12.22.2025 Fall River School Committee - Grievance Sub committee

called together this grievance committee meeting subcommittee meeting of December 22nd. Can you please call the role?

Mr. A here.

Mr. D here.

Miss Larry here. Everyone please rise and the flag.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Open meeting law. Mass General law chapter 38 section 20F under the open meeting law. Any person may make an audio or video recording of this public meeting or may transmit the meeting to any medium. Attendees are therefore advised that such recordings or transmissions are being made whether perceived or unpersceived by those present and are deemed acknowledged and permissible.

Citizen input time. I believe we have a few people signed up and uh secretary is going to read the letters along with the address if they've given it. If not the committee's allowed that we kind of move forward with those letters as just like sure the first one is from Michaela Flora from 114 Brian Drive Brockton to whom it may concern. It is both an honor and a joy to recommend Anna Amanda

Santos for any role that calls for compassion professionalism and unwavering dedication to students, families, and colleagues. I have been fortunate to know her in two meaningful ways. First, as a valued colleague in her role as a school adjustment counselor and also as the mother of one of my former first grade students.

Seeing her in these dual capacities has given me a unique perspective on the exceptional person person she is in both a personal and professional sense. As a school adjustment counselor, Amanda demonstrates an extraordinary blend of professionalism, insight, and empathy.

She brings a depth of knowledge to her work that is rooted in her years of experience. But she also pairs that knowledge with pra p practicality and genuine compassion. She is deeply attuned to the emotional and social needs of of children and she has a remarkable ability to identify underlying issues that may not be immediately visible. Her insight allows her to guide students through challenges

with sensitivity while also equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to grow. For example, a student that I had in my classroom with particular high social emotional needs, Amanda generously provided me with ample strategies to best support the student, not only in a classroom, but also outside of school as well. Her professionalism is evident in every aspect of her work. She is thorough,

organized, and dependable. Amanda approaches her role with integrity and care without hesitation. She collaborates seamlessly with teachers, administrators, and families, always bringing thoughtful perspectives and well-rounded recommendations to the forefront. Both myself and colleagues know they can rely on her, not only for support, but also her sound judgment in complex situations. Amanda has an

admirable way of balancing compassion with professionalism. By doing so, she is ensuring that every decision she makes is both hot, centered, and student focused. I also came to know Amanda Santos as a parent when her daughter was in my first grade classroom three years ago. From that experience, I witnessed the same qualities that make her an outstanding counselor reflected in her role as a mother. She is nurturing,

devoted and endlessly supported supportive while also guiding her children with encouragement, structure and love. Her ability to balance care with clear expectations is a true strength and it reflects the same insight and dedication she brings to her professional life. What sound what stands out about Amanda Santos is her balance of reliability dedication compassion and professional excellence. She is the kind

of school adjustment counselor who elevates every student and family she works with, the kind of colleague who strengthens her entire team, and the kind of parent who leads with love and integrity. I cannot recommend her highly enough for this position.

Mr. Chair, guys, thank you. Um, I support the contents of the letter and the the right for it to be read. Obviously my one question would be is at the last meeting we had an individual submit a letter regarding that mentioned staff by name and that letter was censored because it mentioned staff by name. Um I would just ask if the administration we make sure we're consistent when we're censoring inputs.

The input that was right was perfectly fine, but begs the question if we're this one is fine. The last one was fine as well. So, something we need to look into. Thank you.

Yeah. Respond.

Yeah. Well, we're just looking for information at this point. So, go ahead.

Um, I did speak with attorney Fingless uh in regards to that if um Miss Santos was okay with um having her name read um since the citizens info was pertaining to her. If not, it would have been redacted and attorney FA said that it was fine. She was allowed.

I guess I'm looking for what was redacted the last time. I'm not I don't know what was Taylor Perry's citiz uh and get back to uh to you if you have a question concerning why it was redact.

Not redacted, but why it wasn't Yeah. I guess why it was redacted.

