.2 Grades 3–8 Achievement Levels — 2023→2025​ 4 1.3 Grade 10 Achievement Levels (2025)​ 5 1.4 Grade 10 Achievement Levels — 2023→2025​ 5 1.5 Grades 3–8 Scaled Score Change — 2023→2025​ 6 1.6 Grade 10 Scaled Score Change — 2023→2025​ 6 1.7 Grades 3–8 Growth (SGP) — 2023→2025​ 6 1.8 Grade 10 Growth (SGP) — 2023→2025​ 7 2. ELA (Content Area)​ 7 2.1 2025 Achievement by Grade (All Students)​ 7 2.2 Achievement Levels — 2023→2025 (All Students)​ 8 2.3 Grades 3–8: Achievement by Subgroup (2025)​ 8 2.4 Grades 3–8: Achievement by Race/Ethnicity (2025)​ 9 2.5 Grades 3–8: Subgroup Trend — 2023→2025​ 9 2.6 Grades 3–8: Growth by Subgroup — 2023→2025​ 10 2.7 Grade 10: Achievement by Subgroup (2025)​ 10 2.8 Grade 10: Achievement by Race/Ethnicity (2025)​ 11 2.9 Grade 10: Subgroup Trend — 2023→2025​ 11 2.10 Grade 10: Growth by Subgroup — 2023→2025​ 12 3. Math (Content Area)​ 12 3.1 2025 Achievement by Grade (All Students)​ 12 3.2 Achievement Levels — 2023→2025 (All Students)​ 13 3.3 Grades 3–8: Achievement by Subgroup (2025)​ 13 3.4 Grades 3–8: Achievement by Race/Ethnicity (2025)​ 14 3.5 Grades 3–8: Subgroup Trend — 2023→2025​ 14 3.6 Grades 3–8: Growth by Subgroup — 2023→2025​ 15 3.7 Grade 10: Achievement by Subgroup (2025)​ 15 3.8 Grade 10: Achievement by Race/Ethnicity (2025)​ 16 3.9 Grade 10: Subgroup Trend — 2023→2025​ 16 3.10 Grade 10: Growth by Subgroup — 2023→2025​ 17 4. Science (Content Area)​ 17 4.1 2025 Achievement by Grade (All Students)​ 17 4.2 Achievement Levels — 2023→2025 (All Students)​ 18 4.3 Grades 5 & 8: Achievement by Subgroup (2025)​ 18 4.4 Grades 5 & 8: Achievement by Race/Ethnicity (2025)​ 19  4.5 Grades 5–8: Subgroup Trend — 2023→2025​ 19 4.6 Grade 10: Achievement by Subgroup (2025)​ 20 4.7 Grade 10: Achievement by Race/Ethnicity (2025)​ 20 4.8 Grade 10: Subgroup Trend — 2023→2025​ 21 5. Appendix (Methods & Notes)​ 22 5.1 Data Sources​ 22 5.2 Reporting Notes​ 22 ○​ 1. District Achievement & Growth (All Students) 1.1 Grades 3–8 Achievement Levels (2025) 1.2 Grades 3–8 Achievement Levels — 2023→2025 1.3 Grade 10 Achievement Levels (2025) 1.4 Grade 10 Achievement Levels — 2023→2025 1.5 Grades 3–8 Scaled Score Change — 2023→2025  Year ELA Avg. Scaled Math Avg. Scaled Score Science Avg. Scaled Score Score 2023 498 491.1 493.5 2024 499.2 492.3 494.2 2025 500.1 493 495.1 Change, 2023–2025 2.1 ▲ 1.9 ▲ 1.6 ▲ 1.6 Grade 10 Scaled Score Change — 2023→2025 Year ELA Avg. Scaled Score Math Avg. Scaled Score Science Avg. Scaled Score 2023 507.5 502.2 499.8 2024 508.7 503 500.5 2025 509.3 504.4 501.2 Change, 2023–2025 1.8 ▲ 2.2 ▲ 1.4 ▲ 1.7 Grades 3–8 Growth (SGP) — 2023→2025 Year ELA Avg. SGP Math Avg. SGP Science Avg. SGP 2023 47 45 46 2024 50 48 47 2025 52 49 50 Change, 2023–2025 5.0 ▲ 4.0 ▲ 4.0 ▲ 1.8 Grade 10 Growth (SGP) — 2023→2025 Year ELA Avg. Math Avg. SGP Science Avg. SGP SGP 2023 48 46 47 2024 49 47 48 2025 51 50 49 Change, 2023–2025 3.0 ▲ 4.0 ▲ 2.0 ▲ 2. ELA (Content Area) 2.1 2025 Achievement by Grade (All Students) 2.2 Achievement Levels — 2023→2025 (All Students) 2.3 Grades 3–8: Achievement by Subgroup (2025) 2.4 Grades 3–8: Achievement by Race/Ethnicity (2025 Note: American Indian N<20, therefore, proficiency is not reported by DESE 2.5 Grades 3–8: Subgroup Trend — 2023→2025 2.6 Grades 3–8: Growth by Subgroup — 2023→2025 Subgroup 2023 SGP 2024 SGP 2025 SGP Change 2023→2025 All Students 48 51 56 8.0 ▲ High Needs 45 50 55 10.0 ▲ Low Income 45 50 54 9.0 ▲ Students with Disabilities 43 45 53 10.0 ▲ English Learners 46 49 48 2.0 ▲ 2.7 Grade 10: Achievement by Subgroup (2025) 2.8 Grade 10: Achievement by Race/Ethnicity (2025) Note: American Indian and Asian, N<20, therefore proficiency is not reported by DESE 2.9 Grade 10: Subgroup Trend — 2023→2025 Note: English Learners N<20, therefore not