[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6062296,"mediaKeyId","3279045-5c0fd79ef95a8800fcb3592b2ab164b8","parentId",3279045,"title","District staff recommend CKLA for K–4 literacy after teacher pilots; estimated net cost roughly $4,000 annually","audioSeconds",92,"startMs",2316000,"endMs",2408000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3279045-5c0fd79ef95a8800fcb3592b2ab164b8&start=2316&end=2408","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3279045-5c0fd79ef95a8800fcb3592b2ab164b8/thumbnail_2316000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6062296/Massachusetts/District-staff-recommend-CKLA-for-K4-literacy-after-teacher-pilots-estimated-net-cost-roughly-4000-annually","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062296-2d90b31707e70337de2e8d4bf3b349d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087406&Signature=G74bi~pZKHpZl7eWuZTQuta2fX1DgZCuaAkHNIrUqhXfS3O9V4DZZUAjsfoPk-eNM7tS8rh5JULsTwU8dFzARDfWMKn7bQ0C463nBhYuxHJByI5fYqnKqdxFZztn4yhFahkLrxKD8oJsrPNsN8qy5PUVYrRkTaidWSgEGt1n4dnOqnlKCV7nos-BhQzasmhjnRRIa6rDkvVqf-F89pgO6Y00KLZouQcCsrHv7WR6lMYLgaFdKQ~qN3~wtUQ6ydIQ1wY~JmlY3qrChypcqj9t7ls-ouc-WsBCrerGvOy9EWn5LddnuHe6QCuIqZKd7x2SRfKfmcjakL9r9iZ6sH92~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Methuen Public Schools, MA","date","2025-05-13T02:02:00Z","article","The Methuen School Committee heard a staff recommendation May 12 to move the district’s K–4 English‑language arts program toward Amplify’s CKLA following a multi‑phase review and teacher pilots.

Why it matters: K–4 curriculum choices drive daily instruction, assessments and professional development. The adoption decision affects classroom materials, supplemental software and teacher training budgets — and it ties into the broader budget conversation the committee is now conducting.

Review process and teacher feedback: Curriculum staff convened teachers to pilot multiple K–4 programs (Amplify/CKLA, EL/Wonders and others). Nineteen teachers participated in classroom pilots and later presented direct feedback during a professional‑development convening. Staff reported teacher polling results that strongly favored CKLA: 39.3% of K–4 teachers said they were strongly in favor of CKLA, 24.3% were in favor of CKLA, and 16.8% said either CKLA or EL would be sufficient.

Why CKLA: Presenters said CKLA aligns with the “science of reading” principles and includes both a knowledge strand and a skills strand, decodable texts for K–2 and integrated writing and research work in grades 3–4. Staff also reported improved student engagement in pilot classrooms; teacher observers described higher participation and more use of background knowledge in CKLA lessons.

Cost and procurement: Curriculum staff presented an estimated annual price for the Amplify CKLA package of about $181,000 for teacher and student licenses and materials (estimate based on current teacher/student counts). Staff compared that to the district’s current combined costs for Wonders, Fundations (phonics), Lexia and the DIBELS assessment system at about $177,000 per year. Amplify’s bundled approach would include curriculum materials, software and professional development; staff noted some transition planning would be necessary and that Lexia licensing remains in place for one more year under existing contract arrangements.

Next steps: Staff recommended the committee move forward with CKLA adoption steps and account for the estimated annual cost in the FY26 planning documents. The administration noted some grant opportunities are being pursued that could offset adoption costs and that a phased implementation (for example keeping Fundations for some existing classes while introducing CKLA skills materials for new cohorts) is possible.

Taper: The recommendation was informational; the committee did not vote on adoption on May 12 and the adoption timeline, funding sources and implementation plan will be finalized if the committee votes to proceed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Methuen School Committee 5/12/2025","oneSentenceSummary","After pilots and teacher feedback, staff recommended adopting Amplify’s CKLA K–4 literacy materials; district said the bundled package would cost roughly $181,000 per year versus the district’s current combined cost of about $177,000.","taxTitle","Methuen Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",38562,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6062303,"Methuen CPAC outlines workshops, outreach and vacancies as group presses for stronger special‑education communication",562,1987000,2549000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3279045-5c0fd79ef95a8800fcb3592b2ab164b8&start=1987&end=2549","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3279045-5c0fd79ef95a8800fcb3592b2ab164b8/thumbnail_1987000.jpg","/articles/6062303/Massachusetts/Methuen-CPAC-outlines-workshops-outreach-and-vacancies-as-group-presses-for-stronger-specialeducation-communication","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062303-c71c56e792179eece445e3a59ea8c84b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087406&Signature=XB-Lhf0KA87qpWwdDusPR~BSHTVure9w~0557bRm3eJvNcpsvqvFl~~CNTxIJjyR2~wleY812TgfS04GOEnT83OZCm9xBTkjvOYcUS6CWkqzij9jEag2rlNKkqwEpl64ANQIcZHLdJ1j2jqvTNHersR-EpavyrQx6P4lkRnTVk1GGU3KVMFjBY4NmtY1GGBiTQPvEo9vCpoM~Os5IArdHFd7qyBnZ9UiMQ5IOMTxX0NoGP~og1kmf-0quXIom9jZAXIxiKbUsSewQTGbD3Q~HqUdXALc-7Ux~BESIlm5lpi~pFwyas-9~jwEA7vv69omZQzHP7n-QUiT8pH0TZCtBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Methuen Special Education Parent Advisory Council (CPAC) presented to the school committee May 12, outlining its role under state law, recent workshops and plans to expand outreach and member recruitment.

