Fall River Now

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  Fall River Now

  8.19.2026 Fall River School Committee

  Aug 19, 20263h 32m

  Meeting summary The Fall River School Committee held a regular meeting on August 19, 2026, addressing a wide range of topics from citizen concerns to detailed district reports. The meeting began with resident Pamela Nickerson pleading with the committee to reopen the Durfee High School's Jarabek Memorial Pool for public swim and lessons, which has been closed to the public since December 2025. Committee members expressed support for reopening the pool and requested a plan from the administration. Interim Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith delivered an extensive report covering preparations for the new school year. This included a new opening day event for all staff at the Durfee football field on September 1st, updates on 17 summer capital improvement projects which employed 14 students, and an enrollment update projecting a decrease of approximately 100 students, raising budget concerns of over $2 million for FY28. The committee also received updates on hiring, with 101 new hires since the last meeting, and the ongoing redesign of 290 Rock Street. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to contentious discussions about two DESE district review reports from November 2024 and May 2026. School Committee Vice President Kevin Aguiar argued that the committee was unfairly criticized and targeted in the reports, particularly regarding fiscal oversight policies he believes are strengths that prevent deficits. Mayor Paul E. Coogan countered, stating the reports highlighted a lack of respect and an adversarial culture, and urged the committee to focus on moving forward rather than dwelling on past issues. The committee also approved numerous items, including the School Resource Officer MOU, a $30 million energy service agreement with Ameresco for Green Elementary School, various job descriptions, and appointed members Collin R. Dias and Kevin Aguiar to a city-wide ad hoc transportation committee. Topics discussed Citizen's Input: Durfee Pool Closure Resident Pamela Nickerson addressed the committee about the closure of the Durfee High School's Jarabek Memorial Pool to the public since December 2025, urging them to reopen it for swim lessons and public use. Subcommittee Report: Facilities and Operations Kevin Aguiar reported that the subcommittee forwarded job descriptions, the SRO MOU, and the Green Elementary service agreement to the full committee for approval. School Committee Meeting Calendar 2026-2027 The committee reviewed and approved the meeting calendar for the upcoming school year, with an amendment to reschedule the September and November meetings. Superintendent's Report: District Updates Dr. Kathleen Smith provided updates on the Administrators Institute, plans for the opening day of school, strategic planning progress, summer capital projects, and a student summer employment program. Enrollment Update and Projections The committee received a presentation on current enrollment, which is projected to be down by about 100 students, potentially creating a $2.2 million budget deficit for FY28. Hiring Update Dr. Godino reported that the district has had 101 new hires, 33 resignations, and 1 retirement since the last meeting, and highlighted the hard work of the Human Resources department. 290 Rock Street Program Update Dr. Bronhard provided an update on the Innovation Education Task Force and the programs at 290 Rock Street, noting the recent appointment of the former principal to Morton Middle School. Approval of Meeting Minutes and Compliance The committee approved seven sets of minutes and discussed the need to stay in compliance with the Open Meeting Law regarding timely approval and public posting of minutes. Approval of travel request. — passed Approval of travel request. Approval of first and third donation items. — passed Approval of first and third donation items. Approval of second donation item. — passed Approval of second donation item. MASC Services Discussion Glenn Kuchar, Executive Director of MASC, answered committee questions about the services, training, and resources covered by the district's annual membership dues. School Resource Officer (SRO) MOU The committee approved the memorandum of understanding with the Fall River Police Department for SROs, which was previously vetted in subcommittee. Approval of the School Resource Officers Memorandum of Understanding. — passed Approval of the School Resource Officers Memorandum of Understanding. Green Elementary School Energy Service Agreement The committee approved a service agreement with Ameresco for a grant-funded energy project at Green Elementary, expected to lower energy spending by 60% with no cost to taxpayers. Approval of the service agreement with Ameresco for the Green Elementary School energy project. — passed Approval of the service agreement with Ameresco for the Green Elementary School energy project. Approval of an amended motion to hire two nurses and authorize the superintendent to hire a third. — passed Approval of an amended motion to hire two nurses and authorize the superintendent to hire a third. Appointment of School Nurses The committee approved two nurses and, after a candidate rescinded their offer, authorized the superintendent to hire a third nurse without needing a subsequent committee vote. Approval of 4 grant contracts (Justice Resource, Katie Brown, etc.). — passed Approval of 4 grant contracts (Justice Resource, Katie Brown, etc.). Deputy Superintendent Job Description The committee approved an updated job description for the Deputy Superintendent, solidifying their oversight of alternative education programs. Approval of the Deputy Superintendent job description. — passed Approval of the Deputy Superintendent job description. Amendment ...

