The meeting began with the formal acceptance of the superintendent’s resignation, a notable moment given her 24 years of service. Her contributions, particularly in establishing early childhood education initiatives and evidence-based instruction, were lauded. However, mixed sentiments emerged as some members suggested a vote of no confidence, citing unresolved issues like bullying and facilities management. The process of searching for a new superintendent was seen as urgent, with 17 other districts in Massachusetts also seeking candidates. Concerns were raised about Methuen’s reputation potentially deterring applicants, emphasizing the need for strategic outreach to present the district as an attractive opportunity.

The search for a new superintendent was a recurring theme, especially with the impending departure of two members after the upcoming election. The committee considered engaging an outside consulting firm to conduct a nationwide search. Financial constraints were acknowledged, with discussions about available “free cash” potentially being frozen until early 2026. Parental involvement and collaboration with the city council and the mayor were deemed critical in this process. The committee expressed urgency, knowing that the search could take several months and recognizing the challenges of appointing an interim superintendent if the process was delayed.

Public participation also took center stage, highlighting tensions between residents and committee members over student rights, particularly concerning transgender students. Resident Jay Jalbert voiced frustration over perceived dismissive behavior from a committee member, recounting past communications and expressing feelings of being unrepresented. He criticized the focus on male students over transgender students and accused the committee of twisting his words and blocking engagement through social media. Heather Plunkett, another resident, echoed these sentiments, criticizing certain members for associating with individuals spreading derogatory comments about LGBTQ+ supporters within the committee. She advocated for unity and inclusivity in policy-making and expressed solidarity with members facing backlash for supporting transgender rights.

The meeting also tackled superintendent goals related to bullying prevention. A new task force was proposed, with the mayor suggested as its head, to address bullying through a collaborative approach involving students, staff, and parents. The superintendent outlined strategies for educational interventions and procedural reassessments, emphasizing community involvement.

Discussions on vocational education policies revealed state mandates requiring Methuen High School students to have access to technical education at alternative public high schools. The urgency of implementing these policies was stressed, with the committee needing to approve them swiftly. The policies aim to support English learners and students with disabilities, and regular reviews are planned to adapt to changing demands. The committee also approved a revised Career and Technical Education admissions policy, introducing a lottery system to manage student intake amid growing interest.

Student absenteeism and its impact on academic performance, particularly on the MCCAST assessments, were highlighted. Methuen’s absenteeism rates were slightly above the state average, contributing to a loss in academic achievement. Concerns were raised over the declining performance following changes in competency determination, with efforts to realign the curriculum to better meet testing standards.

The committee reviewed accountability measures, noting Methuen Public Schools’ performance in various metrics and the challenges of tracking progress due to student mobility. Advanced Placement (AP) scores showed improvement, with a significant percentage of students achieving qualifying scores.