Focused “to make this our best year yet”

Supt. Michael Hashem shares an optimistic outlook as Saugus Public Schools begins a new academic year

  (Editor’s Note: We reached out to Saugus Public Schools Supt. Michael Hashem to get his views on the school district’s goals, challenges, concerns and expectations as he prepares for the 2025-26 school year when classes begin next Tuesday, August 26. His response follows.)

As we get ready to kick off the 2025–2026 school year, I wanted to share a few things we are focused on to make this our best year yet.

Here is what we are working on:

• Supporting Our Amazing Educators – We are committed to making sure our educators feel genuinely valued, properly supported, and perhaps able to eat lunch sitting down, without also photocopying, replying to emails, or dealing with noise coming from the bathrooms or hallway.
• Creating Schools Where Every Student Feels They Belong – We want every child to feel safe, welcomed, and even excited to come to school. Yes, even on rainy Mondays, when no one wants to leave their home. That starts with truly knowing our students: their strengths, quirks, and passions, as well as building meaningful relationships with them and their families.
• We are focused on meeting students where they are, whether they are soaring ahead or in need of a boost. Our goal is to keep every student moving forward, one intentional, well-supported step at a time.
• Helping Every Student Learn and Grow – We know that raising kids is a team sport, and we’re so grateful to have you as partners. Thanks for trusting us with your children. We’re excited for the year ahead and looking forward to a great school year full of learning and student success.

Naturally, these objectives, along with outside factors, bring their own challenges. This year is no different. Our town and schools are working hand in hand to ensure the needs of our students are met. All stakeholders: teachers, support staff, clerks, administrators, parents, guardians, caregivers, coaches, families, town organizations, school and town officials, and countless others, share the same goal: supporting our students and their learning.

This year, let us climb with courage, with unity, and with our students’ best interests at heart. Together, let’s keep hope alive in the Saugus Public Schools and continue to move this district forward through a united effort.