Allison Driscoll

The Salem, NH Municipal Budget Committee conducted public hearings to discuss and vote on the 2026-27 operating budget of the Salem School District and the 2026-27 School District Warrant.

The Salem School Board's goals for 2025-2026 prioritize improving instruction, particularly in literacy and mathematics, and quantifying student performance through a multi-dimensional assessment model. They aim to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment, expand technology integration, and foster community support through proactive communication and partnerships. Additionally, the goals focus on recruiting and retaining committed personnel and funding capital improvements to district facilities. Non-capital goals include completing a comprehensive maintenance plan for grounds and landscaping, enhancing student conduct policies, hiring an energy consultant, assessing outdoor facilities for safety and equity, analyzing the curriculum and student outcomes at Woodbury School, and strengthening trust and collaboration with families through increased engagement and feedback.

The Salem School Board held its annual goal setting session to consider principles and goals for the 2025-2026 school year. The board reviewed guiding principles from the previous year, focusing on improving instruction, maintaining a safe environment, expanding technology use, fostering community support, and managing personnel and capital improvements. Discussions included student behavior, technology in elementary grades, community service, and challenges in hiring and retention. The board also reviewed non-capital goals, such as the student advisory program, maintenance plans, student conduct policies, energy audits, and strategic planning. New goals were discussed, including academic achievement, policy review, and artificial intelligence in education.

The strategic plan for Salem School District focuses on providing tailored resources to empower students, staff, and families, igniting student passions, and preparing students to graduate with a plan. Key initiatives include expanding successful programs, developing transferable skills, assessing student and staff needs, promoting inclusivity, fostering student enthusiasm, expanding internship opportunities, developing a goal-setting culture, and promoting life/financial literacy programs.

The Salem School District deliberative session focused on the 2025-2026 budget. Key discussion points included the operating budget, with a proposed amount of $92,271,141 and a default budget of $92,692,531. The budget included several key areas such as salaries, benefits, purchased services, maintenance, transportation, supplies, equipment, and dues/fees/debt. Significant discussion surrounded collective bargaining agreements with the Salem Educational Association (SEA) and the Salem School Custodian Employees Association (SSCEA), resulting in warrant articles proposing salary and benefit increases. A warrant article also proposed rescinding remaining balances of authorized bonds. Finally, several petition warrant articles were presented, including proposals for budget and tax caps, and a review of the Library Media Material Selection Policy's compliance with state statute.