Yeah. If we don't have an answer right now, that's fine, but I'd like an answer.

We don't have a document, right? I was one redacted last week meeting that you're aware of.

Madam Madam Secretary, I don't recall. I don't know. I don't think it was for a grievance. I think it might have been for another.

No, for a citizen input time.

Yes, there was.

It was. So, my question is who redacted it with attorneys?

Well, that would have been that would have been me. But if if I'm going to weigh in on on the issue, I'd like to see the document. Now, we don't just we don't redact adult names for a simple reason for the fact that we don't want to to mention that in an open session or or we not looking to be transparent.

There's a reason for it. I don't have it in front of me. I had it in front of me.

I give you a reason.

So, there was a certain it was probably more to it than just a simple reaction.

So, please get us the information.

Sure. Sure.

Thank you so much. Second letter.

Can I just say something? I will say that Madame uh clerk did call me and specifically asked me if it was okay to read into the record my client's name and we want her name read into the record for the record.

Thank you.

So that people can see exactly what is going on here. We're not afraid. We want everything to be out out there in the open and transparent as can be. But thank you for calling me Devon. That was kind of you.

Thank you.

Melissa Baron, 596 Florence Street. To whom it may concern. I am writing this letter to provide a character reference for Amanda Santos, whom I have had the privilege of knowing my entire life. I can say without a doubt that she is an incredible, reliable, and caring individual who demonstrates exceptional qualities as a working mother. As a working mother of three children, Amanda

balances the demands of raising her own family with an admirable grace and energy that exceeds most. She consistently provides her children with a loving, structured, and nurturing environment where they can thrive. The way she manages to maintain her household, her career, ensure her ch children's well-being, and keep everything running smoothly speaks volumes about her incredible work ethic

and poise. In addition to being a fantastic mother, Amanda has also known shown a remarkable ability to be there for others, including my four children.

They absolutely adore her and I know they feel incredibly comfortable and loved in her presence. She is dependable, thoughtful, and ready to lend a hand whenever I need it. Whether it's offering help with child care, running errands, or simply providing advice, she is always someone I can count on without hesitation. Her ability to remain calm and composed under pressure is truly remarkable. Having

known her my entire life, I can confidently say that Amanda has a heart of gold and is one of those most trustworthy people I know. She leads by example and is a role model for her children and everyone around her. I am writing this letter to wholeheartedly recommend Amanda Santos as an individual of exceptional character. She is a person of integrity, commitment and unappared dedication.

Barbara Sariva to whom it in concern. I am writing to provide a character reference for Amanda Santos, school adjustment counselor from my perspective as a classroom teacher. I have had the opportunity to work closely with Amanda and I can confidently say she demonstrates outstanding character, professionalism, and dedication to students. Amanda approach approaches every interaction with empathy,

patience, and respect, creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel heard and valued. As a teacher, I greatly appreciate Amanda's collaboration and communication. She consistently shares thoughtful insights and practical strate strategies that support students both emotionally and academically. Her calm demeanor, strong listening skills, and ability to respond effectively to challenging situations

make makes her an invaluable support to both students and staff. Sincerely, Bob Sara Gagny to whom it may concern. I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse Amanda Santos, a remarkable individual whose commitment to youth and families is evident in every facet of her work over the course of my relationship with her.

I have had the privilege of collaborating with Amanda as colleagues in the Fall River School District where she served as school adjustment counselors. Through our professional relationship, I have been continuous continually inspired by her exceptional skills and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families. Over the past three years, Amanda and I have co-

coached a yearround travel youth soccer team for the Fall River Youth Soccer Organization. This experience has not only deepened our friendship, but has also allowed me to observe Amanda's extraordinary ability to connect with young athletes. She fosters an environment of encouragement, respect, and teamwork, instilling vital life skills in our players and extends that extend far beyond the soccer field. Her

passion for guiding young people toward success, both in sports and in life, truly sets her apart. Having known Amanda since high school, I can attest to her remarkable character and steadfast ethical principles. Throughout the years, Amanda has consistently exemplified a high morale code and strong values, serving as a beacon of integrity in all in all of her endeavors. Her empathy, compassion, and

tireless advocacy for youth renaissance deeply with every with everyone she encounters. Amanda's dedication to her work goes above and beyond the call of duty. She continually seeks to empower those around her, leveraging her skills to create a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and supported.

