Methuen School Committee directs superintendent to prioritize bullying and communication after district audit

Methuen — The Methuen School Committee on Oct. 15 reviewed a third‑party audit of Methuen Public Schools and agreed to make student discipline and bullying a near‑term priority, directing Superintendent Dr. Kwong to present a draft goal and action plan at the committee’s Oct. 27 workshop.

The directive followed a wide discussion of the audit’s findings, which committee members said highlighted recurring concerns over communication between families and school administrators, inconsistent application of discipline and bullying policies, staff morale, and professional development needs. Superintendent Dr. Kwong summarized a color‑coded packet of audit recommendations and district notes she prepared from the auditors’ report.

“What we do this evening will really, model what will happen in the schools,” Superintendent Dr. Kwong said as she described the district’s plan to triage recommendations into items already in progress, budget‑sensitive items, and items that could become formal goals.

Why it matters: Committee members said the audit’s qualitative and quantitative results show points of persistent community concern, especially around bullying and discipline, and that a focused, measurable response is needed. Several members called for a coordinated community effort and a possible task force that would include schools, police and outside mental‑health…