Fall River School Committee approves FY27 operating and transportation budgets, votes on two staff salary line items after recusals

The Fall River School Committee on April 15 approved the district's proposed fiscal year 2027 operating budget and transportation budget and voted separately to approve two salary line items that were considered only by disinterested members after conflict disclosures.

The committee approved a proposed operating budget of $212,582,416 and, on a motion by Mr. Aguiar, voted to add $3 million to that figure before passage; the roll-call vote passed 6-1, with Mayor Coogan the sole dissenting vote. The committee also approved the proposed transportation operating budget of $13,850,048 on a unanimous roll-call vote.

Deputy Superintendent Liz Legault and CFO Kevin Almeida presented the FY27 package, telling the committee it includes an enrollment increase of 95 students compared with the prior October count and that net school spending and Chapter 70 figures reflect proposed state increases. Almeida said the proposed operating budget is presented on the operating side and that the district is accounting for city-side indirect costs such as retirement contributions, insurance and certain assessments.

Two line items were separated for consideration after disclosures under G.L. c.268A, — 19. Thomas Correia disclosed his daughter Joanna's employment and did not participate on line item 203-632-50-511220; the disinterested members voted to approve that line (Joanna Correia's salary) for $57,087, with Mr. Correia recorded as abstaining. Likewise, Manuel Moniz disclosed his wife Dawn Moniz's employment and did not participate on line item 250-50001-511215; disinterested members approved that line for $56,779, with Mr. Moniz recorded as abstaining.

A vote to refer the FY27 annual budget to the mayor for approval passed on roll call. A committee member noted that, under state law, the City Council can later add funds by a two-thirds city-council vote if it chooses to do so.

The committee also moved into executive session to discuss complaints against school committee members under M.G.L. c.30A — 21(a)(1) and strategy for negotiations with nonunion personnel under M.G.L. c.30A — 21(a)(2); the session named Interim Superintendent Kathleen Smith and Interim Deputy Superintendent Elizabeth LaGault as the subjects of contract/strategy discussion.

Votes at a glance - Approve FY27 operating budget (proposed $212,582,416 plus $3,000,000 motion): passed, roll call 6-1 (Mayor Coogan no). - Approve transportation operating budget $13,850,048: passed unanimously. - Approve Joanna Correia line item 203-632-50-511220 ($57,087): passed; Correia abstained. - Approve Dawn Moniz line item 250-50001-511215 ($56,779): passed; Moniz abstained.

What's next: The FY27 budget will be referred to the mayor for approval; the committee recessed into executive session on personnel complaints and contract negotiations.