The Salem Public Schools is searching for the next Superintendent to lead the district and build on its strong foundation. This website will be updated throughout the search process with information, the latest news, and links for the community to share feedback and learn more as the search progresses.

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Who is leading the District?

Superintendent Dr. Stephen Zrike’s final day in the role, before he moves on to become Massachusetts’ Secretary of Education, is Friday, March 27th. At its meeting of March 9th, the School Committee appointed current Deputy Superintendent Kate Carbone to serve as the Interim Superintendent for the district starting on that date, while the search is carried out.

How can I get involved in the search?

There will be multiple opportunities for public input and engagement during the search process! These will include surveys, forums with candidates, and the Screening Committee, which will consist of school community stakeholders who will review the initial applicant pool. All these opportunities for public input will be announced publicly and posted on this website.

Who is guiding the process?

The School Committee has the responsibility to appoint the Superintendent. However, to help keep this important process on track, the Committee has designated a subcommittee of its members to oversee the daily work of the search. This subcommittee consists of members Yamily Byas, AJ Hoffman, and Veronica Miranda.

The School Committee also selected a search consultant, the Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management at UMass Boston, to help support the search efforts. The Collins Center was the search consultant for the district in 2019, when Superintendent Zrike was ultimately hired for the role.

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Process Timeline

  • March 9: Appointment of Interim Superintendent and Interim Deputy Superintendent. Formation of Ad Hoc Superintendent Search Subcommittee and Superintendent Screening Committee. Designation of Search Consultant.
  • March: Ad Hoc Superintendent Search Subcommittee finalizes Superintendent Screening Committee make up. Applications open and reviewed.
  • March 23: School Committee approves Position Profile.
  • March 24: Job is posted.
  • March/April: Community Surveys
  • April 6: School Committee appoints Superintendent Screening Committee members.
  • Mid-April: Job application deadline.
  • Mid-April to Mid-May: Superintendent Screening Committee reviews and interviews applicants.
  • Mid-May: Recommendation of finalists.
  • Mid-May to Mid-June: Finalist forums.
  • End of June: School Committee appoints Superintendent.
  • July: Contract negotiation and on-boarding.
  • August: New Superintendent starts.
Salem School Committee from left, Vice Chair Beth Anne Cornell, Veronica Miranda, AJ Hoffman, Mayor/Chair Dominick Pangallo, Yamily Byas, Megan Stott.