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  8.19.2026 Fall River School Committee - Finance

  Aug 19, 20261h 9m

  Meeting summary The Fall River School Committee's Finance Subcommittee met to discuss several key financial matters ahead of the new school year. The primary topics included a new waste removal contract, the budgets for the district's alternative education programs, and the end-of-year financial report for fiscal year 2026. Chief Operating Officer Ken Pacheco detailed the new 3-year city contract with Capital Waste, which he said would provide greater accountability through individual weighing of school waste. However, committee members, led by Kevin Aguiar, expressed significant concern that the School Committee had no input on the contract and requested a five-year history of waste removal costs. A major point of contention arose regarding the budgets for the Evolve, Resiliency Preparatory Academy (RPA), and new virtual school programs. Committee members argued that the administration was reallocating the approximately $3.3 million budget from the former RPA program to create new, separate budgets for the three schools without the required approval of the School Committee, circumventing their budgetary authority. The new CFO, Mr. Petronio, explained he was creating new cost centers and moving budgeted funds as staff were assigned. Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith acknowledged the committee's concerns and committed to providing a full budgetary breakdown for their approval at a future meeting. The CFO also presented the FY26 end-of-year report, which showed a balanced budget, and a comprehensive list of the district's revolving accounts, which sparked a discussion on McKinney-Vento transportation funds and varying school utility costs. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to adjourn. Topics discussed Waste Removal Contract Ken Pacheco explained the new city contract with Capital Waste, which includes weighing school waste for better accountability. Committee members expressed concern about lack of input and requested historical data. Recycling and Composting in Schools The committee discussed recycling mandates, the separation of cardboard, and the lack of a composting program, with suggestions to explore composting in the future to reduce waste. Special Waste Disposal A brief discussion confirmed that special waste, such as from acid waste tanks, is handled by a separate vendor and is not part of the general waste removal contract. Repairs and Upgrades at 290 Rock Street An update was provided on the status of facility upgrades at 290 Rock Street, which houses the alternative programs, indicating work was nearly complete pending the arrival of some doors. Budget for Alternative Programs (Evolve, RPA, Virtual School) Committee members raised concerns that the administration was reallocating an approximate $3.3 million budget for three alternative schools without a vote from the School Committee, violating their budgetary authority. FY26 End-of-Year Financial Report The CFO presented the final financial report for FY26, showing the district balanced its budget to zero, with a $1.2M salary surplus covering a deficit in non-salary contracted services. Revolving and Special Revenue Accounts The CFO provided a comprehensive list of all school department revolving accounts, which he is in the process of reviewing to determine their status and potential use. McKinney-Vento Transportation Funds Discussion about the McKinney-Vento revolving account, its $715,000 balance, and how funds are used for transportation reimbursement for homeless students. School Heating and Utility Costs A committee member questioned the large variance in heating and utility costs between schools, with some bills reaching $20,000. Stone Tuition Fund A question was raised about the Stone Tuition fund showing no expenditures, despite a vote to purchase vans from it; it was clarified the vans had not been paid for yet. Protocol for New Job Descriptions It was noted that a new job description was being fast-tracked through the Finance Committee instead of its relevant subcommittee due to the urgency of hiring before school starts. Motion to adjourn the Finance Subcommittee meeting. — passed Motion to adjourn the Finance Subcommittee meeting. Links Read the meeting summary Watch the full meeting

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  8.18.2026 Historical Commission

