Methuen school committee approves superintendent evaluation after heated debate over process

The Methuen School Committee voted 5–2 on Aug. 25 to accept a summative evaluation of Superintendent Dr. Quang that rates the district's goals and standards primarily at the 'significant progress' or 'proficient' levels, after more than two hours of public and member debate over evidence, timing and method. The vote was the culmination of a months-long evaluation process under the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education rubric; the committee accepted the subcommittee's consolidated report despite objections from two members who said the composite summary masked minority viewpoints and omitted outstanding audit findings. The vote matters because state law and the superintendent's contract require the school committee to evaluate the district's chief executive; members warned that failing to follow the contracted process…