Why it matters: CPAC is the statutorily recognized parent advisory body that advises the school committee on matters that affect students with disabilities; its membership, outreach and visibility can shape family access to special‑education services and district planning.

CPAC president Nicole Perera told the committee the council’s purpose is “codified in Massachusetts general law to advise the school committee on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities and to meet regularly with school officials to participate in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of the school committee's special education programs.” Perera outlined work this year, including bullying and eligibility workshops delivered in partnership with the Federation for Children with Special Needs, a “what special education programs look like” presentation with Assistant Superintendent Gina Bozek, and a recent “supporting friendship” family session focused on social connections for children with disabilities.

Accomplishments and plans: CPAC said it has improved visibility on the district website, developed parent surveys and brochures, added a QR code for quick feedback at school sites, and held monthly planning meetings with the assistant superintendent of student services. The council said it is looking to fill several officer and school‑level liaison positions (communications chair, secretary and PTO liaisons at several schools) and asked parents to volunteer. CPAC announced a repeat presentation about special‑education programs and the IEP process will be held May 20 at 6 p.m. at the Timoney School, and described planned student and teacher workshops on appreciating disability and building friendship strategies.

Funding and advocacy: Perera said CPAC will continue to advocate for expanded special‑education infrastructure and better district communications, including budgetary support to sustain program development. She noted CPAC works in partnership with school administration and urged families to participate so the council’s recommendations reflect family priorities.

Taper: Perera closed by encouraging more parent involvement: “If special education is something that is impactful to you or something that is important to you and you'd like to be more involved, the only way for the CPAC to advocate for the things that you're looking for change is by you using your voice and being making sure your voice is heard and represented.”","The district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (CPAC) described this year’s activities, upcoming workshops and board vacancies, and urged families to participate in planning and advocacy.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6062308,"Methuen school leaders post revised FY26 proposal after weeks of debate as residents, staff urge preserving reading and arts roles",6154,0,6154000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3279045-5c0fd79ef95a8800fcb3592b2ab164b8&start=0&end=6154","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3279045-5c0fd79ef95a8800fcb3592b2ab164b8/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6062308/Massachusetts/Methuen-school-leaders-post-revised-FY26-proposal-after-weeks-of-debate-as-residents-staff-urge-preserving-reading-and-arts-roles","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062308-fe3543ac7c367f98219c94a604a5a4b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771087406&Signature=eDQXzlR-7zCGmFs64om14~rUyqbbOuxARjR6iIqcxC142g~2hBpK4pCMJ8ylv2DM0qRg1M3KaoqnbrDi4QGpKrN07fsVMdCZaXZLIj3RSlXhcqgjZFP05j1fBYei23JUtHFma0cmXkxXPd3gkALI3iRLEblnh7yMjR6d3I0cFUlVB2L22ONWly~JB88Mm8bpIpTm5lcBl7yrLPZieSQs70U57LWuAXxqBk0Iyrpf3tiU9RxDuFThUM0GCwol~Vi6F-FQ9StiwAEoRUjlrTXVHLjcRP3VHJ1bCr~tLZzgyWbahoWsSY8MXRnUB4vQFZS7HyFSvSTn97uFOkDtyfjoig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Methuen School Committee received a revised fiscal year 2026 budget recommendation May 12 and was told the administration will post that plan for the required public hearings while work continues to narrow remaining gaps.

The revised recommendation from Superintendent Dr. Quang restores several positions the district had earlier proposed cutting, but officials said the plan still leaves a shortfall and that further changes will depend on city action and potential state support. The administration asked the city to consider roughly $1.5 million in one‑time funds to reduce layoffs.