Her commitment to serving youth and their families is not merely a profession. It is her calling. And it is evident that she approaches every challenge with tendency, grace, and an unwavering belief in the potential of each individual. For these reasons, I believe that Amanda Santos would be a tremendous asset to any community organization she chooses to serve. Her passion, integrity, and professional

expertise will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift those fortunate enough to cross her path. Thank you for considering my enthusiastic recommendation.

Amanda has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to ensuring that students are informed and inspired to pursue their educational goals. Her ability to connect with young people is remarkable. She possesses a unique talent for making complex concepts, assessing and engagement engaging. Her compassionate approaches fosters an environment where student feel valued and encouraged to explore their futures.

In addition to our professional engagements, I have had the honor of coaching alongside Amanda for the past three years. Her dedication to developing young athletes, both athletically and personally, has been a profound impact on many young lives.

Amanda invests her time and energy in nurturing the skills and character of the children she works with, and her positive influence undoubtedly shapes their futures. Amanda's integrity is truly commendable. In all our dealings, both professional and personal, she has exhibited the highest ethical standards with the child's best interests in mind.

Her transparency and honesty have established her as a trusted figure within our community. She is not only a reliable colleague, but also a valued valuable community member who genuinely cares about the well-being of others. In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend Amanda Santos for any opportunities or recognitions she may pursue. Her professionalism compassion and commitment to serve make her an

exceptional educator and community leader. I am confident that she will continue to inspire and uplift those around her just as she has done for me and countless students. Thank you for your consideration and letter of support for Amanda.

Sarah Riley to whom it may concern. While I know Amanda Santos in her capacity as a as an adjustment counselor for Sylvia School, I know her primarily as a fellow Fall River Youth Soccer Association coach and friend. Amanda is extremely genuine and caring. She does she goes above and beyond to support parents to meet their children's needs in all of her capacities. Her nature is perfectly

suited for working with children. She is calm and level-headed under distress.

I know Amanda to be a valuable community leader, an extraordinary asset for Sylvia, a beaming light for so many children in her professional and volunteer roles, and she is a one-of-a-kind type mother to three children. Above all, she acts in the greatest good. As a prior board and current uh adjudicate board member of the Katie Brown educational program, I have been increasingly concerned about

the growing trend of bullying within the walls of Sylvia.

This especially concerns me as a parent and a child currently attending where I have observed peerto-peer bullying continue unchecked with little to no intervention to ensure safety. I have heard countless examples of parents and teachers approaching the administration with serious concerns only to be dismissed and denied aid.

Principal Leds is typically uncooperative and apathetic towards parents and teachers staff regarding bullying and safety. He stonewalls parents, shifting blame and accountability directly onto onto teachers, forcing them to adapt to prioritize student safety over teaching.

This pits parents against teachers, directly undermining the very relationship, which secures student success. All parents, including taxpayers who happen to work in the Florida public schools, have the right to demand the physical and emotional safety of their child on far public school grounds. And it is the school principal's responsibility to guarantee it that many parents don't see principal

lens as a resource only as an obstacle.

I myself have learned to circumvent and rely on other admins to resolve issues and I have questions how many parents feel the same. Katie Brown educational program teaches staff and students annually to identify bullying behaviors and how to respond in order to deescalate situations. However, bullying prevention training is only effective for children if it's being enforced by example. Admin and staff have a

responsibility as Amanda does in her role. A model appropriate social skills for our children. But if the Sylvia school is modeling what I believe to be from the top down and nothing is done about it, the students will model what they will see and will be at greater risk. Bullying has increased over the last several years and there must be supporting statistics. It is. It takes great courage to call out adult

behaviors which peer-topeer violence and I believe that Amanda has been targeted for attempting to do exactly that.

