Amesbury Public Schools

The meeting agenda included a welcome, discussion and analysis of the January 2026 SHAY School Climate Survey results, review and discussion of K-2 MAP English Language Arts and Math data, and sharing and discussion of K-2 Student Data and Parent/Teacher Conference attendance. There was also an item for other business and adjournment.

The meeting agenda included several reports, such as the Q2 Facilities Report, the Superintendent's Report covering staffing and athletics, and presentations of School Improvement Plans for AMS, AHS, and AIHS. Key new business items slated for a vote included the Approval of School Choice, the establishment of a new revolving account under M.G.L. c. 71, § 26C, and the Appointment of a Superintendent with a July 1, 2026 start date. The consent agenda addressed warrants issued in January and February, and approved minutes from October 20 and November 3 meetings.

This document outlines the Superintendent's goals, district strategy, and school improvement plans for Amesbury Public Schools. It details the Superintendent's annual evaluation goals, the development of a district strategy focused on improving student learning through stakeholder engagement, and the implementation of School Improvement Plans (SIPs). The plans are guided by principles of alignment, data-driven decisions, accountability, continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, resource allocation, and leadership development, all aimed at fostering the growth of every child in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment, and preparing students for a rapidly changing world.

The Teaching and Learning Subcommittee meeting included updates on math curriculum pilots (ST Math, Eureka 2.0, Illustrative Math (Amplify)) and the adoption of Desmos Math 6-8 at AMS. There was discussion regarding a Federally funded Math Academy grant for providing intensive professional development to a district math specialist. The committee discussed lunch/recess allotments, ELA MTSS, SEL, elementary ELA, PD Committee, and state reporting. The district is in the middle of a tiered focus review for ELL students.

The Amesbury School Committee convened a meeting where the primary focus was on interviewing a candidate, Ms. Deirdre Farrell, for the position of Business Administrator. Committee members posed questions related to financial, human resources, educational, and operational leadership, as well as the candidate's experience with budget management, employee performance monitoring, stakeholder involvement, school building renovations, and negotiating teams. Following the interview, the committee moved to offer Ms. Farrell the position, pending successful contract negotiations, and subsequently entered an executive session for this purpose.