Fall River Public Schools public meetings in 2023

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The committee is reviewing several federal special education grants totaling over $3.8 million. The agenda includes various school-related contracts, student travel requests for Durfee High School, and a discussion on FY2025 budget priorities.

• Approval of IDEA 240 and IDEA 262 federal grants totaling $3,861,430.00
• Durfee High School DECA travel requests to Hyannis ($200/student) and Boston ($400/student)
• Durfee High School Concert Band, Orchestra & Chorus trip to New York City ($950/student)
• Wilkinson Mobile Boiler contract for Doran School boiler replacement of $140,369.00
• Evolv Express Single Lane Entrance System contract totaling $88,106.10

Grievance Subcommittee Meeting

The Fall River Public Schools Grievance Subcommittee is meeting to consider entering executive session to discuss strategy and matters related to the collective bargaining agreement with the Fall River Educator's Association, including hearing grievances. The meeting also includes procedural items such as roll call, pledge, and public comment.

• Request for executive session under M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3) to discuss collective bargaining and grievances with the Fall River Educator's Association for all professional teaching employees

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee will vote on travel requests for student groups, accept a $164.77 donation, approve six grants totaling $1,102,216, and approve new and continuing contracts for special education tuition, facilities equipment, and professional development. The meeting also includes recognition of a student, subcommittee updates, and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Approval of six grants totaling $1,102,216 for Early College Expansion, SEL & Mental Health, GLEAM Cohort II, Turnaround Assistance, Afterschool and Out-of-School Time, and Strengthening Career & Technical Education.
• New contracts: Hydrograss Corp. bark blower ($95,150), special education tuition at Boston Higashi School ($193,358), League School ($136,569), and Stetson School ($98,439).
• Continuation contracts: Katie Brown Educational Program violence prevention ($110,000), Amplify ELA curriculum ($218,350), HILL for Literacy consultation ($156,618), and multiple special education tuition contracts.
• Travel requests for Durfee High School: DECA trip to Anaheim (up to $2,000/student, April 2024), SkillsUSA to Atlanta, and trips to Roger Williams University, New England Institute of Technology, and Ellis Island.
• Recognition award presented to student Chloe Pacheco for academic excellence.

Special Education/Alternative Education and Early Childhood Subcommittee

The Special Education/Alternative Education and Early Childhood Subcommittee will discuss and vote on whether to refer the Attendance Policy for further action. Members will also receive updates on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives and 504 Policy and Procedures across the district.

• Discussion and vote on referral of Attendance Policy
• Update on SEL initiatives
• Update on 504 Policy and Procedures district-wide
• Citizens' input period for public comment

Grievance Subcommittee Meeting

This is a procedural meeting of the Fall River Public Schools Grievance Subcommittee. The only substantive item is a request to enter executive session to discuss strategy and collective bargaining with the Fall River Educator's Association, including hearing grievances. No other decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.

• Request for executive session under M.G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3) to discuss collective bargaining and grievances with the Fall River Educator's Association

Instructional Subcommittee

The Fall River Public Schools Instructional Subcommittee will discuss the 2023 Accountability Data, an update on the Katie Brown program, the Social Studies Curriculum Pilot, and the Ignite Reading program. The meeting includes procedural items and public comment time.

• Presentation and discussion of 2023 Accountability Data
• Update on Katie Brown program
• Update on Social Studies Curriculum Pilot
• Update on Ignite Reading program

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee will vote on multiple contracts including a new $101,350 Evolv entrance system for athletic fields and a $411,000 continuation contract with Carnegie Learning for elementary math support. They will also accept donations totaling $50,240.45 from UConn, Bristol County Savings Bank, and others, and approve several travel requests for students and staff to destinations including Costa Rica, Philadelphia, and New Orleans. Procedural items include recognition awards, subcommittee updates, and minutes approval.

