Fall River Public Schools public meetings in 2021

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee approved a series of contracts covering HVAC maintenance, technology services, special‑education staffing, and other district needs, with total contract values approaching $1 million. The board also accepted multiple donations, including an $11,000 gift from the Michael Troy Foundation for music instruments. Travel was authorized for Durfee High School’s junior‑varsity ice‑hockey game in Burrillville, Rhode Island. Grants totaling $226,376 were approved for federal and state programs.

• Approved ENE Systems HVAC contract – $465,737.50 (Facilities & Operations Budget)
• Accepted $11,000 donation from Michael Troy Foundation for music department instruments
• Authorized Durfee High School travel to Burrillville, RI for JV ice‑hockey (15 students, 2 chaperones)
• Approved contracts for technology services: Nearpod ($35,000) and Remind ($24,200)
• Approved grants: American Rescue Plan Homeless Children and Youth – $161,376

Facilities and Operations Subcommittee

The Facilities and Operations Subcommittee will discuss and potentially vote to refer a facility school use matter, and hold a discussion on renaming facilities/buildings. The meeting also includes procedural items and public input.

• Discussion and Vote to Refer: Facility School Use
• Discussion: Renaming of Facilities/Buildings
• Citizens' input period for public comment

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee will consider approval of contracts totaling over $5 million, including special education tuition placements, HVAC maintenance, and facilities design services. They will also vote on grants from the American Rescue Plan for special education. Other items include approval of travel for a girls basketball scrimmage and acceptance of small donations.

• Approval of $257,192 HVAC maintenance contract with ENE Systems
• Approval of $200,000 Owner's Project Manager contract with Leftfield for Henry Lord and Talbot improvements
• Approval of $1,738,113 special education tuition contract with Southcoast Educational Collaborative
• Approval of $119,102.50 reading intervention kits from Language Circle via ESSER II
• Approval of $756,204 American Rescue Plan IDEA grant for special education

The School Committee approved a revised attendance policy and several grants, contracts, and travel requests. The board also approved a revised Memorandum of Agreement for the CVTE After Dark Partnership with Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School.

• Approved minutes from 08.09.21, 09.13.21 (Special), and 09.13.21 (7-0)
• Approved travel requests (7-0)
• Accepted all donations (7-0)
• Approved all contracts except Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (7-0)
• Approved contract for Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (6-0, 1 abstained)
• Approved all grants (7-0)
• Approved second read of the Attendance Policy (7-0)
• Approved revised MOA for CVTE After Dark Partnership with Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School

Special Education/Alternative Education and Early College Subcommittee

The Special Education/Alternative Education and Early College Subcommittee will hold a discussion meeting covering updates on special education, Stone School, Robert L. Medeiros Resiliency Preparatory Academy, Evolve Academy, high school credit recovery, the alternative school student assignment process, and mental health services. The meeting includes public comment and procedural items, but no votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Discussion: Special Education Update
• Discussion: Stone School Update
• Discussion: High School Credit Recovery Options
• Discussion: Alternative School Student Assignment Process
• Discussion: Mental Health Services

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee held a regular meeting on October 18, 2021, at Kuss Middle School. They approved multiple contracts totaling over $527,000, including a three-year storage lease, technology upgrades, and busing. The committee also accepted donations of backpacks and supplies for students, recognized three students for academic excellence, and heard updates on dual language enrollment and capital improvements.

• Approved contracts totaling over $527,000, including a 3-year storage lease at 1822 North Main Street for $306,000
• Accepted donations of 65 stuffed backpacks from New Life South Coast, 30 from R.P. Marzilli & Company, 50 from Highland Church, and sneakers from Fall River Community Food Pantry
• Recognized students Kaitlyn Ferreira, Louraine Dayao, and Sophia Chen for academic excellence
• Heard superintendent's report on dual language enrollment, district enrollment, and capital improvement updates
• Approved minutes from prior meetings including joint city council and school committee meetings

The School Committee approved the minutes from six previous meetings. The session also included student recognition awards and a superintendent's report on district enrollment and capital projects.

• Approved minutes from Joint Meetings (08.20.20, 04.13.21), Instructional Subcommittee (06.02.21), Regular Meetings (06.14.21, 07.19.21), and Special Meeting (09.30.21) (7-0)

Special Meeting of the Fall River School Committee

The Fall River School Committee is meeting to consider entering executive session to review an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins, discuss litigation strategy in Taryn Camara v. Fall River Public Schools, and conduct strategy sessions for contract negotiations with non-union personnel including Daniel DaSilva.

