The Salem School Board meeting on May 13 featured a mix of celebration and important updates, including honors for the high school debate team, a review of the district’s financial outlook, results from the annual staff climate survey, and recognition of community volunteers.
Debate Team dominates State Championship
The meeting began with a resolution celebrating the Salem High School Debate Team for clinching its second consecutive Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 4 State Championship. The team, led by Head Coach Mark Ingerson and Assistant Coach Rachel Wooster, overwhelmed the competition with a 32–8 victory over Dominion High School at James Madison University on April 26.
The resolution, read aloud during the meeting, praised the students for “exemplifying the highest level of critical thinking, communication, and intellectual challenge.” Individual state titles went to Claire Rollins in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, UV Singh and Grayson Smith in Public Forum Debate, and Dylan Hancock in Congressional Debate.
Rollins, a senior, went undefeated at the state competition, debating whether artificial general intelligence is immoral. She now holds four VHSL championships across both speech and debate. Singh and Smith also went undefeated, debating whether the U.S. should significantly increase nuclear energy production. Hancock earned the school’s first state championship in Congressional Debate with an exceptional score of 482 out of 500.
Board members praised the depth of talent, noting that this may be the school’s 22nd overall championship, but it was the first for many of the students. “Sometimes we forget what a big moment this is for them,” said Superintendent Dr. Curtis Hicks. “It might be your 30th year teaching kindergarten, but it’s someone else’s first year having you.”
Budget update: Revenues up, so are expenses
The board was presented with an extensive financial report, detailing the $58.8 million total school operating budget. As of the end of March, the division had collected $45.2 million in revenue—77% of its budget—compared to 76% at this time last year. Revenues are up by $5.2 million, primarily due to increases in basic aid, special education funding, and city transfers.
Expenditures rose by $3.8 million, driven by higher compensation costs, contracted services, technology investments, textbook purchases, and utility bills. Hicks acknowledged, “That’s a continuing story,” in reference to growing utility expenses.
Grants funding is down compared to the previous year, primarily due to decreased federal COVID-relief programs such as ESSER III and the Community Schools Initiative. Despite the decline in some grant categories, there was an increase in expenditures on specific programs like the Advancing Computer Science Education Grant.
In the Cafeteria Fund, revenues reached 60% of the $2.8 million budget, with breakfast and lunch sales climbing, offsetting a decline in adult meal sales. However, cafeteria expenditures rose slightly due to increases in wages, food, and operational supplies.
Climate Survey highlights employee morale and trust in leadership
One of the most informative presentations of the evening came from Dr. Hicks, who revealed results from the division’s annual employee engagement survey. Nearly 500 employees (about 80% participation) completed the anonymous survey, which evaluated staff sentiment across six categories: morale, safety and belonging, time and resources, leadership trust and alignment, recognition and value, and professional growth.
Scores were overwhelmingly positive. For example, employees rated “I feel safe at school” at an average of 4.44 out of 5, and “I am treated fairly by my colleagues” at 4.41. In the area of trust, leadership received high marks: “I understand how my daily work contributes to my school district’s mission” was rated at 4.36, and “I am treated fairly by district leaders” received 4.22.
One area with room for improvement was workload. The statement “Most days, I have a reasonable workload” scored 3.85, reflecting ongoing concerns about time pressures in education.
Dr. Hicks noted the timing of the survey—conducted right after spring break—and commented on the incentive-driven May morale initiative, humorously noting an increase in “jeans days” across campuses. “It’s kind of game time in the schools,” he said, referencing AP and SOL testing, performances, and graduation preparations.
Volunteers and retirees recognized for quiet dedication
Board members shared personal reflections during the comment period, praising local PTA members and school volunteers. One board member highlighted a former instructional assistant at Carver Elementary who volunteers every day at lunch despite having no current children at the school.
“There are so many people who do so much behind the scenes. They don’t want the spotlight—they just want to help,” member Macel Janoschka remarked.
Another recognized retiring teachers who leave lasting impacts, often mentoring younger colleagues or student teachers long after stepping away from the classroom. “You never really retire. You’re going to interact with people for the rest of your life who you touched—or who touched you—in some way,” said one board member.
The board also reflected on the importance of celebrating contributions, noting that some staff, like a teacher from Andrew Lewis Middle School, shy away from public recognition. “She’s not going to give us the opportunity to take a picture,” said one member, proposing a stealth photo “photo bomb” to honor her service anyway.
Looking ahead
The meeting concluded with a reminder of upcoming events, including the Star Awards Night on May 21. The scholarship event is expected to draw a record number of applicants, and board members expressed excitement for the eighth graders preparing to transition into high school.
With the school year wrapping up, the Board expressed deep appreciation for the tireless work of staff, teachers, and community supporters. The next School Board meeting is June 10.
