7.19.2021 Fall River School Committee

The Fall River School Committee met on July 19, 2021, chaired initially by Vice Chairman Mark Costa in Mayor Paul Coogan's temporary absence. During citizen input, resident Colin Dyas and an out-of-town resident, Hal Levin (whose letter was read into the record after rules were waived), criticized the committee and Vice Chair Costa regarding free speech and citizens' input policies, referencing a recent letter from the ACLU. School Committee Legal Counsel Attorney Assad reported that he was reviewing the ACLU guidance and Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) amendments, with formal recommendations planned for the August meeting.

Interim Superintendent Maria Pontes provided district updates, highlighting construction milestones at Durfee High School, renovations across several school facilities, ongoing staffing and recruitment efforts, and ESSER federal grant timelines. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Cherise Taylor presented the findings of the David Almond Commission, which reviewed six district policies following the October 2020 tragedy. The committee voted unanimously to refer the report and its recommendations to the Policy Subcommittee for further action.

A contentious discussion arose over the fourth quarter budget transfers presented by Chief Financial Officer Kevin Almeida. Committee member Paul Aguiar pressed administration officials, including Chief Operations Officer Kenneth Pacheco, regarding approximately $3.1 million in transportation funds, arguing that bus companies like Tremblay's Bus were owed money for COVID-related schedule cancellations during the school year. Mayor Coogan, who arrived during the discussion, and administration staff clarified that payments without rendered services or verified documentation of expenses and federal PPP relief could not be processed, and that the matter was subject to ongoing legal review. The transfers passed 6-1, with Aguiar dissenting. Following an executive session, the committee reconvened and approved multiple collective bargaining agreements—including contracts with the Fall River Educators' Association (FREA) and clerical employees—as well as employment contracts for non-union personnel and administrative leaders.

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