Salem Public Schools Awarded $52,945 in Multilingual Learner Grants
Gateway, Proficiency Outcomes in World Languages grants to support multilingual learner students and families, Seal of Biliteracy exam
SALEM (Sept. 11, 2025) – Salem Public Schools was awarded two grants totaling $52,945 toward multilingual learner education from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), announced André Fonseca, Director of Multilingual Learner Education at SPS.
For the third straight year, SPS received Grant No. 189, the Proficiency-based Outcomes in World Languages Grant, in the amount of $14,400, which will provide necessary funding for the Seal of Biliteracy Exams to be held Mar. 2-4, 2026, for Salem High School students.
Last May, 64 SHS scholars earned honors for stellar results in the Seal of Biliteracy exam.
For the second straight year, SPS received Grant No. 181, also known as the Gateway Grant, in the amount of $38,545. Similar to last year, the grant will be used to fund staffing, supplies, and the continued development of the Dual Language program at the Bentley Academy Innovation School through its expansion into Collins Middle School.
In providing such opportunities to multilingual learners and families, the grants fully support the District’s 2023-26 Strategic Plan’s core principles of elevating learning, empowering our educators, centering belonging and strengthening the District’s foundation.
“Once again, we cannot thank DESE enough for these generous grants,” said Mr. Fonseca. “These grants enable us to promote multilingualism and multiculturalism, and work towards being an actively anti-racist, and welcoming institution, especially to our linguistically diverse students and families.”
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are all passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens we view all of our work through. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff serve all of our students, regardless of ability or language. Salem Public Schools enrolls approximately 4,000 students across its eleven schools.
