During the week of March 25, 2024, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s
Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Focused Monitoring Review of
Methuen Public Schools. The Office of Public School Monitoring visits each district and charter
school every three years to monitor compliance with federal and state special education and civil
rights regulations. Areas of review related to special education include student assessments,
determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process, and IEP
development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights include bullying, student
discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for all students.
In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. Erin
VandeVeer, Public School Monitoring Chairperson will lead a virtual parent orientation for
anyone interested in learning more about the Focused Monitoring Review process on March 21,
2024 at 6 p.m. Please use the following link to access the meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88096370426?pwd=NG5aNWQ4NWk1T0NEdDlQdlhDNlFhUT09
In addition, the review chairperson from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send all
parents of students with disabilities an online survey that focuses on key areas of their child’s
special education program. Survey results will contribute to the development of a report. During
the onsite review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview the chairperson(s) of the
district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities may
include interviews of district staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and onsite
observations.
Parents and other individuals may call or email Erin VandeVeer, Public School Monitoring
Chairperson, at (781) 338- 3735 or erin.vandeveer@mass.gov to request a telephone interview. If
an individual requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the
Department will make the necessary arrangements.
Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide
the district with a report with information about areas in which the district meets or exceeds
regulatory requirements and areas in which the district requires assistance to correct or improve
practices. The public will be able to access the report at
http://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/reports/.