Salem Picks Thomas Welch As Next Schools Superintendent

SALEM — Salem's School Committee has selected Thomas Welch as the district's next superintendent, closing out a search that has been running through the summer, according to Salem Patch. Separately, City Hall is recruiting three residents to serve on a newly formed Taxpayer Relief Committee tied to the city's new Taxpayer Aid Fund.

TOWN HALL The city is seeking three residents to serve on its newly formed Taxpayer Relief Committee, which under state law will oversee Salem's newly established Taxpayer Aid Fund, according to a City Hall News Flash post.

The city is also accepting nominations for the Sam Zoll Civic Leadership Award, honoring a Salem resident who strengthens the community through public service, volunteering or civic engagement — a nomination call Salem Patch also covered this week, reporting a deadline of Aug. 14.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS "'Deeply Humbled': Welch Vows To Bring 'Student-Centered Leadership' To Salem Schools" — Salem's School Committee selected Thomas Welch as the district's next superintendent Wednesday night, and he said he was humbled to take the job and pledged a student-centered approach, per Salem Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem/deeply-humbled-welch-vows-bring-student-centered-leadership-salem-schools).

"Salem Willows To Host Annual Black Community Gathering" — City officials said the long-running "Black Picnic" tradition returns to Salem Willows this weekend, with reminders posted for visitors on parking and cleanup, according to Salem Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem/salem-willows-host-annual-black-community-gathering).

"Salem Awards 7 Scholarships With Waste Management Partnership" — Seven Salem students won scholarships through a city partnership with Waste Management after submitting essays on reducing solid waste, Salem Patch reports (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem/salem-awards-7-scholarships-waste-management-partnership).