One notable topics discussed was the district’s staffing crisis, particularly for support roles such as program assistants and lunch monitors. The committee acknowledged that there are currently 62 vacancies, mirroring the situation from the previous year. The difficulty of recruiting staff in a challenging job market was emphasized, with job fairs in Andover and previous efforts by Methuen yielding disappointing results. The committee members debated the efficacy of traditional advertising methods like newspaper ads, which they deemed financially burdensome and largely ineffective. Instead, they suggested leveraging social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to attract candidates. Additionally, members proposed setting up informational tables at school events to engage parents who might be interested in these positions.

Another topic of discussion was the implementation of a new cell phone policy aimed at minimizing classroom disruptions. The proposed policy would require students to place their phones in designated holders during instructional time. The rationale behind this policy was to support teachers by reducing interruptions and creating a more conducive learning environment. Concerns were raised about the practicality of enforcing such a policy, especially during school events where students might resist compliance. The committee debated the balance between strict enforcement and allowing responsible use of cell phones in non-instructional settings, such as during lunch or in hallways.

The committee also delved into the evaluation of Superintendent Brandi Kwong for the 2023-2024 period. The evaluation process, designed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), involved reviewing evidence provided by Superintendent Kwong on her goals and standards. These were categorized into goals related to professional practice and district improvement, and standards encompassing instructional leadership, management and operations, family and community engagement, and professional culture. While progress was reported in various areas, concerns were raised regarding the student learning goal. The original target of 85% had been adjusted to 65%, but the district only achieved about 63%, leading to skepticism about the positive rating for this goal. Additionally, issues were highlighted about parental engagement.

Further discussions focused on the approval of the 2024-2025 PK-8 and 9-12 handbooks. The committee noted discrepancies in the handbooks, such as outdated health concerns and inconsistencies in the table of contents. Concerns were also raised about the attendance policy, particularly regarding the consequences of being sent home by a nurse or guidance counselor, which could result in unexcused absences and potential credit denial. Members argued for classifying such absences as excused to prevent unfair treatment of students facing legitimate health issues.

The committee addressed disciplinary procedures related to school bus behavior, proposing changes to the current system which allows for numerous warnings without significant repercussions. The new proposal suggested that after the first warning, subsequent offenses would incur penalties such as a one to three-day suspension. This change aimed to create a more structured and effective disciplinary framework.

In addition to these discussions, the committee also touched on policy matters, specifically regarding non-discrimination and harassment. Changes to policy number AC were mandated by federal law, with the committee acknowledging the necessity of compliance despite ongoing debates surrounding the regulations. The need for staff training on these new regulations was emphasized to ensure proper implementation.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on transportation, particularly concerning the effectiveness of communication from the service provider NRT and the need for a robust Request for Proposal (RFP) for the upcoming transportation bid. The committee expressed satisfaction with the existing routing system but highlighted the necessity for clear service level agreements to hold the provider accountable.