Superintendent of Fall River Public Schools to retire from her position

The Superintendent of Fall River Public Schools has announced that she plans to retire at the end of the school year.

Maria Pontes issued a letter stating that she will be giving up her position, leaving a search for her successor.

“It is with a mixture of gratitude, reflection, and anticipation that I announce my intent to retire as Superintendent of Fall River Public Schools, effective June 30, 2024. After 38 years of dedicated service in various capacities within the Fall River community, I find myself both humbled by the experiences I’ve had and proud of the contributions I’ve made.

“Reflecting on my journey, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities afforded to me throughout my career. From my beginnings as a teacher to assuming roles as department head, vice principal, principal, and assistant superintendent, each step has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of the education landscape and reinforcing my commitment to service to this community. Central to my tenure has been a steadfast dedication to our students and their families. Their well-being, growth, and success have always been at the forefront of my decisions and actions. I am proud to have played a part, however small, in nurturing and empowering the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers.

“I am also immensely proud of the strides we have made as a district under our collective leadership. Through perseverance, collaboration, and a shared vision, we have positioned Fall River Public Schools for success, even in the face of challenges. Our commitment to turnaround experiences has not only revitalized struggling schools, but also renewed hope and opportunity for countless students and families. None of this would have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible staff. From teachers to support staff, administrators to custodians and everyone in between, each member of our team plays a vital role in the education and development of our students. I am profoundly grateful for their unwavering commitment, resilience, and passion for the work of moving our district forward.

“As I prepare to step into a new chapter of my life, I carry with me the lessons learned, the relationships forged, and the countless memories cherished. While my official role will change, my commitment to education and to Fall River remains unwavering. I am a proud product of Fall River Public Schools and will always treasure the doors that were opened for me as a result of the education I received within this community. I look forward to supporting the next generation of leaders and contributing to the greater good in new and meaningful ways.

“In closing, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire Fall River Public Schools community for your support, collaboration, and friendship over the years. It has been an honor and privilege to serve alongside you, and I am filled with gratitude for the memories we’ve shared and the impact we’ve made together. I look forward to watching FRPS thrive as it continues on its journey toward excellence.”

Pontes, who was assistant superintendent at the time, was voted the interim school superintendent as of July 1st, 2021, by the School Committee before the interim label was eventually removed a year later. She was a teacher at Kuss Middle School and became vice principal at Greene Elementary before becoming principal at Doran, then Kuss, then Durfee High.

Pontes took over as Superintendent of Fall River Public Schools after Dr. Matthew Malone resigned from the position after allegations of harassment had emerged along with the death of a student.