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.
June 3, 2026 | Salem Public Schools Announces Finalists for Superintendent of Schools
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 additional opportunities for public input and engagement during the next phase of the search process, including community meeting with finalists and a public meeting of the School Committee to interview them. Dates, times, and locations for these opportunities will be posted here.
Who is guiding the process?
The School Committee has the responsibility to appoint the Superintendent. Finalists were recommended by a Screening Committee made up of 15 community members, parents, educators, students, school administrators, and three School Committee members.
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.
Media
- The Salem News (June 4, 2026) | Salem selects 3 finalists for next superintendent
- The Salem News (Mar. 10, 2026) | Salem deputy superintendent Kate Carbone appointed as interim superintendent
- The Patch (Mar. 9, 2026) | Salem Interim Superintendent Named, Timeline To Fill Permanent Position Set
- The Salem News (Mar. 5, 2026) | Zrike reflects on work as superintendent as he prepares for education secretary
- The Salem News (Feb. 10, 2026) | Salem Superintendent Stephen Zrike will take top education post in March
- Governor Maura Healey Press Release (Feb. 10, 2026) | Governor Healey Appoints Dr. Stephen Zrike Jr. as Secretary of Education
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.
- Thursday, Apr. 16: Job application deadline.
- Mid-April to Mid-May: Superintendent Screening Committee reviews and interviews applicants.
- End of May: Recommendation of finalists.
- June: Finalist forums.
- Late June/Early July: School Committee appoints Superintendent.
- July: Contract negotiation and on-boarding.
- August: New Superintendent starts.
