The appointment of Dr. Lisa Golovski Tumi as acting superintendent emerged as a focal point of the meeting. The committee reconvened after an executive session dedicated to contract negotiations concerning unaffiliated personnel. A motion and second to appoint Dr. Golovski Tumi were swiftly followed by a roll call vote, resulting in unanimous approval. Her appointment is set to guide the district through a transitional period while plans for a permanent superintendent search are underway.

Following the appointment, the committee explored multiple strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and operational efficiency within the district. One notable discussion centered around the potential expansion of the early college program at Methuen High School. This program is designed to allow students to complete the equivalent of a first semester of college at UMass Lowell before graduating high school. The ambition is to enroll 75 new students.

In tandem with these educational initiatives, the committee highlighted ongoing collaborations with Merrimack College, UMass-Lowell, and Northern Essex Community College. These partnerships aim to address staffing shortages by facilitating pathways for paraprofessionals to obtain teaching certifications and for current staff to enhance their qualifications. Discussions with UMass-Lowell regarding an apprenticeship program are particularly promising, offering paraprofessionals the opportunity to complete undergraduate degrees while working.

The meeting also delved into behavioral support roles in grammar schools, evaluating the effectiveness of crisis interventionists and risk coordinators. A principal emphasized the need for crisis responders to manage increased physical behaviors among students, while other schools reported success in reducing suspensions through proactive risk management. The committee acknowledged disparities in the impact of these roles across schools and underscored the necessity for a balanced approach that combines reactive and preventative strategies to support student behavior.

Attention then shifted to infrastructure and maintenance issues, including heating challenges at Marsh School and pest control measures. A recent problem with the gas line system at Marsh School led to significant temperature drops, prompting discussions on the need for improved early warning systems such as CO2 and water detectors. The committee also addressed ongoing maintenance concerns, with a focus on ensuring that facilities are safe and conducive to learning.

In the realm of finance and operations, discussions centered around budget reallocations to cover rising costs for plowing, utilities, and repairs. The committee expressed frustration over the underutilization of the school’s auditorium as a potential revenue generator and recognized the need for strategic planning to enhance its utility for both school and community events.

The meeting also touched upon the student activity reports, revealing a significant balance in the student deficit account at Tenny School. Committee members suggested utilizing these funds for student activities, such as field trips, to enhance the educational experience. Additionally, the committee discussed potential collaborations with city departments and external agencies, including the exploration of consolidation opportunities to achieve cost savings and increased efficiency.

Amidst these operational discussions, the committee considered the selection of a superintendent search firm. The process involved evaluating proposals from three companies, with members expressing interest in interviewing the top two contenders to fully understand their capabilities before making a decision.