Salem superintendent Steve to leave March 27; expects to start as state education secretary March 30

Superintendent Steve (speaker S5) told the Salem High School building committee on Feb. 26 that he will transition out of the district: his last day will be March 27, and he expects to begin a new role as secretary of education on March 30. "My last day in the district will be March 27 before I become secretary of education on March 30," he said.

Steve described the move as an exciting opportunity but said it is difficult to leave Salem. He called the high school project “one of the most significant and important pieces” of work in the district and said he hopes to remain involved in some ways, including attending the new building’s opening if invited. The mayor (speaker S2) and the chair (speaker S1) offered public thanks for his leadership.

Steve said Deputy Superintendent Kate Carboni is likely to serve as interim superintendent and that Elizabeth Pauley (who was attending the meeting) could serve as deputy superintendent at least through the remainder of the year, but he noted that the school committee must make those official decisions.

The announcement was presented as an informational update in the meeting; no formal personnel action was taken by the building committee during the Feb. 26 session.