Mayor Paul Coogan and Interim Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith release statement, details, on purchase of former Bishop Connolly High School property

The City of Fall River and Fall River Public Schools announced today details in a joint statement after the Fall River City Council approved a $29.8 million loan order for the purchase of the former Bishop Connolly High School property from the Diocese of Fall River.

The stated from Mayor Paul Coogan and Interim Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith, noted that they “recognize that this is a major commitment on behalf of the City and its taxpayers, and we appreciate the thoughtful consideration, support, and collaboration that made this decision possible. This investment reflects a shared understanding that strengthening educational opportunities for children and families benefits the entire Fall River community.”

“The acquisition of the former Bishop Connolly campus creates an opportunity to establish a centralized Early Learning Center, bringing together preschool classrooms, specialized services, and early childhood support programs in one location,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith. “We are building a strong foundation for future academic success for our youngest learners.”

Fall River Public Schools have been leasing space at the facility from the Diocese, and the school currently serves more than 300 students. Beginning this fall, the program will expand to 33 classrooms and serve more than 600 of Fall River’s youngest learners.

In addition to providing educational space, the 55-acre property offers opportunities for recreational use, community programming, and potential future development. “I am very pleased that this proposal received the support of the majority of the City Council and the Fall River School Committee. This support allows the district to house all our pre-k programs under one roof and create a great early learning educational environment for our students” said Mayor Coogan.

Following approval of the Purchase and Sale Agreement by the Diocese of Fall River and the Vatican, Fall River Public Schools plans to renovate the school building, including upgrades to windows, heating systems, the roof, fire suppression systems, abatement, and other infrastructure improvements. Renovations are currently estimated at approximately $20 million, with roughly $16 million expected to be eligible for reimbursement through programs such as the Massachusetts School Building Authority, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, and National Grid incentives, reducing the district’s anticipated share to approximately $4 million.

The statement concluded stating that “by investing in early childhood education, community resources, and long-range planning, the City of Fall River and Fall River Public Schools are making an investment not only in today’s students, but in the future strength, vitality, and economic development of our city.”

Mayor Paul Coogan

Interim Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith