An Open Letter Regarding SPS Elementary School Reconfiguration

Posted on: December 16, 2025

Salem Public Schools Elementary School Reconfiguration

December 16, 2025

SPS Community,

Last night, the School Committee voted to merge Carlton and Saltonstall Schools at the current Saltonstall building, beginning in the 2026–27 school year. We are deeply grateful for the time, thoughtfulness, and engagement of families, staff, and community members whose input helped inform and shape this decision. This decision advances our ability to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability by protecting resources for today’s students and future generations. This will enable us to direct resources toward a bold, strategic agenda focused on innovation and personalized, meaningful learning—bringing the SPS Portrait of a Graduate to life in the day-to-day experiences of every student.

We recognize that this news may bring a mix of emotions for students, families, and educators. Change can be challenging, especially when it involves schools that hold deep meaning and pride within their communities. Each school has been a close-knit community where strong relationships have flourished and countless Salem students have achieved remarkable academic and personal growth. At the same time, this decision opens an exciting opportunity to bring together two vibrant school communities, creating a unified, welcoming, and enriching environment where every student can thrive, learn, and feel a strong sense of connection.

Our focus moving forward will be on honoring the strengths, traditions, and identities of both Carlton and Saltonstall while intentionally building a shared community grounded in our core values of belonging, academic opportunity and equity. This work will be guided by collaboration, empathy, and a commitment to ensuring that every community member feels supported throughout the transition.

Clear, ongoing communication and multiple opportunities for family, student and staff engagement will be central to the process ahead. By the end of this week, we will share additional information with the Carlton and Saltonstall communities regarding school leadership, the innovation plan and ways to participate in transition planning which aims to involve stakeholders in assisting with charting a shared course forward..

Thank you for your ongoing partnership,