• Contract for Evolv Express single lane entrance system at athletic fields, $101,350
• Continuation of Carnegie Learning partnership for elementary math coaching, $411,000
• Acceptance of $20,000 donation from Bristol County Savings Bank for Durfee High School initiatives and family engagement
• Acceptance of $22,428.45 donation from University of Connecticut for i-MTSS work
• Travel requests including a STEM Abroad trip to Costa Rica (April 2025) and a homeless education conference in New Orleans

Special Education/Alternative Education and Early Childhood Subcommittee

The Fall River Public Schools Special Education/Alternative Education and Early Childhood Subcommittee will discuss and vote on whether to refer contracts with People Incorporated and YouthCourt. They will also receive updates on the attendance policy, SEL curriculum and initiatives, and 504 policy and procedures across the district.

• Discussion and vote to refer the People Incorporated contract
• Discussion and vote to refer the YouthCourt contract
• Update and review of the Attendance Policy
• Update on SEL curriculum and initiatives
• Update on 504 policy and procedures district-wide

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee met on September 11, 2023, and voted on several items including approval of contracts totaling over $1.4 million for facilities, special education, and technology services. They also accepted donations totaling $13,130 and school supplies, approved a travel request for the girls soccer team, appointed a district nurse, and adopted the District Handbook. The meeting included recognition of students, subcommittee updates, and a superintendent's report on hiring and opening updates.

• Approved contracts: Brightly software renewal ($32,693), ParentSquare ($59,400), Renaissance ($51,225), Cultured Care nursing ($683,550), LearnWell tutoring ($80,000), Futures Healthcore speech ($398,916), plus new contracts for freezer replacement ($15,750), tank removal ($14,880), floor materials ($29,800), cafeteria tables ($17,804.50), and special education services ($130,680)
• Accepted donations: $10,000 from Edward Almeida for music instruments, $2,500 from Mass Cultural Council, t-shirts valued at $630 from Feast & Fettle, 100 backpacks from Stonehill College, and school supplies from Waters Church
• Approved travel for 40 Durfee High School girls soccer students to Providence College on September 16, 2023
• Appointed Sheena Carrier as nurse for Fall River Public Schools
• Approved the District Handbook as presented by Superintendent Maria Pontes

Parent & Community Outreach Subcommittee

This is a discussion-only meeting of the Fall River Public Schools Parent & Community Outreach Subcommittee. Members will review summer engagement activities, out-of-school hours support including PAPER tutoring, and partnerships offering SEL and mental-health services. The subcommittee will also discuss the connection between staffing and SEL programming and plans for the 2023-2024 school year, including responsive classroom trainings and attendance initiatives.

• Discussion of out-of-school hours support, including PAPER tutoring and SEL programs in summer buildings
• Recap of summer engagement activities at multiple schools (Viveiros, Morton STEM, Durfee, etc.) with photo links
• Update on community partnerships: Family Services groups and Mindfulness Karate funded by SEL mental-health grant
• Update on community facilitators hired to navigate family needs and support attendance and translation
• Future planning: district SEL team expansion, responsive classroom trainings for 90+ staff, and #ShowUpFRPS attendance campaign

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee will hold a regular meeting to vote on a $1,134,000 grant from the One8 Foundation for reading tutoring, along with numerous contracts totaling over $2.4 million. Other business includes approval of minutes, a travel request for the Durfee marching band, acceptance of an $18,500 donation for science kits, and the superintendent's update on school opening, hiring, and administrator institute.

• Approval of a $1,134,000 One8 Foundation Ignite Reading Grant for tutoring
• Contracts include $400,000 for special education staffing (Precision Human Resources) and $750,000 for Ignite Reading tutoring
• Donation of $18,500 from One8 Foundation for middle school science kits
• Purchase of three vehicles (Eco-Sport and two Escapes) for $93,079.38
• Contracts for technology subscriptions: Lexia ($168,109), Illuminate ($80,096), Nearpod ($47,187)

Policy Subcommittee Meeting

The Fall River Public Schools Policy Subcommittee will discuss and vote on referring a set of updated policies to the full committee. The agenda includes both policies with only minor grammatical or legal reference updates and those that alter language significantly, including new policies on fraternization and online fundraising. The meeting also includes procedural items like roll call, public comment, and new business.