• Review of Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Patrick Higgins regarding alleged failure to timely approve meeting minutes from April and May 2021
• Discussion of litigation strategy in Taryn Camara v. Fall River Public Schools
• Strategy session for contract negotiations with non-union personnel, including Director of Network Technology Infrastructure Daniel DaSilva

The Fall River School Committee approved the negotiated contract for Daniel DaSilva, Director of Network Technology Infrastructure. The committee also entered an executive session to discuss a legal complaint, litigation strategy, and personnel negotiations.

• Approved contract for Daniel DaSilva, Director of Network Technology Infrastructure (6-0)
• Approved motion to enter executive session (6-0)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee approved minutes from previous meetings, accepted donations totaling over $23,000, and approved multiple contracts including a $454,238.50 contract for Chromebooks and a $106,583.60 food truck contract. Other contracts covered curriculum, technology, and special education services.

• Approval of $454,238.50 contract with Hub Tech for 1,200 Chromebooks and 150 Acer Chromebases
• Approval of $106,583.60 contract with MHQ, Inc. for a food truck with refrigeration unit
• Acceptance of $12,177 donation from Project Lead the Way for Watson Elementary supplies
• Acceptance of $7,500 donation from Project Lead the Way for Stone School supplies
• Approval of $65,644.54 contract with Cengage Learning for Edge curriculum at Durfee High School

The School Committee approved minutes from April 13 and May 10, 2021. The meeting included reports on student enrollment, the return to in-person learning, and construction updates for Durfee High School and the Watson renovation.

• Approved minutes from Regular Meeting 04.13.21, Public Hearing 05.10.21, and Regular Meeting 05.10.21
• Denied motion to waive rules for Citizens' Input (3-4)

Policy Subcommittee Meeting

The Fall River Public Schools Policy Subcommittee will meet to discuss and vote on referring several policies to the full School Committee. Items include reviews of public comment procedures, health curriculum, bullying prevention, social media, attendance, and a new student transfer policy. The meeting also includes procedural items and public comment.

• Discussion and vote to refer review of Public Comment policy BEDH
• Discussion and vote to refer review of Health Curriculum
• Discussion and vote to refer review of Bullying Policy
• Discussion and vote to refer review of Social Media Policy
• Discussion and vote to refer review of Attendance Policy and new Student Transfer Policy

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee voted to approve a bundle of contracts totaling over $700,000 for educational software, services, and special education staffing. They also accepted donations from Project Lead the Way and the National Art Education Foundation, and passed a revised academic calendar and new school start/end times for 2021-2022. New administrative positions were created at Kuss Middle School and Viveiros Elementary School.

• Approved contracts including $137,080 for Lexia Core Reading licenses and $60,000 for mindfulness training at Silvia School
• Accepted $7,500 donation from Project Lead the Way for Resiliency Preparatory Academy supplies
• Approved revised 2021-2022 academic calendar and school start/end times
• Created a Vice Principal position at Kuss Middle School
• Approved $45,000 Civics Teaching and Learning grant

The School Committee voted to accept all donations and approved a motion to waive rules for citizens' input. The Superintendent provided updates on student enrollment, staffing vacancies, and the progress of the new Durfee High School building.

• Waived rules for Citizens' Input (6-0)
• Approved acceptance of all donations (5-0)

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee will vote on multiple contracts and donations totaling over $215,000, including facilities and grant contracts, and donations from Project Lead the Way for school materials. The agenda also includes approval of travel requests for the Durfee marching band, acceptance of minutes from past meetings, and a superintendent's report on the Durfee construction project, capital improvements, hiring, and the FY2022 budget.

• $29,374 contract with Dude Solutions for maintenance software
• $38,672 HVAC service contract with Trane for Spencer Borden and Greene Elementary
• $30,053 grant contract with The Booksource for classroom libraries at Silvia Elementary
• $9,448 donation from Project Lead the Way for Durfee High School materials
• Travel requests for Durfee marching band to Rhode Island and Connecticut competitions

The School Committee approved minutes from four previous special meetings. The session included reports on school construction progress and a discussion regarding public input policies following complaints from residents.

• Approved minutes for Special Meetings on 03.01.21, 04.08.21, 06.21.21, and 06.24.21
• Approved motion to waive rules for Citizens' Input (6-0)

Special Meeting of the Fall River School Committee

The Fall River School Committee will discuss and vote on appointing an interim superintendent of schools during this special meeting. The committee also plans to enter executive session to discuss negotiations with the superintendent. Public comment will be taken during citizens' input. The meeting includes procedural items and new business.