reported by DESE 2.10 Grade 10: Growth by Subgroup — 2023→2025 Subgroup 2023 SGP 2024 SGP 2025 SGP Change 2023→2025 All Students 47 57 66 19.0 ▲ High Needs 45 51 68 23.0 ▲ Low Income 45 51 66 21.0 ▲ Students with Disabilities 39 51 70 31.0 ▲ English Learners - - - - Note: English Learners N<20, therefore not reported by DESE 3. Math (Content Area) 3.1 2025 Achievement by Grade (All Students) 3.2 Achievement Levels — 2023→2025 (All Students) 3.3 Grades 3–8: Achievement by Subgroup (2025) 3.4 Grades 3–8: Achievement by Race/Ethnicity (2025) Note: American Indian N<20, therefore proficiency is not reported by DESE 3.5 Grades 3–8: Subgroup Trend — 2023→2025 3.6 Grades 3–8: Growth by Subgroup — 2023→2025 Change Subgroup 2023 SGP 2024 SGP 2025 SGP 2023→2025 All Students 46 51 50 4.0 ▲ High Needs 44 49 49 5.0 ▲ Low Income 44 49 48 4.0 ▲ Students with Disabilities 42 46 47 5.0 ▲ 3.7 Grade 10: Achievement by Subgroup (2025) Note: English Learners N<20, therefore not reported by DESE 3.8 Grade 10: Achievement by Race/Ethnicity (2025) Note: American Indian and Asian, N<20, therefore proficiency is not reported by DESE 3.9 Grade 10: Subgroup Trend — 2023→2025 3.10 Grade 10: Growth by Subgroup — 2023→2025 Subgroup 2023 SGP 2024 SGP 2025 SGP Change 2023→2025 All Students 44 65 67 23 ▲ High Needs 44 63 67 23 ▲ Low Income 43 62 67 24 ▲ Students with Disabilities 41 55 63 22 ▲ English Learners - - - - Note: English Learners SGP data unavailable. Students need two years’ worth of data to calculate an SGP. 4. Science (Content Area) 4.1 2025 Achievement by Grade (All Students) 4.2 Achievement Levels — 2023→2025 (All Students) 4.3 Grades 5 & 8: Achievement by Subgroup (2025) 4.4 Grades 5 & 8: Achievement by Race/Ethnicity (2025) 4.5 Grades 5–8: Subgroup Trend — 2023→2025 4.6 Grade 10: Achievement by Subgroup (2025) 4.7 Grade 10: Achievement by Race/Ethnicity (2025) Note: American Indian and Asian, N<20, therefore proficiency is not reported by DESE 4.8 Grade 10: Subgroup Trend — 2023→2025 ​ 5. Appendix (Methods & Notes) 5.1 Data Sources The data presented in this packet draws from the following sources (all provided by Edwin Analytics unless otherwise noted): ●​ MCAS Student-Level Data (2023–2025) – State assessment results for ELA, Math, and Science across grades 3–8 and 10. Includes scaled scores, achievement levels, and SGPs. ●​ Student Demographics Snapshot (2025) – Student subgroup information (High Needs, Low Income, SWD, EL, Race/Ethnicity). Based on Spring 2025 enrollment. ●​ District Enrollment & Cohort Files – Enrollment counts used for subgroup trend and growth calculations. N-size thresholds based on DESE reporting guidelines. ●​ SGP (Student Growth Percentile) Reports – Growth measures for ELA, Math, and Science by grade and subgroup. Interpreted using DESE growth models. ●​ Accountability Data Files (2023–2025) – Historical and current accountability indicators and trends. Used for trendlines, comparisons, and context. 5.2 Reporting Notes ●​ Subgroup data is only reported for groups with N ≥ 20 per DESE guidelines. ●​ English Learner data may be suppressed at the grade level due to low counts. ●​ All growth metrics use the DESE-defined SGP model for longitudinal analysis. October 3, 2025​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ RE: MSBA Update School Committee Members, Please see the following important updates regarding the Salem High School building project: ●​ Accenture began the meeting on September 25th with their usual recap of the schedule, noting that the Schematic Design submission, the last submission of the Feasibility Process, which confirms the project cost, is due on December 17th to the MSBA. ●​ The Construction Manager Selection Subcommittee gave an update on the selection