METHUEN SCHOOL COMMITTEE COVERED UP THE CORRUPTION THAT GOT US HERE Methuen has become the city of scandal and cover-ups. It is a reputation that has sadly been earned. Since Mayor Jajuga took office in January, Methuen residents have been deluged with story after story of political insiders taking advantage of conflicts of interest, […]
By: D.J. Deeb – May, 2018 Members of the Methuen School Committee voted to request that the mayor and School Committee approve a budget of $82.5 million, a 13% increase over last year’s budget of $72 million. This comes after years of not filling positions through attrition as enrollment numbers continue to climb and Special […]
By: DJ Deeb – Dec. 2017 Although I ran unopposed in the recent municipal elections, it is nice to know that I am officially back on the Methuen School Committee. I want to take an opportunity to congratulate my colleagues Jana DiNatale, Bob Vogler, and Nick DiZoglio on their re-election bids. I also want to […]
By D.J. Deeb, M.A., M.S., M.Ed. As most Valley Patriot readers already know, the Methuen Municipal Elections are scheduled for Tuesday, November 7th. I am running for re-election to the Methuen School Committee because I want to continue to give back to the community that I have made my home. Although there are only 6 […]
By: DJ Deeb – April, 2017 There have been many noteworthy stories about the City of Methuen this past month. New contracts have been approved by city officials, the Marijuana dispensaries are on hold, a 40-B housing project is being discussed, preliminary budget planning is taking place, and the school committee voted against televising workshop […]
Last month, the Methuen School Committee went into executive session (a private meeting excluding the public) for the purpose of ambushing School Committee Member Jana DiNatale. Her offense? She dared to ask for public input on an internet survey about Methuen residency, and she did so without their permission or input. (SEE STORY HERE) First, […]
By Tom Duggan – March, 2017 On January 23rd, the Methuen School Committee went into an executive session, (a meeting where the public is excluded) claiming they were going to discuss a “litigation” matter. The actual matter of litigation to be discussed was not revealed to the public, as required by law. An email was […]
By: DJ Deeb – April, 2016 After several years of asking for an updated Capital Improvement Plan for Methuen Public Schools, Facilities Director Bruce Stella presented a comprehensive 5-year plan for Facilities and Maintenance to members of the School Committee to review at our March 28th Workshop Meeting. Currently, the Methuen School Committee is working […]
By: DJ Deeb – Sept. 2015 We are off to yet another School Year. Teachers returned to Methuen Public Schools on August 31st and students returned on September 1st. The City Elections are also coming up November 3rd and one member of our School Committee will not be seeking re-election, Mary Jean Fawcett. Having served […]
By: DJ Deeb – April, 2015 Methuen residents have much to be grateful for with members of the City Council working in conjunction with members of the Methuen Athletic Awareness Association to formulate a plan to renovate the Methuen High Stadium within the existing City Budget. At the same time, students in the graduating Class […]
By: DJ Deeb – February, 2015 Members of the Methuen School Committee unanimously approved a Ne School Spending Deficit Repayment Plan Agreement compiled by the Mayor in conjunction with Superintendent Judy Scannell and School Business Administrator Ian Gosselin. Last spring, the School Committee was informed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) that […]
By: DJ Deeb – September, 2014 As the 2014-2015 school year approaches, exciting changes are taking place in Methuen Public Schools. Members of the Methuen School Committee have been working hard over the summer with Superintendent Judy Scannell and Mayor Steve Zanni to ensure that our schools are prepared to service Methuen students and provide […]
By: D.J. Deeb – April, 2014 METHUEN– Members of the Methuen School Committee have been working very hard along with Superintendent Judy Scannell and her Administrative Team to make positive changes for Methuen’s Schools. Team work, open communication, and dedication have made it possible to benefit Methuen’s students. Since honestly taking office as a member […]
By: Tom Duggan – July 17, 2013 With Jeanne Pappalardo leaving the city council because of term limits this year, three people are seeking to fill two seats on the city council representing Methuen’s West End. Incumbent Councilor Sean Fountain, School Committeeman George Kazanjian and Methuen’s most outspoken member of the school committee Evan Chaisson […]
Hero war Veteran Ronnie Ford not only served his country in the military but when he came home from battle became a police officer in Methuen to serve his community. Ford also served his community as a city councilor in Methuen, a School Committeeman, and as a member of the Greater Lawrence Vocational School. He […]