• Review of minor updates to 35+ policies including Equal Employment Opportunity, Staff Conduct, Student Discipline, and Bullying Prevention
• Review of language-altering policies including Buildings and Grounds Security, Walkers and Riders, Student Dress Code, Physical Restraint, and new Fraternization Policy
• Vote to refer updated policies to the committee of the whole
• Public comment period for items not on the agenda

Facilities and Operations Subcommittee

The Facilities and Operations Subcommittee is discussing and voting to refer four items: a School Resource Officer (SRO) Memorandum of Understanding, a pricing matrix for facility use, a naming and renaming committee, and a demographics study report. The meeting also includes procedural items and public input. No decisions are final; votes to refer are recommendations to the full committee.

• Discussion and vote to refer: SRO Memorandum of Understanding
• Discussion and vote to refer: Pricing Matrix for Facility School Use
• Discussion and vote to refer: Naming and Renaming Committee
• Discussion and vote to refer: Demographics Study Report

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee is meeting to approve a large slate of contracts totaling over $1.5 million for services including curriculum, technology, special education, and facilities maintenance. They will also consider three grants totaling $604,450 for family engagement, genocide education, and summer learning. Additionally, they will discuss and vote on a new Criminal Justice/Protective Services teacher job description and a card access project for district buildings.

• Approval of contracts: Trane HVAC service at Spencer Borden and Greene Elementary ($43,868), American Reading Company curriculum ($131,781), Carnegie Learning coaching ($150,000), CORE copier services ($197,762), and various software renewals.
• Approval of grants: Coordinated Family and Community Engagement ($520,580), Genocide Education ($33,870), High Quality Summer Learning-Morton ($50,000).
• Discussion and vote on Criminal Justice/Protective Services teacher job description.
• Discussion and vote on Card Access Projects in the district.
• Approval of minutes from previous meetings.

Technology Subcommittee

The Fall River Public Schools Technology Subcommittee will discuss and vote to refer several items, including card access projects with change orders at multiple schools, a Chromebook purchase and license purchase, the property at 2501 South Main Street, and conversion of a data technician to data specialist. The committee will also receive updates on summer project timelines, VOIP, and X2.

• Card Access Projects at Watson, Greene, Viveiros, Talbot, Tansey, Fonseca, Doran, Silvia, Kuss, and change orders for Spencer Borden and Morton
• Chromebook Purchase
• ChromeBook License Purchase
• 2501 South Main Street
• Conversion of a Data Technician to a Data Specialist

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee will vote on a slate of new and continuing contracts for facilities, technology, and instructional materials, including a $330,220 lighting system at Kuss and $350,000 in general supplies. The board will also consider travel requests for summer field trips, acceptance of a $7,082 donation from Project Lead the Way, and recognition of 35 retirees.

• Approval of contracts: Babizon Lighting ($330,220), MHQ vehicles ($61,027, $68,912, $203,396), Apple MacBooks ($12,784), Harman sound system ($28,989), Norel intercoms ($46,069)
• Grant contracts: Carnegie Learning ($33,600), Hill for Literacy ($72,000), Imagine Learning ($145,475), New England Sports Promotion ($35,604), Writing Revolution ($29,142)
• Miscellaneous contracts: Cengage materials ($72,171), Diman hockey programming ($17,641), McGraw Hill Pre-K ($34,591), TEC general supplies ($350,000)
• Travel requests for field trips to Mystic Aquarium, Blackstone Valley Explorer, The Breakers, Roger Williams Zoo (costs per student $5.50–$20)
• Acceptance of donations: $7,082 from Project Lead the Way and cases of water from Ready ReFresh

Technology Subcommittee

The Technology Subcommittee will discuss and vote to refer several items to the full School Committee, including job descriptions, a cell phone policy, technology purchases, and a security cameras policy. Updates will be provided on the Technology Services organizational chart, summer project timeline, and a low voltage electrician position. Public comment is also scheduled.

