An Open Letter of Thanks from Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike
February 10, 2026
- VIEW | Governor Maura Healey Press Release
- The Salem News | Salem Superintendent Stephen Zrike will take top education post in March
- Boston Herald | Education Secretary Tutwiler stepping down, to be replaced by Salem superintendent
- The Boston Globe | Massachusetts Education Secretary stepping down after three years in role
- WGBH | Salem schools superintendent will replace Tutwiler as state education secretary
Salem Public Schools community,
I share this news with immense gratitude and a full heart as I step down from my role as Superintendent of the Salem Public Schools. Later today, Governor Healey will announce my appointment as the next Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. While I am deeply honored by the opportunity to serve students across the state in this new role, it is incredibly difficult to say goodbye to a community that has been my home—a community where, together, we have accomplished so much over the past six years.
I am proud of the progress we have made to enhance the student experience: expanding dual-language programming, growing our early college and advanced placement offerings, more than doubling preschool and pre-kindergarten seats, creating a more innovative middle school experience, negotiating a teacher contract that allows for more competitive educator wages, reducing chronic absenteeism to better-than-pre-pandemic levels, developing a strategic plan focused on post-pandemic recovery, and securing Massachusetts School Building Authority support for a new high school.
The details of my transition are still being finalized, and I will work closely with the School Committee to ensure a smooth and seamless shift to new leadership.
I have full confidence that our dedicated staff and leadership team will continue advancing our strategic initiatives and providing every student with the support they need to thrive.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the exceptionally talented and inspiring students of Salem. In my new role, I will continue to champion their success and remain a proud supporter of this remarkable community.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Stephen Zrike
