The North Andover School Committee meets Monday for its first public session since renewing Superintendent Pamela Lathrop's contract on a divided 3-2 vote in late June — with staff compensation and a field trip request now on the table.

An executive session opens at 4 p.m. to discuss contract and compensation strategy for non-union staff, followed by the public session at 4:45 p.m., which includes a student achievement presentation, an overnight field trip request for the 2026-27 year, and a chair's report on compensation adjustments. Unlike most public meetings, this one won't be broadcast or recorded — residents who want to follow along have to show up in person, with public comment capped at three minutes per speaker and 25 minutes total.

Weeks ago, the committee voted 3-2 to approve a new four-year contract for Lathrop, running through June 2030 with a fiscal 2027 salary of $218,400. The two dissenting votes, from Vice Chair Kelly Cormier and member Alissa Samz, came down to concerns about contract language — not Lathrop's performance. "But to be very clear, continuing with the contract and your leadership with the district is key and fundamental to the North Andover school district," Cormier told Lathrop at that meeting. In fact, all five members gave Lathrop an exemplary score in her annual review just weeks earlier. Lathrop brings more than 35 years in education to the role and was named permanent superintendent in February 2025 after serving in interim and acting capacities.

The committee's next meeting is Aug. 27, ahead of the first day of classes on Sept. 2. Negotiations with North Andover Teaching Assistants are scheduled for Aug. 24, Sept. 16 and Oct. 7.

The district's Summer Eats free meal program continues through Aug. 14 at four North Andover sites, open to any child 18 or younger with no registration required. Details are on the North Andover Public Schools website.