Committee approves amendment to Bishop Connolly lease to expand classrooms; custodial staffing and utilities discussed

The Fall River School Committee approved Amendment No. 2 to the Bishop Connolly lease on June 23, which adjusts the district’s space allocation to include additional classrooms for the coming year.

Staff explained the building is owned by the diocese and that the district’s lease covers the space and related services, with snow removal and a custodian assigned to the district portion as additional responsibilities. Committee members asked whether water and sewer or other utility obligations remain the district’s responsibility; staff clarified this property is owned by the diocese and the district’s obligations do not include an arrangement with the redevelopment authority (a separate property was previously discussed in another context).

Members also asked about custodial staffing levels as the district consolidates other sites; staff said the staffing plan reflects the district’s needs and that some custodial positions were restructured when sites closed. The amendment passed on a roll-call vote; staff will proceed under the amended lease terms and coordinate custodial assignments and any required operational changes.

The committee also approved other housekeeping items as part of the lease discussion and affirmed that the district will provide customary services such as snow removal for the school portion.