School Committee: Donna Fritz

  • Grew up in Peabody and graduated from Peabody High, class of 1993

  • Bachelor’s degree from Clemson University, class of 1997

  • Moved to Salem and married Mike Fritz in 2001, a Salem native and SHS graduate, class of 1990

  • Program Director at Germaine Lawrence Inc., a residential treatment center for troubled teenage girls, for 8 years

  • Currently, a part-time employee of Hamilton Hall, a National Historic Landmark on Chestnut St. in Salem. 

Why are you running for School Committee and what particular skills can you bring to the position?

I have been an involved PTO parent for 9 yrs.  I have developed positive and trusting relationships with parents and teachers and have been attending school committee meetings for the last few years.  I work part-time and will have the time to visit the schools during the day, inform the committee about every day parent and teacher concerns and have a pulse on what the parents need to know and when. I have worked closely with principals at WHES & CMS to plan information nights and discussed policies, such as, a cell phone policy. I have been a Program Director at a Residential Treatment Facility for trouble teenage girls and the president for two different board of directors. I believe my leadership, project management and meeting facilitation skills will be an asset to the school committee.  

If you could make any change in the school budget that was recently passed, what would you change?

I am concerned about the student behavior in our classrooms and would like to see specific money put toward trained behavior specialists and PD that is focused on managing acting out behavior in the classroom. I would like to re-evaluate the number of administrative positions we have and see if we can increase the number of positions that work directly with students.

The district is beginning a search for the next Superintendent. What are three key characteristics you are looking for in the next Superintendent in Salem?

  1. Leadership skills- we need a leader who will be able to set a vision for our school district, communicate that vision and assist our administrators, school committee, teachers and families to work towards that common goal.

  2. Experience working in an urban district- we are an amazing city meeting the needs of students from all over the world, supporting students with all types of social emotional challenges and physical disabilities.  We also have average learners who can get overlooked.  An understanding of how to work with and communicate with all of these families as well as support the staff who are working with students is a vital role the next superintendent will face. 

  3. Excellent budget management skills-someone who understands how to back our programs with a budget that will work and avoid unnecessary spending. For example, we have changed curriculums several times in recent years. This seemed like a waste of money and created frustration for teachers. 

What will you do to advance the goals of a more equitable education for all students in Salem?

  1. Strive for an equitable budget

  2. Programs with a focus on reaching all learners

  3. One of my biggest concerns is teacher and administration retention. I believe if we have a school system where teachers are well trained, and rewarded for the work that they do, all of our students will benefit from a better education.