History

In 1951, plans were made for a new school building, which when completed, would contain sixteen classrooms, a library/assembly room, a principal’s office, and a temporary cafeteria and kitchen in a multi-purpose room. The total cost of the structure was $361,791.

West Salem Elementary School opened in September 1952, with Mrs. Rae W. Scott serving as principal. The first pupils came from six different areas of Salem and Roanoke County. A total of 440 children in grades 1-7 reported the first day. The opening of West Salem provided much needed space for pupils who were crowding Academy Street and Broad Street and also relieved the double session situation at Fort Lewis.

In the years between 1952 and 1963, the enrollment at West Salem increased to 550 pupils in grades 1-7. On July 1, 1964, Mrs. Scott retired and Mr. C.V. Crush assumed the position of principal.

In March of 1966, a new wing was added at the cost of $280,000. This addition provided four classrooms, a large lunchroom, a new kitchen, and well-equipped gymnasium. With more space, enrollment increased to 629 in twenty-one classrooms. This marked the peak enrollment at West Salem.

Mr. William O. Brubeck assumed responsibilities as principal following Mr. Crush’s retirement. Mr. Brubeck held this position until his retirement in December 1985 at which time Mr. N. Wayne Tripp served as interim principal through June 1985. That same year, Salem City Schools became an independent school system.

Mr. John Millard has served as principal since July 1985. During these years, there have been many technological advances. The enrollment rose steadily during the next few years. West Salem found itself bursting at the seams and more space was greatly needed. During the 1992-93 school year, the gymnasium doubled as cafeteria as well as a gym. That same year the school board approved a new addition to give West Salem six new classrooms. This air conditioned wing included four new kindergarten classrooms and two other rooms which, when completed, allowed West Salem to once again have a cafeteria area. This addition’s approximate cost was $464,000.

In 1995 more improvements were made to West Salem when a new heating and air conditioning system was installed.  In 1997 Mr. Danny Wheeling, the P.E. teacher at West Salem had a dream come true with the addition of a new gymnasium. At the same time two more classrooms were added.  In 2000-2001, with the help of the PTA, new equipment was added to the playground.

Since its inception in 1951, West Salem has striven to keep its facility modern and its faculty and staff innovative. In doing so, the school continues to be a place where all students can find success and have fun.