12.13.2021 Fall River School Committee

Fall River Government TV Dec 13, 2021 YouTube Report Issue

The Fall River School Committee convened its regular meeting on December 13, 2021, addressing a range of educational and administrative matters. During citizens' input, resident Colin Dyess raised concerns about structural issues at Durfee High School, including falling ceiling parts, and called for an audit and accountability from the construction company, Suffolk. Superintendent Maria Ponce provided an update on the Durfee After Dark program, noting the successful launch of the Medical Assistant program with 12 students and the planned launch of Business Tech and Culinary Arts pathways, while the Auto Technology program awaited an instructor. She also reported on the resolution of $105,408 in outstanding 2021 transportation costs for 'wait time' that would be sent to the city for payment, a topic that led to a spirited debate between Mr. Aguiar and Mr. Costa regarding financial oversight and vendor relations. The committee approved several key items, including the appointment of Terry Ramos as a district nurse, the District Handbook, and the Durfee Program of Studies, which introduced new electives and credit recovery options. A significant discussion revolved around the revised CTE Admissions Policy, presented by Cynthia Silvia, Andrew Woodward, and Matthew Demaris, which aimed to expand access for students by making scholastic achievement, attendance, and conduct criteria more flexible. The committee also approved an increase in substitute teacher pay to $125 per day, with further discussion on a comprehensive recruitment plan. A moment of silence was held for former colleague Joseph Martins. Towards the end of the meeting, the committee approved the conversion of an Autism Specialist position to a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at the Laterno School to support a new program for students with autism. The first read of the Superintendent's Recommended Budget Priorities for FY23 was presented, focusing on instructional support, special populations, and human capital. The committee approved a $39 million ESSER 3 grant, which will continue existing positions, expand pre-K with 10 new teaching and 20 new para positions, and allocate $15 million for HVAC improvements and new windows at Henry Lord School. Several contracts for non-union personnel and the Fall River Administrators Association were approved following an executive session, and the meeting was adjourned.

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