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Salem ranked ‘excellent’ despite economic challenges
By D.A. WILKINSON
SALEM
The Salem Board of Education has good reason to be pleased with the district’s progress.
It recently received an “Excellent” rating from the state for the first time, Superintendent Tom Bratten said Monday.
“It will be the first of many,” he said, and added, “We faced a lot of hurdles.”
The district received the rating even though 47.1 percent of its students are considered economically disadvantaged when compared with students in more affluent districts such as Poland and Canfield.
Bratten said that teachers have to nurture and work with students in addition to teaching them.
Those efforts have brought students back to Salem from other districts.
“Enrollment is up by 125 students,” the superintendent said.
Bratten said there may be a problem finding room for them. The district has a total of 2,150 students this year.
Board member Nick Bush said that his research showed there are six elements that define a high- quality school. He said they are: programming, performance, prestige or reputation, convenience and service, learning environment and financial stewardship.
He has talked with people in the community about the schools, including what people like about the district and what improvements are needed.
People also can give their opinions by going to www.salem.k12.oh.us. Comments may be made until Oct. 22.
The board also gave raises to Bratten and Jill Rowe, the district’s treasurer, for their efforts in trimming costs. Bratten’s salary was increased from $95,000 to $104,000 a year. Rowe had been making $61,800, which was raised to $68,000 a year.
Rowe said the district had tightened spending and has invested school revenue to make money.