Salem School Committee Picks Boston Administrator to Lead District
SALEM — The Salem School Committee voted this week to offer the district's top job to Thomas Welch, a Boston Public Schools associate superintendent, according to Patch, as the city pressed ahead on a water-main overhaul and its next round of Salem400+ Heritage Days fundraising.
TOWN HALL
The City of Salem began a planned water infrastructure improvement project on July 13, kicking off work to replace nine critical valves that play an essential role in the city's water distribution system, according to a city announcement.
City Hall also detailed its next Salem400+ Heritage Days push. A ticketed Seaside Soirée fundraiser aboard the tall ship Pride of Baltimore II is set for July 31 to benefit Salem400+ and Heritage Days programming, ahead of the Heritage Days Parade and Festival on August 1.
The city is also accepting nominations for the Sam Zoll Civic Leadership Award, an annual honor for a resident who strengthens the community through public service, volunteering or civic engagement, and the Fire Department has scheduled a run of "Soak the Kids" events this week to help residents beat the heat.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Salem Picks Boston Schools Leader As New Superintendent" — Patch reports the School Committee voted to offer the top job to Thomas Welch, an associate superintendent with Boston Public Schools. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem)
"'Deeply Humbled': Welch Vows To Bring 'Student-Centered Leadership' To Salem Schools" — Patch reports Welch responded to his selection by pledging a "student-centered" approach as he prepares to take over the district. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem)
"House of the Seven Gables Launches $1M Campaign for Nathaniel Hawthorne Museum" — 105.7 WROR reports the historic Salem site is raising $1 million to build a new museum dedicated to author Nathaniel Hawthorne. (read it at https://wror.com/2026/07/16/house-of-the-seven-gables-launches-1m-campaign-for-nathaniel-hawthorne-museum/)
"Salem Seeks Nominations For Civic Leadership Award" — Patch reports the city is accepting nominations through Aug. 14 for the annual honor, a call also included in today's News Flash. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem)
"Salem Teacher Sandra Castillo Honored At State House Shine Awards" — Patch reports Collins Middle School math teacher Sandra Castillo was among 57 Latino educators recognized at the State House. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem)
COMING UP
"Cat Adoption Fees Waived For 1 Day Amid Emergency Shelter Overcrowding" — Patch reports MSPCA-Angell will waive adoption fees for one day on July 17 as more than 350 cats are in its care. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem)