[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6222199,"mediaKeyId","3610636-d966cc5b2eafcb0fdd7fabbcdbd92397","parentId",3610636,"title","Subcommittee discusses DESE mileage interpretation, transport eligibility and redistricting links to class-size pressures","audioSeconds",103,"startMs",5336000,"endMs",5439000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3610636-d966cc5b2eafcb0fdd7fabbcdbd92397&start=5336&end=5439","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3610636-d966cc5b2eafcb0fdd7fabbcdbd92397/thumbnail_5336000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6222199/Fall-River-City/Bristol-County/Massachusetts/Subcommittee-discusses-DESE-mileage-interpretation-transport-eligibility-and-redistricting-links-to-class-size-pressures","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222199-239962ee19935e31e77055da472dca3e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437093&Signature=UO5SGe7vo88qkiZJCpEjoJVunftWExzwLAcRY3wcTXklG3nNPoqZm2NJmiFk3Pyl2Ur1W3vKvDjY75bzYUeErP8pdHf2q9UodhOyRixaPhGprFItvNGfPZEpvASlRyj1EbNbquvG4wvZS74GmkRbCEsjcTkOAFLY98I-idZDZr3fBh8YNRU6gziIc8hpitUPjDN8avTcLiP9DOoP3Dnwq2KfEfPw529IayGet8LNvrpaTVIAmYwbR-DtxJY9GXNaGETDIANBPkOg4nX3XajqnbU19tuDdH6q0QsfpFHhfG3Z2ElZqqQ6JBgjqizFL-wasY18EAVSH0bGQlVAdL4aLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fall River City, MA","date","2025-05-30T05:40:03Z","article","Subcommittee members discussed transportation policy interpretation and how a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) ruling about mileage versus 'crow flies' measurement affects which families are eligible for district transportation. Members asked whether the district had proactively contacted newly eligible families under the revised interpretation; administration said it had not issued a broad outreach and had maintained status quo transportation for families eligible in September but would address notifications over the summer.

Members identified redistricting and transportation calculations as closely linked to class-size and budget pressures: drawing lines to reduce cross-city busing could reduce transportation costs but may prompt pushback from families. Administration said DESE’s interpretation has been communicated but that corrective timelines typically extend to the next school year and that changes would be presented with clear notice to families. The subcommittee requested the administration share the DESE complaint/ruling, outline how newly eligible families will be notified, and include projected transportation cost impacts in later reports that accompany redistricting scenarios.

Why it matters: Transportation eligibility affects family access to schools, attendance patterns and district transportation budgets. Committee members said changes in eligibility and redistricting decisions should be accompanied by clear outreach and data showing attendance and cost impacts.

The subcommittee did not change district policy at the meeting; it requested specific documentation and outreach plans for the full committee’s review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5.29.2025 Fall River School Committee - Special Ed, Alternative Ed & Early Childhood Subcommittee","oneSentenceSummary","Members discussed a DESE ruling that affected how the district interprets transportation eligibility (moving from “crow flies” to mileage/walking-distance), redistricting implications, and the need to notify newly eligible families before next school year; administration said it has not proactively expanded transportation offers yet.","taxTitle","Fall River City, Bristol County, Massachusetts","taxId",4215,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6222205,"Subcommittee reviews renewal of Autism Level Up partnership to expand inclusive preschool supports",182,74000,256000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3610636-d966cc5b2eafcb0fdd7fabbcdbd92397&start=74&end=256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3610636-d966cc5b2eafcb0fdd7fabbcdbd92397/thumbnail_74000.jpg","/articles/6222205/Fall-River-City/Bristol-County/Massachusetts/Subcommittee-reviews-renewal-of-Autism-Level-Up-partnership-to-expand-inclusive-preschool-supports","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222205-f49043f69bc2e2e26701f43623763b73/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437093&Signature=EIQHocxYFRz1wJPO8coKS4DvU04FsltbdjnLwhUZOfIIR2V73rkr2feT4vzz1inifck4~liGoMjc8aMiQ-wa~eBvbjGtogD-TzZ7pftZK3WfM1vLNv2F-7kJE6pTFPm7AjphmMeQucC1VdVUj1vStcPZqfwvOBKRkis~mmg06sAy~bV0vJXbvQqd4P8H7iwZ8ZddrUlVhlqLR55Iakgei5FB5ISnS~XRxbYZaR5s0bcT3UOEfsX9iL1pO2dWoss8g1vj-j4e38xXfFNeyZQMuAYuB8hYOAvRIS7PTmpBWRn6KmvPWgXsAFHq0-urm6m3oxKMY0TQomXdPZViE1SuCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The subcommittee reviewed a district partnership with Autism Level Up, a privately operated support and professional-development provider that worked with three schools this year to move a subset of prekindergarten students from substantially separate settings into partial or full inclusion.

Presenters said about 28 students participated in the program this year’s “GROW” initiative; by year end 22 of 28 were moving to either full inclusion with supports or partial-inclusion models. The presenter described Autism Level Up’s model as including pre-summer professional development for staff, classroom observations, twice-monthly on-site coaching visits during the school year, immediate feedback to teachers after observations and ongoing email or other remote access.

Administration told the committee that the recommended contract for the coming year is grant-funded and that the backup materials list a cost of $99,260. The subcommittee discussed possible expansion to additional schools including Henry Lord and, later, other elementary schools if the partnership grows slowly as the vendor recommends.

Committee members asked whether the program serves only students with autism; the presenter said Autism Level Up emphasizes neurodiversity work and supports students with complex needs beyond autism (for example, students with regulation or communication challenges not strictly tied to autism diagnoses).

The subcommittee voted to refer continuation of the Autism Level Up partnership to the full committee for approval and asked administration to provide clarifying information on which classrooms and student counts would be included next year if the grant and referral are approved.","Presenters asked the subcommittee to continue a grant-funded partnership with Autism Level Up (about $99,260) that this year helped move pre-K students from substantially separate classrooms into partial or full inclusion; the subcommittee referred the contract to the full committee.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6222210,"Subcommittee backs referral to expand hybrid 'flex' Evolve pathway after pilot reengaged dropouts",1317,3638000,4955000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3610636-d966cc5b2eafcb0fdd7fabbcdbd92397&start=3638&end=4955","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3610636-d966cc5b2eafcb0fdd7fabbcdbd92397/thumbnail_3638000.jpg","/articles/6222210/Fall-River-City/Bristol-County/Massachusetts/Subcommittee-backs-referral-to-expand-hybrid-flex-Evolve-pathway-after-pilot-reengaged-dropouts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222210-4b09dff3dfda81dd82ab8d57a83525c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437093&Signature=i9bMljO9M42zd0zU~Nzlzn1-BWfQxJxypAloxvi9lYxiHeF1asI3HRre8abA2h5-4gVY7jMcUq3THpa0QuToW41QOwRqJfLRX37Oq0yhoWf6hUiFeuUq86z93PnHXWSOn5CUUZcU2tZeub4cMfejfktO9C-q1BAPT9uxq4vqGVe3~tw3R4OPLgxtg3SY1WyWO18q161d-VKNQsTACk5mahyzSakTYt5xeN0LX251G3AqqG0e578tCTQnE~6NYdpyuPJgBVryYwuMvGqGE29nQWMTp4pfwxiK1GHfOpEzxlW7NKfxCzQDlbP3gMePqK-rVnZY20Ou8rO-UCeHvTgilQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The subcommittee reviewed a year-long pilot of a hybrid/flex pathway run through Durfee High School’s Evolve program and voted to refer an expansion proposal to the full committee. Presenters said the pilot enrolled 16 students with significant attendance, mental-health or work-related barriers; most participants were older (average age 17) and had documented physical or mental-health challenges.

Program options included asynchronous virtual coursework aligned to project-based, competency-based curriculum; mixed virtual/in-person hybrid schedules; and an after-dark in-person support block. The district reported positive results: 12 of 16 students showed strong credit accumulation, eight were on track to graduate and five of six previously disengaged students returned and were graduating. Presenters said the pilot was revenue positive under the district’s enrollment assumptions and that the program is a candidate for a Department of Education student learning time waiver needed to expand the flex model.

The administration asked permission to submit a student learning time waiver to the state and to scale the pathway to 50 students next year, with a three-year plan to grow to 75 and then 100 students. The program team also reported a $150,000 sustainability grant from the Barr Foundation to support teacher stipends and curriculum development aligned to competency-based TLEs (project-based learning).

