The Fall River School Committee meeting on January 13, 2025, highlighted several key issues affecting local schools, including student achievements, facility concerns, and ongoing contract negotiations for staff.

The meeting began with positive news as the Derby boys and girls basketball teams both won their respective tournaments over the holiday break. Additionally, eighth-grade students from five middle schools will visit Derby High School over the next two weeks to tour the facilities and interact with upperclassmen.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the urgent need for improvements in school facilities. Nevaeh from RPA reported concerns about the school's ventilation system and the condition of gym floors, which students described as bumpy. She also emphasized the importance of completing the culinary kitchens, where students are eager to practice after earning their ServSafe Food Handler Certificates. Superintendent Kerley responded that the kitchen is expected to be ready for use by February 2, 2025.

The meeting also featured strong advocacy from staff members regarding contract negotiations. Several speakers, including Sharon Viera and Daniel Pino, expressed their struggles with heavy workloads and inadequate compensation. Viera highlighted the challenges faced by speech-language pathologists, while Pino emphasized the critical role of physical therapy assistants in the district. Both called for fair wages and better working conditions, urging the committee to prioritize these issues in budget discussions.

The committee members acknowledged the concerns raised by staff and expressed their commitment to addressing the issues. They emphasized the importance of supporting educators and ensuring that students receive the necessary services.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the dual focus on celebrating student achievements while addressing pressing concerns about school facilities and staff compensation. The committee's next steps will involve continued discussions on budget allocations and contract negotiations to support both students and educators in Fall River.