The Salem City Council is speaking out following the decision to close Salem Elementary School at the end of the 2027 school year.
In a statement released Tuesday, the council said it acknowledges the permanent closure of the school with a heavy heart following the Mount Pleasant Community School Board’s final decision on April 27.
City leaders described Salem Elementary as more than just a building, calling it a cornerstone of the community for generations and a place where lifelong friendships and shared commitment to children’s futures were formed.
The statement says the decision came after months of public hearings and financial analysis, and recognized the school’s deep history and impact on students, faculty, and neighbors.
The council also addressed Salem students directly, encouraging them to carry the spirit of being a “Salem Student” — defined by curiosity, kindness, and resilience — into their future classrooms.
The statement closed by saying that while the school’s doors may close, the city’s commitment to Salem families “remains open and absolute,” pledging continued efforts to keep the community a vibrant place to raise a family.