After Brockton controversy, Fall River Public Schools announces appointment of new Chief Financial Officer

The Fall River Public Schools has announced the appointment of the district’s new Chief Financial Officer.

According to FRPS, Aldo Petronio brings more than 25 years of public-sector financial management experience to the district. Petronio was the School Business Officer for Acushnet Public Schools and spent nearly two decades as Chief Financial Officer for Brockton Public Schools.

As CFO, Petronio will oversee the district’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, payroll, purchasing, grants management, financial reporting, and long-term fiscal planning. He will work closely with Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith, district leadership, and the School Committee to ensure that financial resources are aligned with the educational priorities of Fall River Public Schools.

“We are fortunate to have Aldo joining Fall River Public Schools,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith. “His experience providing fiscal and operational leadership in a large urban school district similar to Fall River, combined with his strong track record in budget development and strategic planning, will make him a tremendous asset to our district.”

FRPS states that during his career in school finance leadership, Petronio managed the financial operations of a large urban school district with an annual budget exceeding $300 million. His responsibilities included budgeting, accounting, payroll and benefits administration, procurement, grant oversight, transportation, food services, construction finance, contract negotiations, and financial reporting. He also played a key role in the financial management of multiple school construction projects and developed long-range financial plans to support district priorities.

Beyond his work in school finance and operations, Petronio has also been a strong advocate for educational equity throughout Massachusetts. He played an instrumental role in the development of the Student Opportunity Act and has worked extensively to support equitable funding and educational opportunities for students across the Commonwealth, helping ensure that all children have access to the resources they need to succeed.

Petronio holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Boston University’s School of Management, with a concentration in Finance and a background in Management Information Systems. He is licensed as a Massachusetts School Business Administrator and has extensive experience in governmental accounting, school finance, procurement, and fiscal compliance.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with the School Committee, Superintendent, principals, staff, city officials, and the community. Strong financial management depends on strong partnerships,” said Petrino. “I was drawn to Fall River because of its commitment to improving educational opportunities for every student. I believe strong financial leadership plays a critical role in supporting teachers, administrators, and students, and I’m excited to contribute to that mission.”

According to The Enterprise of Brockton in September 2023, Petronio was placed on administrative leave amid the discovery of an $18 million budget deficit in Brockton Public Schools.

An independent investigation and audit heavily criticized the district’s finance department, and he was officially fired in October of 2024.

Petronio has maintained that he was made a scapegoat for systemic issues and political pressures. In late 2025, he filed a federal defamation lawsuit against the City of Brockton, former Mayor Robert Sullivan, the school district, and others, seeking emails and records to clear his name.

Petronio will begin his role as Chief Financial Officer in July 2026.