Committee recommends Constellations special‑education program, contingent on city funding

The Methuen School Committee voted July 22 to recommend contracting with Constellations (part of the Stepping Stones group) to provide educational and behavioral services under a multi‑year plan intended to bring some students back from costly out‑of‑district placements. Assistant Superintendent Bozak said four proposals were submitted, one was disqualified for not meeting RFP parameters, and the remaining three were independently reviewed and scored: averages of 22, 16 and 11 on a 25‑point rubric. Constellations earned the highest score.

Bozak described the recommended plan as a three‑year, phased investment to train district staff, introduce ABA coaches and develop internal capacity; the administration estimated a one‑time cost of roughly $2.5 million to stand up the program and emphasized the proposal is intended to reduce out‑of‑district tuition over time. Member Baez and other supporters framed the initiative as a structural reform that could yield long‑term savings by repatriating placements.

Because the recommended contracting action requires a funding source outside the operating budget, the committee amended the motion so the award would proceed only after city council approval of the funding request. The committee approved the recommendation and will forward the contract and funding ask to the City Council on August 3. Administration noted contracting, background checks and legal review must occur before staff can be assigned and warned the timeline may push significant service startup into September or October if legal review or background checks delay hiring.

Members requested periodic updates and performance checks to ensure the program achieves its goals and to measure return on investment.