  Aug 19, 20261h 13m

  Meeting summary The Fall River Historical Commission held its August 18, 2026 meeting, chaired by Rick Mancini. The commission first addressed a demolition and construction request for stairs at 529 High Street. The homeowner, Mary Beth Bulio, explained the existing brick stairs were a safety hazard. The discussion revealed that the city's building inspector, Frank Calario, had issued an order declaring the stairs unsafe, which legally superseded the commission's authority. While expressing concern about the precedent, the commission tabled the matter, allowing the homeowner to proceed with the work while requesting detailed drawings for their records. The majority of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing requests for letters of support for state and federal historic tax credits. Joel Solomon of Parallel Products presented a $50 million plan to convert the Charlton Mill at 109 House Street into 147 residential units, which was met with approval. Emily Dominiani of Ryan LLC provided updates and secured letters of support for the Sanford Spinning Mill, Algonquin Mills, and Horton Building projects. Similarly, Nathan Kerwin of Heritage Consulting Group received letters of support for four projects: 135 Alden Street, 110 Chase Street, 80-84 Main Street, and 650 Plymouth Avenue. The commission also handled correspondence, approved its 2027 meeting schedule, and received several updates on ongoing preservation projects. Key updates included the 40C Historic District expansion plan awaiting state approval, the imminent retrieval of the historic Freeman's Purchase marker, ongoing work at the Fire Museum and Little Theater, and the salvaging of artifacts (the Eagle sculpture, bricks, a column, and a jail cell) from the recently demolished police station. The meeting was adjourned at 7:13 PM. Topics discussed Meeting Opening and Roll Call The meeting was called to order, the Open Meeting Law notice was read, and a roll call of commissioners was conducted. Approval of July 21st Minutes The commission unanimously approved the minutes from their previous meeting on July 21st. Approval of the July 21st minutes. — passed Approval of the July 21st minutes. Demolition and Construction at 529 High Street Homeowner Mary Beth Bulio presented plans to replace hazardous brick stairs with historically appropriate mahogany stairs. The commission's authority was superseded by a building inspector's order declaring the stairs unsafe, leading the commission to table the item while allowing work to proceed. 40C Historic District Expansion Update An update was given on the 40C district expansion plan, which is under review by the state. The commission discussed the timeline for public hearings and outreach, which will begin after state approval is received. Motion to table the discussion on the demolition and construction at 529 High Street until the September meeting. — tabled Motion to table the discussion on the demolition and construction at 529 High Street until the September meeting. Charlton Mill (109 House Street) Historic Tax Credit Support Joel Solomon of Parallel Products presented a $50 million project to convert the Charlton Mill into 147 residential units. The commission voted to provide a letter of support for state tax credits. Motion to provide a letter of support for the Charlton Mill project at 109 House Street. — passed Motion to provide a letter of support for the Charlton Mill project at 109 House Street. Motion to provide letters of support for the Sanford Spinning Mill, Algonquin Mills, and Horton Building projects. — passed Motion to provide letters of support for the Sanford Spinning Mill, Algonquin Mills, and Horton Building projects. Ryan LLC Projects Historic Tax Credit Support Emily Dominiani of Ryan LLC provided updates on the Sanford Spinning Mill, Algonquin Mills, and Horton Building projects. The commission voted to issue letters of support for all three. Heritage Consulting Group Projects Historic Tax Credit Support Nathan Kerwin of Heritage Consulting Group gave updates on projects at 135 Alden St, 110 Chase St, 80-84 Main St, and 650 Plymouth Ave. The commission approved letters of support and requested drawings for two of the projects. Motion to provide letters of support for projects at 135 Alden Street, 110 Chase Street, 80 & 84 Main Street, and 650 Plymouth Avenue. — passed Motion to provide letters of support for projects at 135 Alden Street, 110 Chase Street, 80 & 84 Main Street, and 650 Plymouth Avenue. Correspondence Review The chair summarized recent inquiries, confirming no historic restrictions apply to 753 Rock Street or a fence at 754 Highland Avenue, and that a request to move a headstone in North Burial Ground was resolved with the headstone remaining in place. Family Services CPC Funding Request A brief mention that Family Services will be seeking CPC funding for an elevator project and will likely request a letter of support at the September meeting. Approval of 2027 Meeting Schedule The commission reviewed and unanimously approved the proposed meeting schedule for 2027, setting meetings for the third Tuesday of each month. Motion to adopt the proposed 2027 meeting schedule. — passed Motion to adopt the proposed 2027 meeting schedule. Freeman's Purchase Marker Update The commission was informed that final approval has been received to retrieve the historic Freeman's Purchase marker, dating to 1653, and move it to the Historical Society. Various Project Updates Brief status updates were provided for several ongoing projects: Central Fire Station (no change), Fire Museum (window replacement), Little Theater (roof work), Bioreserve (archaeological research), and the old Police Station (artifacts saved from demolition). Motion to adjourn the meeting. — passed Motion to adjourn the meeting. Links Read the meeting summary Watch ...

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  8.17.2026 Community Preservation Committee Annual Meeting

  Aug 18, 20265 min

  Meeting summary The Fall River Community Preservation Committee held its annual meeting on August 17, 2026. The meeting began with a roll call of the members present. The committee's financial report was postponed to a future date as the city's CFO was unable to attend. The Chair read a prepared statement reflecting on the committee's progress over the past year, thanking the committee members, applicants, residents, and the administrative aide, Sandy Dennis, for their contributions to preserving the city's historic assets, expanding recreation, and enhancing quality of life through the Community Preservation Act. The primary order of business was the nomination and election of officers. A motion was made to keep the current chair, vice-chair, and clerk in their positions for another term. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously following a roll call vote of 9-0. After the election, the committee voted to adjourn the annual meeting. Topics discussed Opening of Meeting and Roll Call The meeting was called to order, and a roll call was conducted to establish a quorum. Financial Report Postponement The committee deferred the financial report to a future meeting due to the absence of the city's CFO. Chair's Annual Report The Chair delivered a prepared statement summarizing the committee's accomplishments, thanking members, city partners, and residents for their collaboration and support of CPA projects. Election of Officers The committee conducted its annual election of officers, voting to retain the current chair, vice-chair, and clerk for another term. A motion to keep the current chair, vice-chair, and clerk in their positions. — passed A motion to keep the current chair, vice-chair, and clerk in their positions. A motion to adjourn the annual meeting. — passed A motion to adjourn the annual meeting. Links Read the meeting summary Watch the full meeting

