Methuen School Committee 7-22-2026

The Methuen School Committee held a meeting on July 22, 2026, which included significant procurement and budget discussions. Key procurement actions included the unanimous approval of the contract for the interim superintendent and the appointment of Dr. Brian Marks as Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations. The committee also approved a special education Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Constellations program, a three-year, $2.5 million initiative aimed at bringing special education students back into the district, contingent on City Council funding. Additionally, the committee accepted a $112,300 grant from the Play Ball Foundation to support middle school athletics and approved a $14,000 donation for upgrading the CGS auditorium audio system. Budget discussions highlighted ongoing challenges with staffing shortages, declining enrollment, and the need for structural reforms. The committee debated participation in the Massachusetts School Choice Program for the 2026-2027 school year, with a narrow 5-2 vote in favor despite opposition from the superintendent and teachers' union, citing concerns about capacity and impact on current students. The meeting also addressed the potential transfer of the Ditson Place building to the city to alleviate maintenance burdens on the school district, though the vote on this was tabled for further discussion. Finally, the committee discussed the need for a redistricting RFP to accommodate future program expansions and reviewed updates on the fiscal year 2027 budget, including restored positions and pending state funding. The meeting concluded with a move to executive session for negotiations related to non-union personnel.