Dr. Stephen “Steve” Zrike is the proud superintendent of the Salem Public Schools. Steve is committed to building a culture of excellence focused on providing students with cognitively demanding and engaging lessons, creating strong systems for social and emotional support in all schools and above all, dismantling districtwide structures that perpetuate inequities. Previously, Steve served as the Receiver of Schools for five years in Holyoke, where they increased the graduation rate by more than 20%, decreased the dropout rate by more than 50%, more than doubled pre-k enrollment, and oversaw a fourfold increase in early college/dual enrollment participation for students. He has also served as the chief of elementary schools for the Chicago Public Schools, as superintendent for the Wakefield Public Schools, as a turnaround principal in the Boston Public Schools, and a teacher.

 

Steve started his position in Salem the week before the shutdown from COVID-19. He has focused his time so far on how to bring students and teachers back safely, with full remote, in-person and hybrid options. They have had to adjust quickly to the changing demands of the virus and the guidelines from the Department of Education. Steve noted that it is also important to address the impacts of racism that students in our community and throughout the country are experiencing. These challenges present opportunities for positive and proactive changes to better the educational experience and reduce inequities for students throughout the district. Virtual learning environments have, for example, opened opportunities outside of the classroom including greater parent engagement with virtual meetings.

 

Steve shared his draft for strategic priorities for the Salem Public Schools, which he shared with the School Committee but has not shared publicly until our meeting. Priority 1 is to build a robust talent development system for all staff. Priority 2 is to strengthen the pre-K to post-secondary experience. Priority 3 is to effectively meet the social/emotional and behavioral needs of all students. Priority 4 is to design and implement data-informed systems that ensure equitable use of resources and accountability for outcomes. He concluded his presentation by sharing a lengthy list of metrics for which the district will measure their successes. The next steps for this draft plan are to collect feedback from the overall community and to finalize the plan.

 

Steve is a former Wakefield Rotarian and is interested in reconnecting with Rotary through our Club. He sees many opportunities to connect our Club with school-aged students in Salem as well as his own interests in giving back to the community.

Dennis Kallelis of Middleton
Sold by Claire Kallelis