'Privilege Of A Lifetime': Departing Superintendent Steve Zrike Salutes Salem Students

SALEM, MA — Outgoing Salem Superintendent Steve Zrike saluted the accomplishments of the district's students over the past six years as he said goodbye ahead of his departure to become the next state Secretary of Education.

Zrike, who came to Salem from Holyoke and took over a struggling district on the cusp of the COVID-19 health crisis, called the city's staff and students "first-class and first-rate," adding that the efforts of those within Salem to make the schools a better place for its deserving students had "blown me away."

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"It has been a privilege of a lifetime to be the superintendent of schools here," Zrike said during his final Facebook Live update on Wednesday. "From the moment I got here, it has not disappointed. This is an amazing city with incredibly special people. Our staff, our educators, the families we work with, the city officials, the community partners."

He lauded the city's focus on education and equity.

"And the belief that all students can be successful," he said.

Zrike saved his bigger praise for the students of the city, who he said impressed him from the early days of their perseverance during the pandemic all the way through recent accomplishments in test scores, attendance, the arts, and the boys basketball state championship.

"We have, I believe, the most talented youth in the Commonwealth," he said. "They are special people not only for what they can do in the classroom but with music, and art, and drama.

"But, above all, they are wonderful people who give me a lot of hope about the future of the city, the state and the country. The young people we have moving forward are precisely what we want our young people to be. They have always represented us well."

Zrike said that while he is moving to a new statewide position, he will continue to be a familiar face in the city — including at the end-of-year activities and high school graduation.

"I will be cheering on and rooting (for Salem)," he said. "I have no doubt that there will be future success after success and no one will be prouder of that than I will be in my new capacity."

More on Patch:

• Salem Superintendent Steve Zrike Named MA Secretary Of Education
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