Education
BMC Durfee High School principal named new director of social studies for Fall River Public Schools
FALL RIVER — Superintendent Tracy Curley has announced that Matthew Desmarais has been chosen as the new director of social studies for Fall River Public Schools.
Desmarais, a long-time Fall River educator, started in his new role on July 1. In his new role, Desmarais will oversee the implementation of the social studies curriculum throughout all Fall River Public Schools.
Desmarais has been the Principal of B.M.C. Durfee High School for the past seven years, leading the school throughout the design, construction, and successful opening of the new high school building which opened in 2021.
“I am thrilled to welcome Matthew into his new role as the district’s new director of social studies,” said Superintendent Curley. “He has been a dedicated and valuable school leader in our district for many years. I am confident his leadership skills will propel our district’s innovative and comprehensive approach to social studies education.”
Desmarais has spent his entire academic career at Durfee. Before his current role, he led the school’s history department, was a school Vice Principal, and served as the interim department head of both the world language and English departments. He was first hired at Fall River Public Schools in 2001 as a history teacher.
Desmarais holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in teaching, both from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
Sandra
August 5, 2024 at 7:33 pm
Of course it was a man promoted, even women outnumber men in the teaching field.
MassTexan
August 5, 2024 at 11:10 pm
Sandramatic, don’t make it about gender. There are only two, so it was 50/50. Maybe he was the best candidate? I don’t know the selection process, but did you consider he tested/interviewed better? That he boarded better? Selected by his peers? Better resumé? Or are you just hopping on the DEI train due to personal hatred toward men? If so, I am truly sorry you feel that way…that is an awful way to live, letting hatred consume and infiltrate your thoughts.
I would say a consummate professional who was principal at the largest school in FR, for 7 years, was a factor….not his genitalia. Congratulations Matt! God Bless!
Mm
August 7, 2024 at 10:46 am
He was promoted by a female. 🤦♀️
Richard Souza
August 5, 2024 at 10:47 pm
What did you expect. Favotism at it’s worst. Mayor Coogan honestly believes the mold issue it due to climate change. I for one cannot believe Mayor Coogan said this.
Let the women of the F.S.D.S.stand tall and strong.
Amy Carroll
August 6, 2024 at 7:23 am
Very weak, Richard! He is without doubt extremely qualified. It is sad you don’t know that. Stay on topic. Mold? Coogan? Climate change? What are you even talking about? Who is the woman you think is better qualified? The change is this: get a journal and write in it. This is not the place for unloading insecurities.
Richard Paul Souza
August 5, 2024 at 10:51 pm
Favoritism at it’s worst. Mayor Coogan honestly believes that the mold issue is from climate change. Women of the F.R.S.D. stand tall and strong.
Richard Paul Souza
August 5, 2024 at 11:05 pm
Favoritism at it’s worst. Teacher’s of the F.R.S.D. stand tall and strong. Can you believe that Mayor Coogan honestly believes that the mold issue is due to climate change. I say it’s high time for a change.
Marta C Medeiros
August 6, 2024 at 12:15 pm
Congratulations Matt. It was a pleasure working at our school and working with you for the past couple of decades. You will be missed but I wish you the best in your new career. You certainly deserve it.
Haydee Santiago
August 6, 2024 at 6:50 pm
Congratulations Matt. A true professional.