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  Fall River Now

  8.17.2026 Community Preservation Committee

  Aug 18, 202646 min

  Meeting summary The Fall River Community Preservation Committee met to review project extensions, approve annual dues, and set the upcoming funding schedule. The committee approved a two-year extension for Forward Preservation to finish window work and another two-year extension for the Fall River Historical Society's $389,943 roof project, which was delayed to accommodate an HVAC system installation. Requests from the Fall River Arts Association and the Fall River Water Department for its Watuppa Pond seawall and historical documents projects were tabled, with the committee requesting representatives to attend the next meeting to answer questions about project progress. Al Oliveira, Director of City Operations, provided updates on several city projects seeking extensions. The committee granted a two-year extension for the Central Fire Station facade, a 17-month extension for the Fall River Fire Museum's roof and window projects, a one-year extension for work at the Fall River Veterans Center, and a one-year extension for the School Administration Building window installation. The committee also unanimously approved the payment of $4,350 in annual dues to the Community Preservation Coalition. Finally, the committee established the key dates for the FY28 funding cycle, with eligibility applications due September 9th and funding applications due February 4th. Topics discussed Roll Call A roll call of committee members was conducted to establish a quorum. Approval of Minutes The committee approved the minutes from the June 15th meeting. Approval of the minutes from the June 15th meeting. — approved Approval of the minutes from the June 15th meeting. Forward Preservation Extension Request The committee approved a two-year extension for Forward Preservation to complete window work, after one member recused themselves due to a board affiliation. A 2-year extension for Forward Preservation. — passed A 2-year extension for Forward Preservation. Fall River Arts Association Extension Request The committee discussed concerns about a lack of progress on the project and voted to table the extension request, requiring a representative to appear at the next meeting. Table the extension request for the Fall River Arts Association until the next meeting. — tabled Table the extension request for the Fall River Arts Association until the next meeting. Fall River Historical Society Extension Request A two-year extension was granted for a $389,943 roof project, which was delayed to accommodate the installation of a new HVAC system. A 1-year extension for the School Administration Building window project. — passed A 1-year extension for the School Administration Building window project. A 1-year extension for the Fall River Veterans Center project. — passed A 1-year extension for the Fall River Veterans Center project. A 2-year extension for the Fall River Historical Society. — passed A 2-year extension for the Fall River Historical Society. Fall River Water Department Extension Requests Extension requests for the Watuppa Pond Seawall historical documents project and the North Watuppa Pond seawalls project were both tabled pending more information and updates. Table the extension request for the Fall River Water Department's Watuppa Pond Seawall historical documents project. — tabled Table the extension request for the Fall River Water Department's Watuppa Pond Seawall historical documents project. Table the extension request for the Fall River Water Department's North Watuppa Pond seawalls project. — tabled Table the extension request for the Fall River Water Department's North Watuppa Pond seawalls project. DCM Facilities - Fall River Fire Museum Extension The committee discussed the progress on the window and roof projects at the Fire Museum, debating the extension length before granting a 17-month extension. A 2-year extension for the Fall River DCM facilities Central Fire Station facade project. — passed A 2-year extension for the Fall River DCM facilities Central Fire Station facade project. DCM Facilities - Central Fire Station Extension Al Oliveira provided an update on the Central Fire Station facade project, noting bidding issues but confirming work would proceed. A two-year extension was granted. A 17-month extension, until the end of December 2027, for the Fall River Fire Museum roof and window projects. — passed A 17-month extension, until the end of December 2027, for the Fall River Fire Museum roof and window projects. DCM Facilities - Fall River Veterans Center Extension A one-year extension was granted to use remaining funds from a previous roofing project to address asbestos found in the stone caps on the roof. DCM Facilities - School Administration Building Extension A one-year extension was approved for the school department to complete the installation of already-purchased windows using in-house staff. Community Preservation Coalition Dues The committee approved the payment of $4,350 for annual membership dues to the statewide Community Preservation Coalition for technical support and advocacy. Payment of $4,350 for the FY27 annual membership dues to the Community Preservation Coalition. — passed Payment of $4,350 for the FY27 annual membership dues to the Community Preservation Coalition. FY28 Funding Schedule The committee established the dates for the upcoming FY28 funding cycle, setting deadlines for eligibility applications (Sept. 9), funding applications (Feb. 4), hearings, and deliberations. Project Updates Members provided updates o...

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