Fall River School Committee under investigation by Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, initiated by Mayor Coogan

There was an interesting development at Wednesday’s special Fall River School Committee meeting.

After citizens input, Mayor Paul Coogan announced that he had requested that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education start an investigation into the Fall River School Committee.

A letter read by Coogan from Pedro Martinez, Commissioner of DESE, stated that the investigation concerns the School Committee impacting the Superintendent’s ability to manage priorities. Similar concerns were addressed in a report from May of last year that committee members appeared to not be aware of until tonight’s meeting. Recent events including the possible removal of the Superintendent without cause also got the DESE’s attention.

Robert Curtin, Deputy Commissioner from DESE, was at the meeting to answer questions as he will be leading the investigation.

Coogan noted that he hopes all committee members will be interviewed as part of the investigation.

Members Collin Dias and Kevin Aguiar both stated that they were not aware that Curtin had been at the previous meeting or that he would be present at Wednesday’s meeting, however, Aguiar welcomed his attendance. Aguiar also stated that none of the committee members, minus Coogan, knew about the letter.

Dias objected to the investigation and its premise stating he has concerns that it is politically motivated.

In a question from Dias, Curtin revealed that the investigation will focus on the governing structure and will issue findings and recommendations. He also noted that conduct by the committee in the last 3 months has caused concern from DESE.

The School Committee then went into executive session without the public present to address three topics.

-To discuss strategy with respect to possible litigation by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tracy Curley against the School Committee and certain members.

-To conduct strategy in preparation for contract negotiations for nonunion personnel and to conduct contract negotiations with Curley.

-To discuss the potential dismissal, without cause, of Curley.