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School committee approves limited school choice slots and earlier closing date for 2026–27
Summary
The committee approved the superintendent’s school choice recommendations: continue high‑school choice (grades 9–12), limit K–5 to 10 new students per grade (kindergarten reduced to 5), exclude Sarah Parker Remond and Collins from choice for a year, and close choice earlier in August; estimated nonresident revenue for FY27 is about $800,000.
The Salem School Committee on March 23 approved the superintendent’s recommended school choice plan for the 2026–27 school year.
Superintendent Doctor Zweig proposed continuing participation in the state interdistrict nonresident school choice program with several limitations: continue admitting choice students at Salem High School in grades 9–12 only; admit up to 10 new choice students per elementary grade (with kindergarten reduced to five seats because of enrollment concerns); and temporarily exclude Sarah Parker Remond and Collins Middle School from out‑of‑district choice for one year while enrollment stabilizes. The administration also recommended closing the school‑choice application window earlier (in August rather than September) so schools have more time to prepare for incoming students.
District materials cited a current total of 94 nonresident choice students and projected roughly $800,000 in nonresident school choice revenue for FY27, money that the superintendent said helps sustain pre‑K programming and other services. Committee members who had chaperoned prior trips and participated in choice programming expressed support; member Cornell moved approval and member Miranda seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
The committee will post the choice policy and application details for families; staff said there remains a June 12 deadline for priority round qualification under the state process.
