Salem Schools Get Grant To Implement Strategic Plan

SALEM, MA - From Salem Public Schools: Salem Public Schools announced today that it received notification of a $100,000 unrestricted grant from New Profit, a venture philanthropy organization that invests in breakthrough leaders and initiatives to break down barriers that stand between people and opportunity in America. The grant also includes five hours a month of ongoing strategic support.

“We are thrilled to receive this level of support from New Profit,” said Superintendent of Schools Margarita Ruiz. “The district has been fortunate to have New Profit as a thought partner as we embark on transformational change in how we teach and how our students learn to ensure that all of our graduates are locally engaged, globally connected and fully prepared to thrive in a diverse and changing world.”

During the 2016-2017 school year, New Profit partnered with the district to facilitate a community-engaged strategic planning process that resulted in a dynamic, five-year plan. The grant demonstrates New Profit's continuing support and endorsement of the district and its leadership.

“We are delighted to continue partnering with the Salem Public Schools in realizing its ambitious vision on behalf of the City's children,” said Jane Feinberg, Regional Partnership Lead. “New Profit is confident that SPS leadership is taking the district in the right direction and applauds the entrepreneurial spirit of the district and the community as a whole.”

Ruiz noted that proceeds from the grant will be used in support of Pillar 2: Reimagine the High School Experience, within the strategic plan. Specifically, the district is partnering with its high school communities to redesign programming and instruction to focus on student-centered learning; provide greater opportunity for student voice and student leadership; and to create a strong culture of college and career readiness that includes internships, job shadowing and other experiential activities.

New Profit will also continue to provide pro-bono strategic support to the district in the form of advising and facilitation. Funding for all of New Profitís work was made possible by the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation.

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