Charter States Alejandro Baez to Replace Maxwell on the Committee
2-14-26
Methuen School Committee member Kristen Maxwell submitted a letter of resignation to Mayor D.J. Beauregard this morning, less than 24 hours after an Essex County Judge did not extend a harassment order that Maxwell took out against fellow School Committee Member Lori Keagan.
In her resignation letter, Maxwell detailed the lack of support she received by the mayor and her colleagues on the committee after Lori Keagan threatened and harassed her before and after meetings.
Keagan even went so far as to throw Maxwell’s laptop on the ground at Methuen High School before a meeting claiming Maxwell stole her chair, screaming at her with profanities, throwing papers in Maxwell’s face demanding Maxwell move from the seat she has occupied for more than two years.
Keagan and her trans-activist supporters also ambushed Maxwell in the corridors of City Hall after Maxwell spoke out against Superintendent Brandi Kwong reporting that 70% of kids in the Methuen Schools cannot read, 73% of kids cannot do basic math, but the Kwong administration was still graduating 86.5% of their student body.
Rumors had been swirling after the court hearing that Keagan was thinking about reigning after the judge humiliated her in court when he declared that she had indeed committed two acts of harassment against Maxwell.
If Mayor Beauregard accepts Maxwell’s resignation, the Methuen City Charter clearly states that the person next in line during the last school committee election will fill that seat as long as that person received at least 20% of the voter turnout in that race.
The number of voters who actually showed up to vote in last November’s school committee race was 5,882.
The next person in line on that ballot behind Maxwell was newcomer Alejandro Baez who received 1,799 votes garnering 30.58% of the vote.
Sources tell the Valley Patriot that a letter has been sent to the city attorney looking for clarity on the matter of succession but the charter is clear that Baez will replace Maxwell at the next Methuen School Committee meeting.
MAXWELL’S RESIGNATION LETTER
February 14, 2026
Dear Mayor Beauregard and Members of the School Committee,
After careful reflection, I am submitting my resignation from the School Committee, effective immediately.
Recently, the court declined to extend the harassment order I sought, noting that there were only two incidents that rose to the level of malicious intent under the legal standard required. While I respect the court’s decision, the ruling does not lessen the very real impact these events and the broader pattern surrounding them have had on my well-being, my ability to serve, and my sense of safety and support within this role.
What has been most difficult for me is not only the incidents themselves, but the response that followed. In moments where accountability, leadership, and basic human decency were needed, I did not experience meaningful support from my colleagues. Instead, the behavior was minimized, and the individual responsible was defended. I cannot, in good conscience, continue to serve on a body that stands behind actions I believe are wrong.
At this point, I need to prioritize myself and my family. The emotional weight of this situation has become unsustainable, and stepping away is necessary for us at this point.
I entered public service to advocate fiercely and openly for students, families, and staff. Remaining in this position has increasingly required silence, restraint, and personal sacrifice that I am no longer willing or able to make. In sitting in this chair, I have lost my voice as a parent and as an advocate, and that is not something I can accept.
This decision was not made lightly. It is about protecting my well-being and remaining true to my values and principles.
I am proud of the work I have done for this community and remain deeply committed to our students and families. I will always show up for the kids in this community, even if that looks different going forward.
Sincerely,
Kristen Maxwell