Salem committee weighs moving New Liberty and Salem Prep out of mall site, considers Carleton or Salem High
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Summary
At its Feb. 9 meeting the Salem School Committee discussed relocating New Liberty and Salem Prep from a mall site that committee members said has maintenance and safety problems; officials proposed a temporary move to the district-owned Carleton building and a longer-term option at Salem State/Enterprise Center, and requested student-residence data before any vote.
The Salem School Committee on Feb. 9 discussed plans to move New Liberty and Salem Prep from their current mall location, citing recurring maintenance, cleanliness and safety issues outside the facility that the district cannot directly control. The committee did not vote on a relocation but the superintendent proposed a temporary move to the district-owned Carleton building to get New Liberty out of the mall as soon as next year while the district pursues a longer-term site such as the Salem State/Enterprise Center.
Why it matters: Committee members said the mall site’s external conditions have worsened over time and complicate student access and safety. Moving New Liberty and Salem Prep could change program access, transportation costs and partnerships with Salem High and other programs.
What officials said: The superintendent (presenting the report) said the district has looked at multiple sites over the past four years and that Carleton — a district-owned building that will become available because of a planned merger — could serve as an immediate, no-lease temporary home. He said Salem State’s Enterprise Center is an attractive, education-aligned option but that build-out costs pose a substantial fiscal challenge and would require outside funding or grants.
Committee members pressed for data and details. Member Miranda asked for a map showing where New Liberty students live so the committee can assess travel times and equity implications. Member Scott asked whether the two programs currently commingle at the mall; the superintendent said they share an entrance but operate separately, with different staff and student populations. The superintendent reported Salem Prep enrollment at about 27 students and New Liberty at about 60, and said New Liberty’s numbers fluctuate through the year.
What’s next: Committee members did not vote on a relocation tonight. The superintendent said staff will continue exploring permanent options, pursue potential grants and foundations to cover build-out costs, and provide the requested residency and enrollment data to the committee for a future agenda and vote.
Representative quotes: "We've been exploring new spaces for the last four years," the superintendent said, describing interest in Salem State and the practical possibility of using Carleton temporarily to get New Liberty out of the mall.
Member Miranda asked for residency data for New Liberty students to guide decisions about equitable access and transportation costs.
Details and context: The superintendent said the district has had persistent concerns with the mall’s surrounding space and that in many respects the district’s hands are tied because it does not own the facility. Committee members repeatedly raised transportation and cost concerns tied to any move and stressed community outreach, especially to families who may be affected by a location change.
Next procedural step: Staff will return with student residence data and further analysis; the relocation question will appear on a future agenda for committee action.
