School committee advances first reading to name merged Carlton/Saltonstall school for Sarah Parker Remond

The Salem School Committee advanced a first reading on Jan. 26 to name the newly consolidated Carlton/Saltonstall school "Sarah Parker Remond Elementary School," voting 6-0 to begin the formal naming process under the district'9s naming policy.

The naming discussion included public comment and multiple committee members who framed name choices in three categories: place-based (e.g., Forten/Fortson Point), person-based (honoring historic figures), or blended/creative names. A public commenter, Adam, urged a place-based name rooted in neighborhood identity; several committee members argued for honoring an underrecognized woman of color who figures in local history.

Member Miranda moved the naming motion and Member Cornell seconded. Committee members discussed pronunciation and spelling in the meeting record; a committee speaker corrected that the family-name spelling/pronunciation should be rendered as "Remond" (not Raymond) in public materials. Members emphasized the committee'9s intent to pair any naming decision with educational efforts: teaching students the honoree'9s history and preserving the name'9s full form in school signage and curricular materials.

The motion carried as a first reading; committee members noted the district'9s naming policy requires additional readings before the decision is final. Chair (Mayor) and members said a subsequent two readings would follow the board'9s established process. No formal vote on final adoption occurred at this meeting.