Committee members asked about eligibility (current rule: students a year-and-a-half off track in credits; eligibility may be broadened for ninth grade going forward), space and outreach. Presenters said current capacity exists for the coming year but expansion would require additional space, and they are exploring local sites (including community college space) and partnerships. The subcommittee referred expansion to the full committee for consideration and requested a plan for recruitment, eligibility criteria, and identified space and budget implications.

Why it matters: The flex pathway targets students at risk of dropping out or who do not succeed in traditional schedules; committee members cited the option’s role in reengaging students and in offering alternatives to fully virtual charter/online programs.

No final expansion or waiver was approved at the subcommittee level; the referral asks the full committee to review the waiver application, expansion timeline, and funding and space plan.","A pilot hybrid/flex pathway served 16 students this year and reengaged several dropouts; the subcommittee voted to refer a plan to expand the program to the full committee and pursue a student learning time waiver to grow capacity to 50 students next year.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6222214,"Subcommittee seeks formal out-of-district program coordinator job description after long-serving staffer retires",1298,5232000,6530000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3610636-d966cc5b2eafcb0fdd7fabbcdbd92397&start=5232&end=6530","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3610636-d966cc5b2eafcb0fdd7fabbcdbd92397/thumbnail_5232000.jpg","/articles/6222214/Fall-River-City/Bristol-County/Massachusetts/Subcommittee-seeks-formal-out-of-district-program-coordinator-job-description-after-long-serving-staffer-retires","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222214-6dafc63ac976122ac33d7037e146640b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437093&Signature=RNgqD~Pfdo3HoIlrLA24IbCarUSyECZ7Sf7PNbmrkCGr6erlm-O0-R9Vtn7kwzhirM3iL~ui4eUywAwUuOKV1FKRRr8PIHmI6oIH8x4~LvDl5FgLnpPfN7Hx4KeRAXrBjldDDLWvhJdSJIBsmfoNK2iCw1xcTmVc-D29i-5NLlwWjT3YGuUMXESVnrykX0TvBUMsC3U9Wn0tyKZoszkYadEzH193~2CRvIsL4ZcIyo-uEH1GfAml8dvkkU6ZL9l9ypFK8nOB~jcY7S-HvJwOcIoLtodOz~Sk6gj2zMxVTwXwMj6TixV9ziXJGYr3~7Cq69JITKaLOm0LRPoNdMhPuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fall River City Special Education subcommittee discussed May 29 the district’s need for a formalized out-of-district program coordinator after a long-serving team chair announced retirement. Presenters said the incumbent had taken on significant extra responsibilities — coordinating court and DCF involvement, multiple calendars for out-of-district placements, ESY and transportation matters — and that the district’s existing team-chair job description does not reflect the workload.

Administration told the subcommittee it has already included a new position in the approved budget — “Out of District Program Coordinator” — funded through elimination of a teacher liaison line, and recommended moving forward with that position rather than hiring another team chair into a role that lacks required administrative authority and summer coverage. Committee members asked that labor counsel and FREA (the teachers’ union) be involved before any final posting or reclassification.

The subcommittee voted to refer the item to the full committee with the guidance that the administration should: confirm whether the job should be an administrative/coordinator role rather than a team-chair (teacher) role; involve the union and the district attorney/ labor counsel in negotiations; and return with a final, negotiated job description and implementation plan at the next committee meeting.

Why it matters: The out-of-district coordinator handles operationally critical items — transportation, legal processes, and placement coordination — for roughly 50 students placed outside the district. Committee members said the position’s responsibilities have expanded incrementally over time and that accurate classification is needed to ensure consistent representation and oversight for students with the most significant needs.

