Central Falls welcomes new hires as Principal McCarthy departs for Uruguay

The Central Falls School District Board of Trustees meeting on February 25, 2025, highlighted significant staffing changes and updates on grant funding that are set to impact the district's educational landscape.

Superintendent Stephanie announced the addition of several new hires, including an assistant director for multilingual learners, a role created to better support the district's diverse student population, which comprises over half of its enrollment. This new position is filled by an experienced educator who has been with the district for over a decade. The meeting also noted the resignation of Bob McCarthy, the high school principal, who will be leaving to lead a school in Uruguay after the school year concludes.

In terms of funding, the district is currently managing approximately $10.7 million in grants, with a significant portion allocated to Title I and multilingual learner programs. These funds are being utilized for various initiatives, including academic specialists, family engagement efforts, and after-school programs designed to enhance student attendance and performance. Notably, the Title I funding supports essential services such as reading specialists and interventionists, while the multilingual learner funding focuses on after-school programs and curriculum development tailored for non-native speakers.

The board also discussed the importance of community involvement in the decision-making process regarding grant allocations, encouraging family members to participate in school improvement teams. This engagement is crucial as the district prepares for the upcoming fiscal year budget discussions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing educational support through strategic staffing and effective use of grant funding, aiming to foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.