SALEM, MA — Boston Public Schools Associate Superintendent Thomas Welch will become the next leader of the Salem School District, pending successful contract negotiations, after the Salem School Committee voted to offer Welch the position out of a field of three finalists on Wednesday night.
School Committee members debated the three finalists for about a half hour — with three members appearing to instead support Brighton Head of School and former Brookline Superintendent Andrew Bott — before a 6-1 vote in favor of Welch.
Welch has been a Regional School Superintendent/Associate Superintendent for Boston Public Schools since 2015, and served as the Academic Superintendent for the district’s Alternative Schools Network from 2018-2019.
Prior to that, he was the founding Principal of Nava College Preparatory High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
"What resonated with me was his emphasis on students being known," School Committee member Veronica Miranda said in her support of Welch. "And his comments around equity, beginning with instructional equality. And that our schools need to be places where every student needs to feel safe and seen. And that our community should be active partners in this work.
"I was incredibly encouraged by his commitment to protecting dual-language education while ensuring that it remains fiscally sustainable. Also, his clear understanding of district-wide planning and his desire to build strong relationships with both the school committee and the community at large."
School Committee member Mary Beth Cornell nominated Welch after the initial discussion appeared to produce no clear-cut candidate, though two Committee members cited apparent school community support for Welch's candidacy.
"I appreciate his experience, particularly in urban districts," Cornell said. "Particularly with bilingual education. I also appreciate his approach to community outreach.
"I can see him in this community."
Welch holds an Ed.D. from Boston College’s Professional School Administrator Program, an M.A. in Education from UCLA, and a B.A. in Economics and Environmental Studies from Occidental College.
Welch would replace Steve Zrike, who left the district after six years this spring to become the state Secretary of Education.
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