• Discussion and vote to appoint an interim superintendent (motion passed with all present voting yes)
• Request for executive session to discuss negotiations with non-union personnel including Superintendent Matthew H. Malone
• Citizens' input period for public comment
• New business for items not anticipated 48 hours prior

The School Committee approved the Second Amendment to Superintendent Matthew H. Malone's employment contract following his resignation effective November 1, 2021. The agreement transfers superintendent powers to an interim official starting July 1, 2021, and includes waivers of certain payments and vacation days.

• Approved Second Amendment to Dr. Malone's employment contract
• Approved motion to take Executive Session out of order (6-0)
• Approved motion to enter Executive Session for contract negotiations (6-0)

Special Meeting of the Fall River School Committee

The Fall River School Committee will hold a special meeting to discuss three Student Information Systems (Aspen, Infinite Campus, PowerSchool). The committee also plans to enter executive session for negotiations with non-union personnel, including the new principal of Kuss Middle School and the Superintendent.

• Presentation and discussion of three Student Information Systems: Aspen, Infinite Campus, PowerSchool
• Request for executive session under M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(2) for strategy on negotiations with non-union personnel (Kuss Middle School principal and Superintendent)
• Citizens' input period for public comment not limited to agenda items

The School Committee held an informational session to review presentations from vendors for a new student information system. No votes were taken, as the administration is currently vetting functionality and training options before requesting formal proposals.

• Decided to live stream the meeting after initial discussion regarding a broadcast delay

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee voted to approve the renaming of Resiliency Preparatory Academy, accept numerous donations totaling $1,299.14, and approve a slate of contracts worth over $2.1 million from operating and grant funds. A $106,250 state Food Security Infrastructure Grant was also accepted. The meeting included recognition of Skills USA winners and 35 retirees.

• Renaming of Resiliency Preparatory Academy approved as referred by Facilities subcommittee
• Contracts approved totaling $2.1M including $488,300 for The Achievement Network and $133,500 for Illuminate Education
• Donations accepted: $300 each from Project Lead the Way for three schools, $200 for Durfee, plus smaller donations
• Food Security Infrastructure Grant of $106,250 accepted for June 2021
• Recognition of 2021 Durfee Skills USA state winners and 35 retirees

The committee held a session for citizens' input where residents requested the renaming of the Resiliency Preparatory Academy in memory of Bob Medeiros. No formal vote on the renaming was recorded in the provided text.

• Approved motion to waive rules for Citizens' Input (7-0)

Instructional Subcommitee

The Instructional Subcommittee will discuss and vote on whether to refer the Health Curriculum. They will also receive updates on the Durfee Redesign and Elementary Math Curriculum. The meeting includes public comment and procedural items.

• Discussion and vote to refer Health Curriculum
• Update on Durfee Redesign
• Update on Elementary Math Curriculum

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee voted to approve school choice for out-of-district students in grades 6-12 and non-resident children of employees for the 2021-2022 school year. The committee also accepted over $160,000 in donations from the Greater Fall River Development Corp and others for technology upgrades at multiple schools, approved contracts including Chromebooks and special education services, and approved grants totaling $152,732.

• School choice policy approved for out-of-district grades 6-12 and employee non-resident K-5
• $27,000 donation for Promethean Boards at Spencer Borden, $25,935 at Fonseca, $25,540 for computers at Morton Middle
• $215,600 contract for Chromebooks and Google licenses from Gov. Connection Inc.
• Approval of grants totaling $152,732 including $64,732 for 21st Century Community Learning Centers
• Travel request approved for Abigail Casey to attend music education conference in Chicago, cost $1,017.76

The meeting consisted of citizen input and procedural items. No substantive decisions, votes, or policy changes were recorded in the provided minutes.

Facilities and Operations Subcommittee

The Facilities and Operations Subcommittee will discuss and vote on referring three items to the full School Committee: facility school use, an audit of heating and ventilation in school buildings, and naming the RPA school building after Robert L. Medeiros. The meeting also includes citizens' input and new business.

• Discussion and vote to refer: facility school use
• Discussion and vote to refer: audit of heating and ventilation in school buildings
• Discussion and vote to refer: naming of RPA school building 'Robert L. Medeiros'
• Citizens' input period for public comment
• New business for topics not anticipated 48 hours prior

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee will hear the superintendent's report on early childhood expansion, proposed ESSER investments, a school reopening update, and capital improvement projects. The committee will also vote to approve minutes from five prior meetings and accept numerous donations to schools, including Chromebooks and gift cards for a fundraiser. Public comment is open.

