:: Salem Community Schools ::

Back Row: Dr. D. Lynn Reed, Superintendent and Dr. Kim Thurston, Assistant Superintendent. Left Side: Dee Dee Zink, Administrative Assistant and Sue Collier, Treasurer. Right Side: Erin Humphrey, Director of Information Technology, Marcella Russell, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and Dr. Jackie Arnold, Director of Assesment and Program Development.

Detailed SCS Information from Indiana Department of Education (2007)

Overview

^{Students of Salem Community Schools’ have outstanding opportunities to pursue academics and develop skills for success in a safe and caring environment. SCS works to provide its students a better way to learn, to prepare for a career, to make friends, and to achieve the high expectations our community holds for K-12 education. The district has enjoyed the stability of moderate growth over the years and maintained a solid financial history. Indications of the community’s strong support of education for its youth are evident in its 21st Century facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and numerous partnerships with parents and community groups.}

^{Covering approximately 225 square miles in Washington County, SCS includes the townships of Gibson, Jefferson, Monroe and Washington. The schools are located in Salem, the county seat located just west of Interstate 65 in Southern Indiana. Approximately 2,200 students attend Salem High School, Salem Middle School, Bradie Shrum Upper Elementary or Bradie Shrum Lower Elementary. All four schools are located on the nearly 100-acre SCS campus on the north west edge of Salem, along with an administrative offices, alternative school, maintenance buildings and athletic facilities.}

^{Salem Community Schools employs 277 full-time personnel, which include 127 highly-qualified teachers and administrators, who are committed to meeting the needs of all children within the SCS school community. Staff members keep up-to-date with best practice research and emerging national trends in curriculum, teaching strategies and assessment. A central focus for all SCS classrooms is an emphasis on class work designed to better connect student interests to the lesson. This attention to engaging students in course content is called “Working on the Work” and is based on the work of Dr. Phillip Schlechty. SCS is one of several forward-thinking districts nation-wide involved with the Schlechty Center for Leadership and School Reform as a member of the Standard Bearer School District network.}

· Clear educational focus K-12 on engaging students in quality work and leading them to success

· Newly renovated, state-of-the art facilities share a well-manicured 100-acre campus

· Academic offerings based on best practice research and emerging national trends in curriculum, instruction, and assessment

· Computer and internet access in all classrooms, including one-to-one student/computer ratio in high school English classrooms

· Excellent school-community relationships with local businesses, community betterment groups and nearby two-and four-year colleges

· Collaborative relationships among teachers, administrators, support staff, and school board