Committee approves 2026–27 calendars, renames Carleton as Sarah Parker Remond Innovation School
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Summary
On Feb. 9 the Salem School Committee approved the 2026–27 calendars for New Liberty and the proposed Sarah Parker Remond Elementary (5–1), amended the second reading to designate the renamed school as Sarah Parker Remond Innovation School (6–0), and adopted committee norms and a topics calendar.
The Salem School Committee voted on several formal items at its Feb. 9 meeting, approving two innovation-school calendars, advancing the renamed elementary school through a second reading and adopting governance norms and a committee topics calendar.
Calendars: The committee considered the 2026–27 calendars for New Liberty and the proposed Sarah Parker Remond Elementary, both of which staff said had been approved by each school’s staff. Members questioned possible added transportation and operational costs from staggered calendars and whether more financial data should be gathered before approval. Member Cornell moved to approve both calendars; Member Miranda opposed after citing outstanding cost concerns. The motion carried 5–1.
Naming: The committee took up the second reading to rename the Carleton building the Sarah Parker Remond Elementary School. Members debated whether to include the word "Innovation" in the formal name. Member Cornell moved to amend the second reading to "Sarah Parker Remond Innovation School" and Member Miranda seconded; the amended second reading carried unanimously, 6–0. Committee members emphasized the value of teaching correct name pronunciation and using full names in district communications.
Norms and calendar of topics: The committee adopted retreat-drafted norms (respect, equitable participation, transparent communication, humility and accountability, clear processes and collaboration with administration) and then approved a school-committee calendar of topics for 2026 with an amendment allowing flexibility to reprioritize; both motions passed 6–0.
Other items: During announcements the superintendent said the district expects the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to finalize reimbursement and that the state's funding rate was expected to be about 46% for the high school building project; he said the state's grant figure is approximately $208,000,000 and that the MSBA review continues. Assistant Superintendent Polly reminded the public that the budget process is underway and announced public forums and an email (spsbudget@salemk12.org) for input.
Representative quotes: "All in favor? Any opposed? The matter carries 5-1," the chair announced after the calendar vote; Member Miranda was recorded as the lone vote in opposition.
"I think it's a really great opportunity for not just our students, but for the entire community to learn how to be respectful and honor people's names and how we pronounce them," Member Cornell said during the naming discussion.
Procedural next steps: The renaming was advanced as a second reading amended to include 'Innovation.' The calendars, norms and topics calendar are approved and posted; staff will continue to provide clarifying details about transportation/costs when requested by the committee.