• Discussion and vote to refer: Supervisor of Technology Services job description
• Discussion and vote to refer: Audio Video Technician job description
• Discussion and vote to refer: District employee cell phone policy
• Discussion and vote to refer: VOIP Wireless Phone Purchase
• Discussion and vote to refer: District Firewall Upgrade Purchase

Special Education/Alternative Education and Early Childhood Subcommittee

The Special Education/Alternative Education and Early Childhood Subcommittee will meet to discuss and vote to refer a special education job description and specialized programming curriculum. They will also receive updates on credit recovery, the continuum of special education programming across the district, and the Robert L. Medeiros Resiliency Preparatory Academy. Public input is allowed during citizens' input.

• Discussion and vote to refer: Special Education Job Description
• Discussion and vote to refer: Specialized Programming Curriculum
• Update: Credit Recovery
• Update: Continuum of Special Education Programming across the district
• Update: Robert L. Medeiros Resiliency Preparatory Academy

Policy Subcommittee Meeting

The Fall River Public Schools Policy Subcommittee will discuss and vote on whether to refer to the full committee the addition of four new policies, the deletion of twelve existing policies, and the update of a large set of policies covering topics from nondiscrimination to technology use. The meeting includes public comment and procedural items.

• Discussion and vote to add policies on School Improvement Plan, harassment of students, and employee cell phone use
• Proposed deletion of policies including Corporal Punishment (JKA), School Committee Membership (BK), and Community Involvement in Decision-Making (KCB)
• Review of updated policies: Nondiscrimination, Sexual Harassment, Tobacco Products on School Premises, Face Coverings, and many others
• Citizens' input period for public comment not limited to agenda items

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee will consider approval of multiple contracts totaling over $1.4 million for playground installations, landscape services, and design projects. They will also vote on travel requests for student field trips and professional development, and accept donations. The meeting includes updates from the superintendent on end-of-year activities and hiring, plus approval of prior meeting minutes.

• $496,931 contract with MRC for three Greene playgrounds (design, equipment, installation)
• $168,455 contract with MRC for Doran playground
• $235,000 contract with Expertcon for OPM services on Watson Phase 3 project
• $163,624 contract with BrightView Landscapes for Durfee yearly landscape
• $5,000 donation from The Dover Church for Letourneau Elementary classroom libraries

Instructional Subcommittee

The Instructional Subcommittee will discuss updates to the health curriculum and consider votes to refer the Multilingual Learners (MLL) Corrective Action Plan, ELA middle school curriculum adoption, and TNTP partnership renewal to the full School Committee. Public comment is also scheduled.

• Update on health curriculum (Discussion, Information)
• Discussion and vote to refer MLL Corrective Action Plan
• Discussion and vote to refer ELA middle school curriculum adoption
• Discussion and vote to refer TNTP Partnership Renewal
• Citizens' input for public comment

Special Meeting of the Fall River School Committee

The Fall River School Committee will vote to approve the Fiscal Year 2024 draft operational budget ($163,920,197) and transportation budget ($10,000,000) for public release ahead of a May 15 public hearing. The meeting also includes a period for public comment.

• Vote to approve FY2024 draft operational budget of $163,920,197 for public release
• Vote to approve FY2024 draft transportation budget of $10,000,000 for public release
• Public Hearing scheduled for Monday, May 15, 2023

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee will meet to consider approval of multiple contracts, grants, donations, travel requests, and minutes. Key actions include interviewing Dr. Aimee Bronhard for Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services and voting on the Mann Murals. The committee will also accept a $20,000 donation from UConn and approve $111,850 in grants.