The subcommittee did not adopt a final job description at the meeting; administration will return with a negotiated description and implementation details.","With the current out-of-district team chair retiring, the subcommittee asked administration to proceed with the budgetedOut-of-District Program Coordinator position and to work with labor counsel and unions on a final job description and implementation plan.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6222219,"Subcommittee refers hiring of up to six teachers and paraprofessionals to full committee to address rising class sizes",1594,634000,2228000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3610636-d966cc5b2eafcb0fdd7fabbcdbd92397&start=634&end=2228","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3610636-d966cc5b2eafcb0fdd7fabbcdbd92397/thumbnail_634000.jpg","/articles/6222219/Fall-River-City/Bristol-County/Massachusetts/Subcommittee-refers-hiring-of-up-to-six-teachers-and-paraprofessionals-to-full-committee-to-address-rising-class-sizes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222219-dc50aecb88c1383602590a19bafb4f48/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437093&Signature=I8LiQDiMwwqiRS23Sptc71ZR8wnjwBk-lGR03lYIMo3C8w4gadQtKrCgXvBy~gohcp9VHcjzkytj47zZDi7A-~HXexPHytjlHbHReT1i7~eBTBlcWnPcHcMGSyOdExeZKL3ytAGw4TXsHem73nKrrpwNUsk-DGyxWn7ORDOeri~LnSJQfOF6JWTqlFgdzA0-7~bSCQCXcle65TaKpmMaTRmErNOKJF2dvMBHGHOG5NJgT3J3Xeuco2vyAgiSfF7Wg~nuUDxUjyk-QYCHGj-foRLKoW-3dkVEXtwyRvSEifVYRvH0qAIhm6qXr19TCOz01Zloy9uccQ4IWgGQyHiNEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fall River City Special Education, Alternative & Early Childhood Subcommittee voted May 29 to refer to the full committee a motion authorizing the superintendent to add up to six teachers and up to six paraprofessionals to address projected class-size increases driven by inclusion of students from substantially separate special-education programs and recent new enrollments.

Committee members said the measure is needed because district tracking shows growing numbers of students who “push in” from specialized classrooms into general education settings, and sudden late enrollments — including 18 new enrollments in May, only four of which could go into full inclusion — have strained available classroom capacity. “We do anticipate the need to open four additional classrooms at the elementary level,” a staff member presenting class-size data told the subcommittee.

The presentation noted improvements in how the district records push-in students in its student information system (Aspen), which now flags students who will spend part of the day in general classrooms so planners can count them when projecting class sizes. At Spencer Gordon (first grade average projected at 23; second grade projected at 28 under current assumptions), presenters said the district builds capacity by anticipating push-ins so a room listed as 20 students may functionally include five additional students during parts of the day.

Committee members pressed for near-term action on space and staffing. Presenters said they are exploring moves such as relocating four to six prekindergarten classrooms out of elementary buildings to free rooms for general-education and special-education sections and hoped to have firm space recommendations within about a week to bring to the committee. The subcommittee discussion identified both classroom space and hiring dollars as constraints; members referenced recent unexpected district funds and asked administration to identify funding sources before the full committee vote.

The referral motion — to authorize the superintendent to seek approval from the full committee for up to six teachers and up to six paraprofessionals as needed — passed on a voice vote. The subcommittee also agreed to treat the matter as time-sensitive and requested placement on the next full meeting agenda.

Why it matters: If additional classrooms and staff are not secured, some general-education classes are projected to exceed target class-size thresholds once push-in students are counted, which may affect instructional models and service delivery for both general and special-education students.

The subcommittee asked administration to return with clearer projections (including a column showing projected class size under district caps), a plan for which pre-K classrooms would move, and a funding plan with identified sources and timelines for hiring and space work. The superintendent’s office flagged that some decisions will affect budget lines and collective-bargaining units and will be referred to the full committee with legal and finance staff present.

The subcommittee discussion also included a related referral asking the full committee to request a city update on Opera/ARPA funding for the Pay Center project; members said city-level allocations should be transparent because they affect available school capital options.

The subcommittee did not adopt a final staffing hire during the meeting; the referral empowers the superintendent to seek the full committee’s approval for the hires and any required budget adjustments.","The Fall River City Special Education, Alternative & Early Childhood Subcommittee voted to refer a plan to the full committee to hire up to six teachers and matching paraprofessionals as officials race to secure classroom space and funding to respond to rising inclusion push-ins and recent enrollments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Subcommittee discusses DESE mileage interpretation, transport eligibility and redistricting links to class-size pressures

Subcommittee reviews renewal of Autism Level Up partnership to expand inclusive preschool supports

Subcommittee backs referral to expand hybrid 'flex' Evolve pathway after pilot reengaged dropouts

Subcommittee seeks formal out-of-district program coordinator job description after long-serving staffer retires

Subcommittee refers hiring of up to six teachers and paraprofessionals to full committee to address rising class sizes