Residents demand clarity after committee members and public criticize superintendent and cite $13,839 in late National Grid fees

Dave Olivera, a resident of 210 Robinson Street, told the School Committee on Sept. 29 that he believes the district has deteriorated under Superintendent Curley’s leadership and urged her to resign.

Why it matters: residents raised concerns about district governance and a specific financial issue — late fees charged by National Grid — that they say cost taxpayers roughly $13,839.19. Committee members and staff provided differing descriptions of whether students were being asked to delay first-period attendance and advised members of the public to provide specifics so staff can investigate.

During public comment, Olivera said, “this school district has become more of a joke everyday under superintendent Curley leadership,” and criticized the committee for supporting her appointment. He accused the superintendent of permitting “$80,000 in repairs for RPA and 13,800.0 in late fees for from National Grid,” and urged, “stop wasting taxpayers and the education of our students' time and resign tonight.”

Taylor Perry, of 105 Aberdeen Street, submitted a written request during public comment asking for clarification after remarks at the Sept. 8 committee meeting that suggested committee member Colin Dias had contributed to late-payment penalties. Perry asked for (1) the factual basis for the claim that Dias delayed bill schedules; (2) how much of the $13,839.19 in late fees can be directly attributed to any delay by a committee member versus internal processing; and (3) what safeguards exist to ensure oversight questions do not cause late payments or penalties. Perry said the questions were intended “not about personalities, but about transparency and accountability for public funds.”

Committee members and staff responded to questions about students arriving late for first period. One committee member said there is “no policy in place” and no current action that would require students at Durfee High School to arrive late. Another member said she had spoken with the person who raised the concern and that there may be a first-period study hall that could explain reports that some students were arriving later. The committee encouraged anyone with a specific complaint to identify the student’s class and the source of the report so staff can follow up.

No formal motions or votes were taken on the concerns raised in public comment. The committee instead moved later in the meeting to an executive session for a separate item, and subsequently adjourned.

What to watch for: Perry asked the committee to provide a prompt, detailed explanation tying the $13,839.19 in late fees to the underlying causes; the committee did not provide that accounting during the Sept. 29 meeting. Residents and petitioners were asked to submit specific details (student class, who reported the attendance issue) so staff can investigate.

Ending: Public comment closed with committee members saying staff will look into reported attendance anomalies if residents provide specifics, and the committee scheduled no immediate public action on the financial or leadership concerns raised.