School committee approves new facilities and technology job titles to split maintenance and custodial duties

The Methuen School Committee on Sept. 8 approved changes to facilities and technology job titles intended to clarify responsibilities and support daily operations.

Administration presented two new facilities‑level job descriptions to split responsibilities between a building‑maintenance and facilities supervisor and a separate maintenance position focused on custodial oversight. Officials said that with Facilities Director Bruce Stella scheduled to retire in December the district needs distinct roles to manage capital projects, trades coordination and day‑to‑day custodial supervision.

Committee members debated minimum qualifications. Some members urged that candidates be evaluated on trade experience and licenses rather than degrees; others suggested listing specific licensure or certificate expectations where appropriate. The administration said it would post the positions and structure hiring timelines to allow overlap with the outgoing director to transfer institutional knowledge.

The committee also approved changing an Assistant Systems Administrator title to District Technology Support Specialist and placing building‑based technicians in the schools to provide day‑to‑day support; administrators said this change fits within the budget and will improve response times for classroom‑level technology issues.

Ending: The committee approved the job‑title changes and asked the administration to add duties such as a building‑by‑building facilities record so future hires have documented building systems and needs.