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Methuen councilors press for answers as Greater Lawrence Technical School salaries and a proposed 11% budget increase draw scrutiny
Summary
Councilor Joel Ferretra presented payroll figures and salary concerns for the Greater Lawrence Technical School, saying administrators' pay and an 11% FY26 budget request from the school warrant further review and a possible state audit or coordinated action by member communities.
Councilor Joel Ferretra, who led the discussion, said he had compiled payroll figures and other materials showing large administrative salaries at Greater Lawrence Technical School and raised concern about a proposed FY26 budget request of $5,800,000 from Methuen. “They are asking just so you're aware for $5,800,000 for fiscal year 26,” Ferretra said during council discussion.
Ferretra detailed examples he described as “out of whack” for a school district the size of Greater Lawrence: he said the superintendent’s compensation trajectory would put the superintendent, Superintendent Lavoie, “due to make over $350,000 next year” and, on current assumptions, near $443,000 by 2030. He argued those administrative costs are pensionable and that the city bears a disproportionate share of the school’s costs: Methuen’s required FY25 contribution to Greater Lawrence was $5.145 million, he said, “the most out of any of the four member districts with 418 students.”
Council reaction and proposed steps: Multiple councilors expressed concern. Councilor Desaglio and others said they want to pursue additional scrutiny and recommended seeking help from the state auditor; Ferretra offered to draft a letter to the city’s state delegation asking for review and possible audit oversight if other member communities would join. The mayor and CAFO (Chief Administrative and Financial Officer) said they would assist in developing a coordinated approach and that the council could consider drafting a request for the delegation to forward to state officials.
Why it matters: Ferretra framed the issue as both fiscal oversight and fairness to Methuen taxpayers, given the school’s shared‑district structure and Methuen’s relatively high per‑student contribution. Councilors said they want greater transparency on Greater Lawrence’s budget, salary structure, and how increases affect Methuen’s taxpayers.
Next steps: Councilors agreed to continue tracking the school’s budget submission, and Ferretra said he would draft a proposed letter to present to the council for potential joint action with other member communities.
