Fall River School Committee member resigns as Westport principal; faculty member accused of excessive physical force on disabled student no longer at school

WESTPORT, MA – A Westport faculty member is no longer working at the school as a Fall River School Committee member resigns from his position in the same district.

According to a statement by Fran Roy, Superintendent of Westport Community Schools, an unnamed classroom teacher assistant who worked at Westport Elementary School resigned after the teacher assistant used excessive physical force with a student with disabilities.

“Westport Police and Massachusetts DCF investigated this incident and Westport Community Schools are cooperating with those investigations. The safety of our students is our top priority and conduct of this type by any staff toward any student is absolutely unacceptable and has no place in our schools.”

The announcement comes a day after Kevin Aguiar resigned from his position as Principal of Westport Elementary School. Aguiar had served the school community since July 2023.

Rumors had recently been swirling concerning Aguiar’s status at the school.

While discussion has spread on social media as to why parents believe Aguiar resigned, when asked, the Westport School District did not release any details surrounding the move.

Fall River Reporter contacted Christopher Thrasher, Chair of the Westport School Committee and he issued the following statement:

“This has been a difficult situation for our community, and my thoughts continue to be with the student and family involved. When the concern was first reported, the district acted immediately and followed every necessary step, including notifying the appropriate state authorities. While I cannot share confidential student or personnel information, I can confirm that the individual involved is no longer employed by Westport Community Schools. I want families to know that the superintendent and the district took this matter seriously from the start and handled it with care and professionalism. Families place immense trust in our schools, and conduct that violates that trust has no place in Westport. Our students deserve to learn in an environment grounded in safety, dignity, and respect, and our community should expect nothing less from those who serve them. As School Committee Chair, I remain committed to ensuring that every child in Westport learns in a safe, supported, and trusting environment, and I will continue to work closely with the superintendent to uphold that responsibility every day.”