School committee tables Unit B MOU, approves lease addendum and several personnel items

The Methuen School Committee on Nov. 10 tabled consideration of the Unit B memorandum of agreement after several members said they had not received printed copies of the job descriptions attached to the MOU.

Member Maxwell asked whether the vote under consideration was approving the contract or only amendments; staff clarified the motion related to changes in contract articles (for example moving some 12‑month references to a 10‑month calendar and adding a $7,500 guidance stipend for a high‑school scheduling role). Because some committee members lacked the printed packet and job descriptions were not linked in the public agenda, a motion to table the MOU passed.

The committee approved a lease addendum to formalize actual square footage in an attendance lease; staff will forward the addendum to the city council for its final approval. The committee also approved the CTE program advisory councils (teachers, business/industry partners, higher‑education partners, parents and students) and the fiscal‑year 2026 grant awards as presented.

The committee moved and approved a series of warrants (weekly payment approvals) and several personnel appointments, including Pathways program staff and confirmed hires for program assistants and a BCBA/early‑childhood support specialist. Member Maxwell recorded several "present" votes on warrants pending a requested breakdown of special‑education spending (out‑of‑district tuition, transportation, contracted services).

Chair recommended tabling the Unit B MOU until full documentation is provided; the motion to table passed and the MOU will return at the next meeting for consideration.