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Salem Today
By the People, for the People
Salem Residents to Vote on $239M High School Tax Override
City officials hold final information sessions before May 5 vote on new school building.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:08pm
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The proposed new Salem High School building aims to be a community centerpiece, but the $239 million tax override has raised affordability concerns.Salem TodayThe Salem School Building Committee and city officials will host two more online information sessions next week ahead of a May 5 vote on a $239 million debt exclusion tax override to fund a new $447 million Salem High School building. The 50-year-old current high school is becoming obsolete and energy-deficient, and officials say the cost of repairs over the next two decades would exceed the cost of a new state-of-the-art facility. Some critics have raised concerns about the 30-year term of the debt exclusion and the impact on homeowners and rental properties.
Why it matters
The new high school is seen as crucial for improving educational outcomes and community pride in Salem, but the tax burden has raised affordability concerns, especially for seniors and low-income residents. The city is proposing additional property tax relief measures to offset the high school costs.
The details
The School Building Committee will host the two online presentations on April 20 and April 26, with Spanish and Portuguese translations available. The May 5 vote will ask residents to approve a $239 million debt exclusion to cover about half the cost of the new $447 million high school. Officials say the current 50-year-old building needs extensive and costly repairs to remain up to code. Critics argue the 30-year debt term will impact homeowners and renters even after current students have graduated.
- The two information sessions are set for April 20 and April 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
- The citywide vote on the $239 million tax override is scheduled for May 5, 2026.
- If approved, the tax increases would begin in 2028.
The players
Domonick Pangallo
The mayor of Salem, who has proposed a property tax relief package to offset the high school project costs.
Salem School Building Committee
The committee hosting the upcoming information sessions on the high school project.
What they’re saying
“I truly believe a new school is not only better for our students but makes life better for our entire community. The high school is a flagship for the entire community, and right now our high school is not living up to that for us.”
— Domonick Pangallo, Mayor of Salem
“The timing of this proposal complements our ongoing efforts to reduce the local cost impacts for the new high school project. The Building Committee has already made design and building choices that have reduced that project's cost by $242 million, and other measures are being proposed to shift more of the local cost from taxpayers to tourists.”
— Domonick Pangallo, Mayor of Salem
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
