Methuen outlines superintendent‑search scope; committee weighs national search cost and interim option

School committee members on Nov. 10 reviewed plans to begin a superintendent search and asked staff to compile a scope of services to solicit vendor quotes.

Colleen McCarthy summarized materials she collected from MASA and the district’s prior search, offering sample scopes of services and lists of consulting firms. Committee members noted the procurement rule that three quotes are needed if anticipated costs exceed $50,000 and discussed whether to post regionally or nationally. "We could also post to AASA," McCarthy said, noting national organizations can extend the candidate pool but raise costs.

Members debated the timeline and the cost of doing a national search correctly — including travel for site visits and candidate interviews — and emphasized trade‑offs between doing a wide search and staying within budget. Several members recommended flexibility: finalize a realistic scope at a special meeting, solicit quotes, and keep the interim superintendent option on the table so the district is not rushed into a permanent appointment.

The committee did not take a formal vote on hiring a consultant but asked the assigned members to return with a recommended scope, proposed timelines, and cost estimates so the committee can solicit quotes and determine next steps before the February hiring window when many districts finalize contracts.