• Superintendent report: Early Childhood Expansion, proposed ESSER Investments, School Reopening update, District Capital Improvement Projects
• Acceptance of 2 Chromebooks valued at $632.35 for Silvia Elementary from Donor's Choose
• Acceptance of a Chromebook valued at $275 for Watson Elementary from D'Andre Thomas and New Life SouthCoast
• Approval of minutes from Instructional Subcommittee (01.25.21), Facilities Subcommittee (02.03.21), Regular Meeting (02.08.21), Special Meeting (02.22.21), Joint City Council Meeting (03.09.21)
• Acceptance of multiple donations (gift cards, baskets) totaling over $1,000 for Resiliency Preparatory Academy's May fundraiser for FRPS Seniors

The School Committee approved a proposal to hold a farewell event for alumni at the old Durfee High School building before its June 30, 2021, closing date. Superintendent Malone also provided updates on federal ESSER funding and the progress of capital projects, including the Durfee High School roof and technology upgrades.

• Approved holding an 'End of the Old Building Party' for Durfee Alumni (7-0)

Special Education/Alternative Education and Early College Subcommittee

The Special Education/Alternative Education and Early College Subcommittee will open with roll call and a flag salute, then allow public comment. It will provide informational updates on special education, early childhood, the RPA, Evolve Academy, early college, and districtwide speech services. The meeting will conclude with any new business and adjourn.

• Discussion: Special Education Update
• Discussion: Early Childhood Update
• Discussion: RPA Update
• Discussion: Evolve Academy Update
• Discussion: Early College Update

Special Meeting of the Fall River School Committee

The Fall River School Committee held a special meeting to discuss and vote on several budget items and a facility project. They approved a $121,638,499 draft operational budget and an $11,000,000 transportation budget for the purpose of public release. The committee also approved adding $600,000 to the Durfee High School varsity baseball field project, and reconsidered and reaffirmed the earlier budget votes. Additionally, an update on school reopening was presented by the Superintendent.

• Approved FY2022 draft operational budget: $121,638,499 for public release
• Approved FY2022 draft transportation budget: $11,000,000 for public release
• Approved $600,000 addition to Durfee High School varsity baseball field project (previous $1.8M request)
• Reconsidered and reaffirmed both budget approvals
• Discussion on school reopening update from Superintendent Dr. Matthew Malone

The School Committee held a special meeting to discuss budget requests and staffing priorities for Doran Community School and Henry Lord Community School. Principals presented needs for additional teachers, guidance counselors, and lead teacher stipends. No formal votes on these budget requests were recorded in the provided text.

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee approved a $1,926,210 state grant for expanded learning time, along with contracts, travel requests, donations, the superintendent's evaluation, and a School Resource Officers MOU. Members also discussed using ESSER II funds for a required local contribution and for transportation and a book mobile. The committee approved the 2021-2022 instructional calendar and a statement on MCAS.

• Approved $1,926,210 Expanded Learning Time grant from the state
• Approved contracts including $156,000 for Special Education staffing and $22,998.50 for web cameras
• Approved School Resource Officers Memorandum of Understanding
• Discussed $1,363,965 ESSER II appropriation for required local contribution and $1M for transportation plus $250,000 for book mobile
• Approved the superintendent's 2019-2020 evaluation

Finance Meeting

The Fall River Public Schools Finance Committee will hold a meeting to discuss budgets for Kuss, Morton, and Talbot Middle Schools. The agenda includes procedural items such as roll call, pledge, and public comment.

• Discussion of budget for Kuss Middle School
• Discussion of budget for Morton Middle School
• Discussion of budget for Talbot Middle School
• Citizens' input period for public comments

Special Meeting of the Fall River School Committee

The Fall River School Committee will discuss proposed budgets for eight elementary schools: Fonseca, Letourneau, Silvia, Tansey, Watson, Greene, Spencer Borden, and Viveiros. The committee will also enter executive session to discuss strategy regarding anticipated Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination complaints, a motion that has already passed. Public comment will be taken during the citizens' input portion.

• Discussion of budgets for eight named elementary schools
• Request for executive session to discuss litigation strategy on MCAD complaints (motion passed unanimously)
• Citizens' input period for public comment on any topic
• New business for items not anticipated 48 hours before the meeting
• Opening procedures including roll call and pledge

The School Committee held a special meeting to hear budget presentations from the principals of Fonseca and Letourneau Elementary Schools. The session focused on staffing requests, PreK expansion, and chronic absenteeism; no formal votes were recorded in the provided text.