Why it matters: Committee members, staff and dozens of speakers at the meeting said proposed cuts to reading specialists, counselors and fine‑arts positions would directly affect student supports and the district’s recovery from pandemic learning loss. Public testimony, teacher feedback and procedural deadlines converged this month as the district prepared to post a budget for the statutorily required public hearing period.

Most important facts first: Superintendent Dr. Quang told the committee the district had reworked the staffing plan after conversations with city leaders and committee members and was prepared to post the revised package to satisfy hearing deadlines. The document restored classroom teachers to keep class sizes for grades 3–8 at 25 or fewer and K–2 generally between 18 and 22. It also restored a reading specialist at each grammar school, an LPN at the Comprehensive Grammar School, an additional custodian at the Tenney and Timoney schools, district behavioral support specialists and two additional core teachers at Methuen High School. The administration described the posted plan as a “living, breathing document” that may change as the city and state decisions are clarified.

Public testimony was emphatic. Shantel Lucas, a reading specialist at the Comprehensive Grammar School, told the committee: “Reading is not a privilege. It's a right,” and urged members to “protect and prioritize all the reading specialist positions.” Bryce Henderson, a lower‑school counselor at the Comprehensive Grammar School, warned that reducing counseling and preventive social‑emotional supports would shift schools from proactive interventions into crisis response: “Do the hard work now so that success can come later.” Student and alumni speakers, including Olivia Wells, president of the Methuen High School theater club Stage Door 22, argued that cutting theater and fine arts staff would remove vital social‑emotional outlets and career pathways for students.

Committee discussion and process: Several committee members said they want to send a full, unfunded budget to the City Council so the council can vote and the community can see the tradeoffs; others said submitting a clearly out‑of‑balance budget would create unrealistic expectations. Member Donovan urged the committee to use the statutory budget process and to let the council decide tradeoffs. Member Willett and others noted that state budget changes — including potential Chapter 70 and circuit‑breaker adjustments — were still in flux and could alter local revenues.

Numbers and scope: The administration said the revised plan cut the previously cited high layoff estimate substantially. The staffing chart presented during the meeting estimated roughly 19 Unit A layoffs (an estimate that could change with retirements, resignations and bid processes), two full Unit B layoffs, and a set of Unit C vacancies; the administration noted that 16 Unit B bargaining employees (BBEs) would be offered program‑assistant positions in the district. The administration estimated the additional annual cost to adopt the newly recommended K–4 literacy package (see separate story) would be about $181,000; current combined costs for the district’s reading/phonics/software stack are roughly $177,000. The administration requested about $1.5 million in one‑time city funding to reduce the gap between the posted school budget and the city’s proposed contribution.

Actions and next steps: The superintendent recommended posting the revised FY26 staffing and budget materials to meet public‑hearing deadlines; the committee did not take a final vote on the budget that night. The committee did vote on other agenda items: it approved the 2025–26 calendar (the committee adopted the version labeled Draft 1 after a separate vote), created a Budget Finance subcommittee and a Redistricting subcommittee, and later adjourned into executive session on collective‑bargaining matters.

What advocates said they want next: Teachers, reading specialists, counselors, parents and students urged the committee to pursue all available sources — city one‑time funding, state supplemental dollars, and grants — to avoid layoffs. Many speakers also asked the committee and mayor to hold joint hearings with city councilors and to pursue longer‑term budget reforms to prevent recurring crisis cycles.

Community context and constraints: Committee members repeatedly said the ultimate outcome depends on a combination of municipal appropriations, state budget actions (including Chapter 70 and circuit‑breaker adjustments) and contractual obligations under multiple bargaining units. The superintendent noted legal timelines for notifications (including the June 15 deadline for some notices) and said posting a budget satisfies public‑hearing requirements but does not lock the district into a final layoff list.

Taper: The administration and committee left the posted proposal open to change and signaled they will use the scheduled public hearings and follow‑up discussions with the mayor and city council to try to close the remaining gap. Residents and staff asked the committee to prioritize restoring specialist roles, keep class sizes lower where possible, and explore one‑time funding and grants before cutting positions.","Superintendent presented a revised FY26 staffing plan that restores several classroom and specialist positions and asks the city for one‑time funds; parents, teachers and students urged the school committee to avoid layoffs of reading specialists, counselors and fine‑arts staff.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District staff recommend CKLA for K–4 literacy after teacher pilots; estimated net cost roughly $4,000 annually

Methuen CPAC outlines workshops, outreach and vacancies as group presses for stronger special‑education communication

Methuen school leaders post revised FY26 proposal after weeks of debate as residents, staff urge preserving reading and arts roles