• Interview of Dr. Aimee Bronhard for Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services and Strategic Integration
• Approval of contracts including two electric vans ($62,680 and $60,660) and Paper Education student licenses ($145,390)
• Acceptance of $20,000 donation from University of Connecticut for i-MTSS work
• Approval of $111,850 in grants: Growing Literacy Equity ($72,500) and SEL/mental health ($39,350)
• Vote on Mann Murals as referred by Facilities and Operations Subcommittee

Special Meeting of the Fall River School Committee

The Fall River School Committee will hold a special meeting to discuss the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. The agenda includes a public comment period and procedural items such as flag salute, open meeting law, and roll call. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of Fall River Public Schools Fiscal Year 2024 Budget
• Citizens' input period for public comments on non-agenda items
• Procedural items: flag salute, open meeting law reminder, roll call

Special Meeting of the Fall River School Committee

The Fall River School Committee will hold a special meeting to discuss the Fiscal Year 2024 budget for the public schools. The agenda also includes standard opening items, a public comment period, and an adjournment. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of Fall River Public Schools Fiscal Year 2024 Budget

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee is approving contracts totaling over $6 million, including $2 million for Samuel Watson School improvements and $4.4 million for Chromebooks, laptops, and security software. They also voted on travel requests for NJROTC trips and teacher training, accepted donations totaling $13,385, and approved minutes from prior meetings.

• Collins Construction: Phase 3 Samuel Watson School Improvements, $2,096,753
• GovConnection: Chromebook replacements for middle and high schools, $2,070,080
• Whalley Computer: Replacement teacher laptops district-wide, $1,362,600
• Donations: $6,250 from Bank 5 for attendance incentives, $6,000 from Michael Troy Foundation for music instruments
• Travel requests: Durfee NJROTC trip to NYC ($3,980) and NJROTC training in Lambertville, NJ ($807.46)

Technology Subcommittee

The Technology Subcommittee will discuss and vote on several technology expenditures, including replacement chromebooks for middle schools, teacher devices, and a district-wide security/antivirus purchase. They will also consider the district's share of an Emergency Connectivity Fund grant and hold an executive session on security deployment.

• Discussion and vote on middle school replacement chromebooks for School Year 23-24 RFP
• Discussion and vote on replacement teacher devices expenditure
• Discussion and vote on chromebook case purchase for elementary school chromebooks
• Discussion and vote on Emergency Connectivity Fund Round 1 FRPS grant share
• Discussion and vote on district-wide security/antivirus purchase

Facilities and Operations Subcommittee

The Fall River Public Schools Facilities and Operations Subcommittee will discuss an update on the Mann Murals and consider a vote to refer the renewal of the lease for the Fall River Youth Soccer Association to the full School Committee. They will also discuss reorganization job descriptions. The meeting includes procedural items such as roll call and citizens' input.

• Update on Mann Murals
• Discussion and vote to refer lease renewal for Fall River Youth Soccer Association
• Discussion and vote to refer reorganization job descriptions

Special Education/Alternative Education and Early College Subcommittee

The Special Education/Alternative Education and Early College Subcommittee will discuss updates on the Evolve program and the Robert L. Medeiros Resiliency Preparatory Academy. Members will vote to refer a potential partnership with Special Education Services Incorporated and Southcoast Educational Collaborative to strengthen programs for highest‑needs students. The committee will also vote to refer revised job descriptions for Special Education roles. Public comment time is provided for residents to share ideas.

• Discussion: Evolve Update
• Discussion: Robert L. Medeiros Resiliency Preparatory Academy Update
• Discussion and Vote to Refer: partnership with Special Education Services Incorporated and Southcoast Educational Collaborative
• Discussion and Vote to Refer: revised Job Descriptions for Special Education roles

Special Meeting of the Fall River School Committee

The Fall River School Committee is holding a special meeting with the primary item being a request to enter executive session. The session will discuss collective bargaining strategy for cafeteria, maintenance, custodial, and safety/security employees represented by AFSCME Council 93, Local 1118. Other agenda items are procedural (opening, public comment, new business).

