Central to the discussions was the proposed creation of a Restorative In School Support Coordinator, or Risk Coordinator, aimed at addressing behavioral issues among tier 2 level students. This position is intended to provide an alternative to out-of-school suspensions, offering support and interventions for students to reflect on their behavior. The role seeks to create a restorative environment conducive to learning and personal growth, presenting an alternative to traditional disciplinary measures.

In parallel to the introduction of the Risk Coordinator, the committee examined the necessity of the Bright pilot program, which targets students with significant behavioral challenges. Funded through a three-year grant, the program aims to support disengaged upper school students, academic failures, and those with significant trauma. The committee debated the need for specialized staff to support this program, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the unique needs of students with behavioral concerns.

The implementation of the Bright program and the role of crisis interventionists were also major discussion points. The committee recognized an increasing trend in externalized behaviors among students and the need for immediate support to manage and understand the root causes of crises.

Another topic of discussion was the allocation of resources for advanced math classes. The effectiveness of a standalone advanced math teacher was scrutinized, and the decision was made to revert to a model where advanced math is taught by a team teacher, aligning with practices in other schools. This change was driven by the lack of noticeable differences in student performance over the past three years and the impact on general education classes.

The meeting also featured a comprehensive debate on the proposed budget for the next fiscal year. The conversation touched on numerous aspects, from the necessity of crisis intervention personnel and the roles of counselors and supervisors, to the potential elimination of the advanced math program. The superintendent emphasized the need for advocacy for students and staff while balancing the department’s needs with the city’s budget limitations.

Budgetary concerns extended to the technology used in schools, with discussions on the maintenance of Chromebooks and the proposal of an $8,000 insurance policy to ensure faster repair turnaround times. The importance of digital devices in the students’ education was highlighted, despite questions about the necessity of maintaining Chromebooks now that students have returned to school full-time.

Additionally, the committee addressed staffing concerns, particularly the need for a new secretary for special education and the implications of declining enrollment on staffing decisions. The potential for repurposing positions instead of layoffs was considered, and the need for data to track the impact of new roles such as the crisis interventionist was noted.

The Methuen School Committee’s dialogue also included updates on student achievements and recognitions, with students commended for their academic and extracurricular accomplishments. The meeting concluded with the approval of minutes and the scheduling of future joint meetings with the City Council, along with reminders about upcoming proposals for school audits and the establishment of a residency committee.