Grievance Subcommittee Meeting

The Fall River Public Schools Grievance Subcommittee is meeting for a procedural session that includes a request to enter executive session to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining and grievances with represented employees. No specific agenda items with financial details or public hearings are listed.

• Request for executive session under M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3) to discuss collective bargaining strategy for all administrators and employees represented by the Fall River Administrators Association

Special Meeting of the Fall River School Committee

The Fall River School Committee will hold a special meeting to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 budget and vote on funding for Phase II of the Watson Renovation Project and a $1.8 million varsity baseball field at Durfee High School. The agenda also includes public comment, new business, and a request for executive session to discuss litigation and collective bargaining strategy.

• Presentation and discussion of the proposed FY2022 annual budget for Fall River Public Schools
• Vote to approve funding for Phase II of the Watson Renovation Project
• Vote to approve $1.8 million for construction of a varsity baseball field at Durfee High School
• Vote to approve professional design services for converting the Durfee baseball field to synthetic turf
• Executive session to discuss litigation (including Sullivan workers' comp and Robinson-Mattos case) and collective bargaining with multiple unions

Superintendent Matthew Malone presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 annual budget of $179,402,274. The meeting included a presentation on revenue sources, capital requests, and the allocation of federal COVID relief funds. No formal votes were taken on the budget proposal during this session.

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee voted unanimously to appoint Charisse Taylor as Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services and Strategic Integration. The committee also approved over $179,000 in contracts, accepted donations totaling more than $17,000 in cash and goods, and heard updates on school reopening and turnaround plans for four schools. A first reading of a Security Resource Officers Memorandum of Understanding was introduced.

• Appointed Charisse Taylor as Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services and Strategic Integration
• Approved contracts: JAG Painting ($19,945), Traverse Landscape ($29,570), Keys to Literacy ($16,100), Rodriguez Educational ($20,000), Eplus Technology ($51,920), Facilities Management Corp ($16,000), Gayle Assad ($25,350)
• Accepted donations including $14,000 in books from Liane Verville, $2,015 from Baycoast for swim team gear, and other small donations
• First read of Security Resource Officers Memorandum of Understanding
• Presentation of turnaround plans for Greene Elementary, Henry Lord Community, Morton Middle, and Durfee High Schools

The meeting consisted primarily of citizen input and reports from the Superintendent and student delegates. No substantive votes or decisions were recorded in the provided minutes.

Facilities and Operations Subcommittee

The Fall River Public Schools Facilities and Operations Subcommittee will meet on February 3, 2021, to discuss and vote on referring a School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding with the Police Department, receive an update on 2020/21 capital projects, review the Chief Information Officer job description, and consider transferring nutrition funds to the new Durfee High School. The meeting also includes procedural items like roll call, pledge, and public comment.

• Discussion and vote to refer: SRO Memorandum of Understanding with the Police Department
• Discussion: Update on 20/21 Capital Projects
• Discussion and vote to refer: Chief Information Officer job description
• Discussion and vote to refer: Nutrition Funds to the New Durfee High School

Instructional Subcommitee

The Fall River Public Schools Instructional Subcommittee is meeting to discuss and vote on referring the Durfee Program of Studies, and to discuss the reproductive health curriculum. The agenda also includes procedural items such as roll call, citizens' input, and new business.

• Discussion and vote to refer the Durfee Program of Studies
• Discussion of reproductive health curriculum

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee approved a $15,000 donation from MEDITECH, several contracts totaling over $175,000, and grants totaling $82,765. It also adopted the superintendent's FY22 budget priorities and authorized submission of a Statement of Interest for the Wiley School's roof, boilers, and windows. Additionally, it approved plans for the PACE Center/Auditorium and athletic fields infrastructure, and elected Mark Costa as Vice-Chair.

• $15,000 donation from MEDITECH for technology advancement
• Approved contracts: Eplus Technology ($12,531.88), ManDez Group ($15,000), Southcoast Hospitals ($32,200), special needs tuition ($73,825.56 + $42,160)
• Approved grants: IDEA Special Education ($74,369) and Early Childhood ($8,396)
• Authorized Statement of Interest for Wiley School window, boiler, and roof replacement
• Approved superintendent's FY22 budget priorities

Superintendent Malone announced that the district will remain in the modified hybrid model for the next six weeks. The return to a full hybrid model for K-8 students, previously scheduled for January 19, is now targeted for March 1 based on city positivity and incidence rates.

• Maintained modified hybrid learning model through March 1