We are excited to share that our Winter Newsletter has arrived! Printed copies are now making their way to mailboxes, so be sure to check your mail. If you’d like an extra copy or prefer to pick one up in person, the school has extra copies.
This digital version is also available. Access it anytime and stay up-to-date with all the Salem CSD news and updates.
Message from the Superintendent
As we begin a new year, I want to take a moment to share with you the important work happening in Salem to support our students and strengthen our district. In this newsletter, you will find updates on progress in our financial planning, capital project, and building a supportive environment.
I am pleased to share that the district has completed its annual external financial audit for 2025. The results confirm that our financial position remains strong, with a year-end fund balance that exceeded the benchmark outlined in our long-term financial plan.
In early January, the district began its budget development process for the 2026–2027 school year. From now through May, we will continue refining the budget as state and federal education agencies determine their aid allocations. The 2026–2027 budget vote is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. Information on the proposed budget will be shared with the community as it becomes available.
As we move forward, we continue to make decisions that prioritize student learning, aligning with our mission, vision, and the priorities established in our Blueprint for Excellence. Recent staffing adjustments have allowed us to restore a third teaching position in the high school English department. With this addition, each core academic department in the high school will have three dedicated educators, strengthening our instructional capacity and student support.
At the end of the 2024-2025 school year, Salem celebrated the graduation of its 225th class of high school seniors. We are preparing for many more graduating classes to come. Thank you for your partnership as we make Every Student Future Ready.
Sincerely,
Julie A. Collier, Superintendent of Schools
Fourteen Salem students rocked the stage as part of the All-Star Student Band at the Northeast Instrumental Music Festival.
Our Mission
Salem Washington Academy prepares all students for their future by providing each student with unique opportunities to pursue their goals and dreams. Every Student Future Ready.
Our Core Values
Support: We ensure that all students and each member of the school community are supported in every way.
Value: Our environment emphasizes the value and worth of each individual.
Respect: We demonstrate respect and commitment towards all members of the school community.
Integrity: We always act with integrity and work transparently.
Empathy: We foster an environment of empathy and inclusivity.
Excellence: We focus on academic excellence and success for all on their chosen pathway.
Collaboration: We intentionally create opportunities for collaboration.
Positive Behavior Shines at the Salem Pride Awards
Each month’s Salem Pride Awards spotlight elementary students who exemplify the Trait of the Month. In the elementary school, students learn about a different positive character trait each month, including what it looks like in action, how it strengthens our school community, and how they can carry those lessons beyond the classroom.
The Salem Pride Awards are an important part of our school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. Through PBIS, we celebrate students who consistently demonstrate the values at the heart of the district’s mission, reinforcing a culture where kindness, responsibility, and respect are recognized and encouraged. Congratulations to all of our award recipients!
After the Salem Pride Awards, our hero team rolls through the halls with a cart full of gifts to give to staff members.
Over 60 Salem students came together building sets, designing costumes, and mastering every line and dance move for their production of "Freaky Friday".
This English lesson went beyond the classroom as 5th graders wrote thoughtful letters of appreciation to local heroes at the Salem Volunteer Fire Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Salem’s Roof Replacement Project Moves Forward After Voter Approval
After voters approved a proposed $8.15 million capital project in May 2025, district leadership worked with Mosaic Associates Architects to develop the required design and construction documents. These plans were submitted to the New York State Education Department for permit approval on Dec. 4th. Once approved, the project will be put out to bid for a contractor. Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2027.
The project, titled Refurbish Our Roofs, will fund the much-needed replacement of the Salem Washington Academy flat roofs. The decision was guided by the recent state-mandated Building Condition Survey, which revealed weaknesses in the flat roofing system. Salem’s most recent survey included a full roof scan that identified areas where moisture had become trapped. The slate roofs from the 1938 portion of the main building remain in good condition and require only repair of select small areas on an as needed basis.
“The capital project vote secured the necessary funding for our roof replacements. The board chose to pursue this work as a capital project because it qualifies for state aid. This aid from the state will cover about 80% of the total cost and greatly reduce the amount paid by local taxpayers,” said Board of Education President Anne Dunigan. “By addressing these deficiencies now, we will prevent costly structural damage while preserving safe learning environments.”
Salem CSD Achieves 100% Fall Scholar-Athlete Team Status
Participation in sports not only builds character, it also helps cultivate the habits that drive academic success. Congratulations to our student-athletes for earning the prestigious New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Fall Scholar-Athlete Team and Individual recognition!
Preparing for the Future: Understanding the New York Inspires Plan
The New York Inspires plan is the New York State Education Department’s new roadmap for transforming public education by 2029. A central component of this work is revising graduation requirements so students are rewarded for gaining the real-world knowledge and skills they need after high school. This includes more opportunities for hands-on, authentic learning, such as the project-based learning in our Food Science course.
To support districts in this transition, NYSED has introduced The Portrait of a Graduate, a statewide framework outlining the essential skills and dispositions every student should demonstrate to earn a New York diploma.
As part of this initiative, Salem CSD is already preparing for the changes that will shape education in the years ahead. We will continue to share updates as we develop our local implementation plan and align our programs with the state’s vision for student success.
High Schoolers Transform Class Project Into Food Pantry Fundraiser
When Salem High School’s Food Science class launched a “Coin Wars” challenge for elementary students, they had no idea it would end with them raising $1,863 for the Salem Food Pantry. For those who know this class, its impact comes as no surprise.
“When a student suggested that funds from the challenge go to the food pantry, it made sense to choose them as a recipient. We have gone over to the food pantry before to help unload donations and stock shelves,” said Amy Maxell, who teaches the Food Science class.
The class is offered as a part of the district’s Agricultural Science program. The course connects classroom learning with real-world work, leading to students getting out of the classroom and into the community.
“Our class is work-based learning, so as a project we organized the kids with the coin challenge, came up with the idea to donate to the food pantry, and used it to help families who need food from the pantry,” said freshman Mary Langevin.
Seven Salem students earned National Honor Society selection through their commitment to scholarship, leadership, and service.
Circle of Support: Salem CSD and Sweethearts & Heroes Unite Students
Every Friday Salem High School students gather in Circle, a dedicated space where they share their feelings and experiences with their classmates.
“When people are talking in Circle, I learn more about them, and it makes me feel more attached to them. It puts me in a positive mood,” ninth-grader William Ridler said.
The circle is facilitated by Pat Fish, Salem’s Sweethearts & Heroes Community Ambassador. Fish guides students through meaningful conversations that promote empathy, mutual understanding, and peer support.
“As the Community Ambassador, my primary goal is to spread hope and create a community where students have a strong peer network of support,” said Fish. “I’m enthusiastic about visiting Salem weekly because of how much progress the district has already made.”
Upcoming Events
Feb. 11: Board of Education Meeting, 6 p.m.
Feb. 16-20: Mid-Winter Recess, No School
March 5: Board of Education Meeting, 6 p.m.
March 6-7: "Jukebox Time Machine" (6th Grade Play), 7 p.m.
March 10: Jr High Pops Concert, 7 p.m.
March 11: Sr High Pops Concert, 7 p.m.
March 16: Superintendent's Day, No School