process. A joint venture of Shawmut + WT Rich was selected over three others. ○​ The Subcommittee introduced the team leadership, David Malmquist from Shawmut and Jon Rich from WT Rich. They shared some of the information from the interview, including a video that visualized one possibility for undertaking the project. The meeting recording and presentation slides are posted on the project website. ●​ The design team presented updates on the extensive design development since the last meeting. The update included: ○​ Reductions in square footage to some programs (overall reduction of just under 12,000sf). These reductions were largely in the CTE areas as the design of these areas has become more detailed with input from the departments ○​ Updates to the building plans to improve adjacencies. This update included room layouts ○​ Updates to the site and athletic field design, based on input from the high school staff ○​ Initial images of the building. A physical model of the site was provided that is now available to be viewed at public presentations in Salem. ●​ Upcoming Meeting: The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 16th from 6-8 pm on Zoom. Sincerely, Stephen K. Zrike, Jr., Ed.D. www.salemk12.org @SalemSchoolsk12 @SalemPublicSchools To: ​ ​ Members of the Salem School Committee CC: ​ ​ Dr. Stephen Zrike From: ​ Elizabeth Pauley Date:​ ​ October 6, 2025 Re: ​ ​ October operational updates Below please find selected updates from our operational departments. ●​ Buildings & Grounds: ○​ On 10.6, work will begin to replace the sound system at Bertram Field, ​ which was part of the FY26 Capital Projects. The project was delayed ​ due to back-order parts. ○​ On 9.29, Curtis playground closed to Carlton school, and the work to ​ renovate the playground has launched. Carlton school has made ​ provisions for students to have safe, enjoyable play spaces. ●​ Food & Nutrition Services (FNS): Farm to School ○​ October is National Farm to School Month. FNS is celebrating by launching salad bars at all schools, including elementary schools. ○​ On September 15th, FNS launched composting in the High School cafeterias. The High School is the third SPS school to launch composting in the cafeteria. All kitchens have been composting since the 23-24 school year. ○​ October 14-17 is National School Lunch week. ○​ The Harvest of the Month this month is Pears; taste tests for pears will be held during the week of October 20-24. ●​ Finance: EOYR ○​ Every school district is required to submit an annual End of Year Report by September 30th. Each school district's actual net school spending in the prior fiscal year and the estimated net school spending in the current year is calculated based on this report. ○​ Salem’s EOYR was submitted one day early, on September 29. Elizabeth A . Pauley 29 Highland Avenue Salem, Massachusetts 01970 Tel: (978) 740-1222 epauley@salemk12.org To: ​ Salem School Committee CC: ​ Dr. Stephen Zrike From: Elizabeth Pauley, Camila Salazar Date:​ October 2, 2025 Re: ​ FY26 Below please find a transfer that is recommended for your consideration. The total amount requested for transfer is $6,000.00. Because the transfer is across cost centers, we are asking for School Committee approval to make this transfer. The rationale for this transfer is described briefly below. I recommend approval of these transfers. Transfer to: Transfer From: Account Transfer From: Account Account Amount Account Name Name Number Number DL - 13711521-5514 $6,000.00 Instructional Supplies $6,000.00 DL - Stipends 13711520-5150 To help fund SchoolPace subscriptions, stipends will be covered by Gateway grant. Elizabeth A . Pauley 29 Highland Avenue Salem, Massachusetts 01970 Tel: (978) 740-1222 epauley@salemk12.org