Salem School Board approves new intercom system at five elementary schools

The Salem School Board convened on June 17, 2025, to address key administrative matters and infrastructure improvements within the district. The meeting primarily focused on personnel changes and a significant bid award for upgrading intercom systems across several elementary schools.

One of the notable personnel decisions was the nomination of Catherine Thorne as the new director of math and science at Salem High School, with an annual salary set at $100,000. Additionally, the board approved a maternity leave request from Marion Lipscomb, a math teacher at Salem High School, starting around November 30 and extending for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year.

A major agenda item was the bid award for replacing the outdated intercom control systems in five elementary schools. The current systems, installed 12 to 14 years ago, are no longer supported and require obsolete technology for management. The board received proposals from three resellers, ultimately recommending Telephone Network Technologies (TNT) of Hooksett, which submitted the lowest bid of $138,760 for a Bogan system. This decision aims to standardize the intercom systems across the district, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing long-term maintenance costs.

During discussions, board members expressed concerns about the wide range of bids received, questioning whether some bidders had submitted unrealistic proposals. However, the administration reassured them that all bidders had conducted site visits and understood the requirements. The board also addressed the differences in intercom needs between schools, noting that some newer facilities, like Hague, do not require upgrades.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of maintaining a consistent intercom system across the district, despite the presence of different systems at the high school and Woodbury. The board anticipates revisiting the high school's intercom needs in the future, ensuring that all schools benefit from reliable communication systems.

Overall, the Salem School Board's meeting highlighted critical administrative decisions and infrastructure improvements that will impact the educational environment in the district. The approval of personnel changes and the intercom system upgrade reflect the board's commitment to enhancing the quality of education and safety in Salem schools.