Salem School Committee Offers Superintendent Job To Boston Official
The Salem School Committee has voted to offer the superintendent post to Boston Public Schools Associate Superintendent Thomas Welch, a hire confirmed Wednesday night as the city also ramps up planning for the Salem 400+ Heritage Days Parade and a fundraising sail aboard the Pride of Baltimore II.
TOWN HALL
The city is inviting residents to nominate a neighbor for the Sam Zoll Civic Leadership Award, an annual honor recognizing public service, volunteering and civic engagement, with the News Flash noting the award celebrates those "bringing neighbors together." Nominations are open now.
Salem is also gearing up for its Salem 400+ Heritage Days celebration, kicked off by a Seaside Soirée cocktail fundraiser aboard the Pride of Baltimore II on July 31. The event benefits Salem400+ and Heritage Days programming, with the festivities continuing August 1 with what the city is calling a "once-in-a-lifetime" parade and festival. The Park, Recreation and Community Services department has also released its August newsletter, detailing upcoming programming for residents.
SCHOOLS
The Salem School Committee voted this week to offer the district's top job to Thomas Welch, currently an associate superintendent with Boston Public Schools, a hiring decision a story the town's News Flash channels have not yet formally announced but which Patch reported was finalized Wednesday night. Welch's selection follows a search process that included community forums with finalists earlier this summer.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
Salem's Heritage Days season is drawing significant civic energy, with the Seaside Soirée aboard the Pride of Baltimore II set for July 31 serving as the official kickoff to a stretch of programming culminating in the August 1 parade and festival, according to the city's News Flash. Residents are also being encouraged to nominate civic-minded community members for the Sam Zoll award as part of the broader push to recognize local engagement during the city's 400+ anniversary year.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Salem Picks Boston Schools Leader As New Superintendent" — the School Committee voted to offer the position to Thomas Welch, an associate superintendent with Boston Public Schools, according to Salem Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem).
"'Deeply Humbled': Welch Vows To Bring 'Student-Centered Leadership' To Salem Schools" — Welch was picked as the district's new superintendent Wednesday night and pledged a student-focused approach, per Salem Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem).
"Salem Awards 7 Scholarships With Waste Management Partnership" — Seven Salem students received scholarships tied to essays on reducing solid waste in the city, according to Salem Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem).
"Salem Seeks Nominations For Civic Leadership Award" — Patch confirms the city is accepting nominations through Aug. 14 for the award, a story the town's News Flash also covered today (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem).
"Salem Willows To Host Annual Black Community Gathering" — the city announced the return of the annual gathering Saturday, with reminders about parking and cleanup for attendees, per Salem Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem).
"Salem Teacher Sandra Castillo Honored At State House Shine Awards" — Collins Middle School math teacher Sandra Castillo was among 57 Latino educators recognized at the State House, according to Salem Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem).
"House of the Seven Gables Launches $1M Campaign for Nathaniel Hawthorne Museum" — a new museum dedicated to Nathaniel Hawthorne is planned at the historic site as part of a $1 million fundraising effort, per 105.7 WROR (read it at https://wror.com/2026/07/16/house-of-the-seven-gables-launches-1m-campaign-for-nathaniel-hawthorne-museum/).
"Set Sail On A Salem Seaside Soirée Aboard Pride Of Baltimore II" — a ticketed fundraiser aboard the tall ship will support Heritage Days programming, a story the town's News Flash also covered today, per Salem Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem).
COMING UP
The Seaside Soirée fundraiser aboard the Pride of Baltimore II is set for July 31, kicking off Salem 400+ Heritage Days. The Salem 400+ Heritage Days Parade and Festival follows August 1. Nominations for the Sam Zoll Civic Leadership Award remain open through Aug. 14. The annual Salem Willows Black community gathering returns this Saturday.