By: Dj Deeb – January , 2019 At its December Business Meeting, members of the Methuen School Committee voted unanimously to adopt a $100 student parking fee effective during the 2019-2020 school year. Unfortunately, I was one of those votes and after analyzing the issue further I regret my decision. I have placed a Motion […]
By DJ Deeb – Dec. 2018 Earlier this year (in the February, March, and April 2018 Valley Patriot editions) I outlined many suggestions for cuts in spending for the City of Methuen. Last year, the City filled 13 non-civil service municipal positions, hired 10 new firefighters and 3 reserve firefighters, hired 3 new police officers […]
B: DJ Deeb – Oct. 2018 At its September 10th and September 25th meetings, members of the Methuen School Committee wasted no time in voting to adopt policies to address student residency and educator licensure concerns. The latest moves are intended to increase transparency and accountability following revelations in August that the former Superintendent did […]
The City of Methuen is in a financial mess that has resulted in the mayor and city council having to borrow $4M from the state. That $4M loan comes at a heavy price. That price is state control over the city’s finances in the form of either a fiscal overseer or a financial control […]
By: DJ Deeb – January, 2017 Although Methuen Public Schools are doing many terrific and important things, this month I have to offer constructive criticism on a program known as the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, or PBIS. In my view, this is a scam and constitutes just another wasteful liberal scheme to engage in […]
By: Dani Langevin – Dec. 2016 I am blissfully now teaching sophomore U.S. History at the newly and beautifully renovated Methuen High School and loving it. I am also the co-advisor for the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). My colleague, Brendan Cripps, and I have the privilege to meet with an incredibly vibrant, creative, and eclectic […]
By: DJ Deeb – Oct. 2016 Methuen Schools are on the move and many great things are happening with the start of the 2016-2017 school year. At our September 12th meeting, I led the charge to have the Methuen School Committee go on record as opposing Question 2 in November, which if passed, would expand […]
MAYOR SAYS VOWS HE WILL NOT SUPPORT A PROP. 2 1/2 OVERRIDE June 15, 2016 – With Methuen Mayor Zanni proposing a 1% increase in the school budget, Superintendent of Schools Judy Scannell is threatening to make staffing cuts saying the increase is not enough. Superintendent Scannell says the 1% increase will result in eliminating four police […]
By: Tom Duggan – 6-12-16 There is a war brewing in Methuen over Mayor Zanni’s proposed city budget, which School Committeeman Nick DiZoglio says “shortchanges our students” and “is a disgrace in a community like Methuen.” While Mayor Zanni proposes an increase in the school budget, not a decrease, DiZoglio called the budget measure a “cut” for the […]
By: Dani Langevin: June, 2015 Last month I had the pleasure of visiting Methuen High School and sitting in on a meeting of the GSA (Gay Straight Alliance). Several of my colleagues and I are currently organizing such a group at the Marsh Grammar School and wanted to see one in action. I was very […]
By: DJ Deeb – June, 2015 The end of the school year is always an exciting time for students, parents, teachers, and support staff. May and June are always busily filled months with awards nights, orientations, and planning for the next year. Many exciting changes are being planned for the 2015-2016 school year. First off, […]
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: Tom Duggan – July, 2014 Methuen Police Chief Joe Solomon appeared on 980WCAP’s Paying Attention Radio Program earlier this month to reveal a new safety measure being implemented in the Methuen schools to increase response time and give police a tactical advantage when dealing with school shootings. Solomon has been the Chief of Police […]