• Request for executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy for four employee groups: cafeteria, maintenance, custodial, and safety/security (AFSCME Council 93, Local 1118).
• Public comment period for items not on the agenda.
• New business for topics not anticipated 48 hours before the meeting.

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee is meeting on February 13, 2023, to discuss and vote on several operational items. Agenda items include approval of multiple student travel requests to music festivals, acceptance of a $6,000 donation, and approval of contracts for bleacher inspections and educational services. The committee also voted on overtime pay for storm cleanup and approved minutes from prior meetings.

• Authorized overtime pay for Manny Moniz and Angel Borges for storm work, limited to one storm (motion passed 7-0).
• Approved travel requests for band/orchestra students to High Note Festival at Lake Compounce, CT in May (7 schools, $70/student).
• Accepted a $6,000 donation from Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation to sponsor WSAR Radio Show.
• Approved new contracts: bleacher inspection ($11,000 from Facilities & Operations) and psychology evaluations ($31,500 from SPED 252 Grant).
• Approved three days of violence prevention training from The Leadership Program (SEL grant, amount not specified).

Instructional Subcommittee

The Instructional Subcommittee will discuss and vote on referring the Durfee Program of Studies. They will also receive updates on local assessment data, discuss curriculum pilots, and review school and district improvement plans. Public input is accepted at the start of the meeting.

• Discussion and vote to refer: Durfee Program of Studies
• Discussion and update: local assessment data
• Discussion: curriculum pilot
• Discussion: school improvement plans and district improvement plans

Parent & Community Outreach Subcommittee

The Parent & Community Outreach Subcommittee will hear updates on parent engagement via Parent Square and PowerSchool Access, discuss community engagement plans, review attendance data, and revisit goals set earlier in the year. Public comment is allowed at the start of the meeting. No formal votes are scheduled.

• Update on Parent Square and PowerSchool Access for parent engagement
• Discussion of community engagement plans
• Update on student attendance
• Discussion of goals set earlier in the year
• Citizens' input period for public comment

Special Education/Alternative Education and Early College Subcommittee

The Special Education/Alternative Education and Early College Subcommittee will receive updates on special education data, staffing, budget, and the strategic plan. They will also discuss the SEPAC overview, department priorities, and a follow-up on the Rotenberg Educational Center. No votes on ordinances or contracts are scheduled.

• Update: Special Education Data and Staffing Levels
• Discussion: SEPAC Overview
• Update: Strategic Plan Status
• Update: Special Education Budget
• Discussion: Rotenberg Educational Center follow-up

REGULAR MEETING OF THE FALL RIVER SCHOOL COMMITTEE

The Fall River School Committee will hold a second read and vote on the superintendent's recommended FY2024 budget priorities and amended budget calendar. The meeting also includes approval of travel requests, including a $4,400-per-student trip to Croatia for Durfee High School students, and acceptance of donations totaling over $76,000 from various organizations. Multiple contracts for boiler rental, technology licensing, and website renewal are up for approval.

• Vote on FY2024 budget priorities and amended budget calendar
• Travel request: Durfee High School trip to Croatia & Slovenia, $4,400 per student
• Travel request: Superintendent to Orlando for Innovative Schools Summit, $1,538.38 per person
• Donation of $42,000 from Popplestone Foundation for Parent Child Plus Program
• Contract for Durfee pool boiler rental from Wilkinson Mobile Boilers, $37,575

The School Committee approved all listed travel requests and donations. The committee also approved all contracts except for those with Wilkinson Mobile Boilers, Inc. and Imagine Learning. Minutes from the December 12, 2022, Finance and Regular meetings were approved.

• Approved Finance and Regular School Committee meeting minutes from 12.12.22 (7-0)
• Approved all Travel Requests (7-0)
• Accepted all donations (7-0)
• Approved all contracts excluding Wilkinson Mobile Boilers, Inc. and Imagine Learning (7-0)