Administrators whom engage in bullying tactics which undermine the safety of children and neglect the needs of teachers and staff in the classroom are failing in their primary duties. How many experienced vetted teachers have left Sylvia mid- semester due to grievances or unacceptably dangerous and toxic work environments? How many Sylvia students have been and will continue to be taught by unexperienced unlicensed

par profofessionals who are filled filling emergency vacancies. There must be statistics for this as well. These conversations is no longer just an issue for basic safety for students or teaching staff cohorts, but a greater question of downward trending quality of education. I urge the school committee to consider aggressive action before a legal branch of child safety results in

grievous harm or death of a child. This scenario would represent an ultimate failure in the horrible public school system and a PR nightmare from which the city may not recover. That being said, I would argue that we are already failing these children. Please keep this letter confidential without first asking my consent.

Mr. Chair, guys, thank you. Um there was obviously um in that specific letter a lot of um concerning issues that were raised um obviously many outside the scope of this subcommittee. So I'd like to ask the administration if we can get an update as to um just to back up on what that letter is referring to.

I think it's a fair request after the meeting. This meeting is about the agreement. So let's stay focused on this. Anything further can come from them to that. And we have one final letter.

Joseph Santos from 66 Holland Street to whom it may concern me. I am writing this letter on behalf of Amanda Santos who I have had the honor of knowing her entire life. I would like to share some of her attributes as an educator for the past 19 years. I do not believe you will find someone who is more dedicated to her students than Amanda. Her professionalism dedication attention

to detail, love for all of her students is something that should be duly noted.

She continues to uphold core values while supporting students emotionally, socially, and academically. She continues to go above and beyond, whether it is volunteering for a school event, after hours, or purchasing a pair of footwear or clothing with her own money for a student in need without seeking accolades from other colleagues.

She does this out of the kindness of her heart. In addition to all the all she does while at work, she also volunteers countless hours of her time as a soccer coach. Her honesty, confidentiality, and respect to students, families, and peers are traits that come easy to her. She continues to make each student she encounters feel safe, supported, and heard. In addition to her strong morale

character, which she displays in her daily routine as a school adjustment counselor, her past and present evaluations will also confirm her loyalty to the district and students.

She continues to care deeply for the students as she builds that trusting relationship, making them feel that they are important and can reach out to her for help or just someone to talk to. She is definitely an asset to any educational environment. Her commitment is something that should be recognized.

Thank you. Item number three is new business. Do we have any new business before us?

Can I throw up for one second, please?

To the chair.

I have um six other letters from teachers um present teachers and one former teacher from Sylvia school which also support um Miss Santos and his grievance. I don't know what the protocol is of the board. protocol would be to um we can take those and have copies for the members and then um they just the citizen input time is a separate invent but we can definitely take copies.

Okay. Because I have six teachers that Yep. total support Miss Santos in this once we go into uh executive session we'll copy those for the three numbers.

Thank you.

Thank you. So item three new business we have none. Correct. Item four, request for executive session attorney Assad for the purpose of general law chapter 3A section 21A3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bonding including grievances relative to to all administrators and employees represented by the administrators association as a chair attorney that open session may have a detrimental impact on the

negotiating and or legal positions of the uh committee. Uh we would reconvene there may not may or may not be statements at that time.

Motion to by Mr. Dice. I second by Miss Laravey.

Roll call, please.

Miss J.

Yes.

Mr. Dice.

Yes.

Miss Laravey.

Yes.

We're going to call this meeting back to order. Roll call, please.

Mr. A, here.

Mr. Das, here.

M. Larve.

Just wanted to know for the record, Miss Larvey did have to leave. She stayed until just now. She has a work commitment, so she didn't she's been here the entire time. U.

Can we get a motion to adjurnn? Motion made. Second roll call.

Mr. Aette.

Yes.

Mr. Dice.

Yes.

M. Larry.