Salem School Committee Picks Boston Official As New Superintendent
SALEM — The Salem School Committee has selected Boston Public Schools Associate Superintendent Thomas Welch as the district's new superintendent, a decision that came alongside a scheduled water infrastructure project and continued preparations for the city's Salem 400+ Heritage Days celebration.
TOWN HALL
The City of Salem began a planned water infrastructure improvement project on July 13 to replace nine critical water valves that play an essential role in the city's water distribution system, according to the city's News Flash announcements.
The city is also preparing for its Salem 400+ Heritage Days Parade and Festival, set for August 1, with a "Seaside Soirée" fundraiser aboard the Pride of Baltimore II scheduled for July 31 to benefit the celebration. Registration for the parade has drawn more than 50 groups. Separately, the city is seeking three residents to serve on a newly formed Taxpayer Relief Committee, which will oversee the newly established Taxpayer Aid Fund under state law, and is accepting nominations through August 14 for the Sam Zoll Civic Leadership Award, recognizing residents who strengthen the community through public service and volunteering.
With high heat continuing in the forecast, the Salem Fire Department has scheduled a series of "Soak the Kids" events this week to help residents beat the heat, and the city has announced cooling center hours for those at higher risk from extreme temperatures.
SCHOOLS
The Salem School Committee has voted to offer the superintendent position to Thomas Welch, currently an associate superintendent with Boston Public Schools, a hiring decision that followed community conversation forums held with three finalists in mid-June at the Saltonstall School Auditorium, streamed via Zoom and Salem Access Television.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
Salem Willows will host its annual Black Community Gathering this Saturday, with the city reminding visitors of parking and cleanup guidelines, a story also flagged in the city's own community announcements.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"'Deeply Humbled': Welch Vows To Bring 'Student-Centered Leadership' To Salem Schools" — Thomas Welch was picked Wednesday night as the district's incoming superintendent, a hire the town's own School Committee proceedings also covered today, according to 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 recognized among dozens of Latino educators honored at the State House, 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 Willows To Host Annual Black Community Gathering" — The city is reminding attendees of parking and cleanup guidance ahead of this weekend's gathering, per Salem Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem).
"Salem Seeks Nominations For Civic Leadership Award" — Nominations are open through August 14 for the annual honor recognizing civic engagement, a matter also detailed in the city's own News Flash today, 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 the author is planned as part of the historic site's expansion, according to 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 the city's Heritage Days Parade and Festival, a story also covered in the town's own homepage announcements today, according to Salem Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/salem).
COMING UP
The "Dead to the Core" July Show is scheduled for July 17. Military Service Day at Patton Homestead and a free Tai Chi & Qigong class at Red Rock Park are both set for July 18. A Colonial Dance is planned for July 19. The Seaside Soirée fundraiser aboard the Pride of Baltimore II takes place July 31, kicking off the Salem 400+ Heritage Days Parade and Festival on August 1.