8.19.2026 Fall River School Committee - Finance

Meeting summary The Fall River School Committee's Finance Subcommittee met to discuss several key financial matters ahead of the new school year. The primary topics included a new waste removal contract, the budgets for the district's alternative education programs, and the end-of-year financial report for fiscal year 2026. Chief Operating Officer Ken Pacheco detailed the new 3-year city contract with Capital Waste, which he said would provide greater accountability through individual weighing of school waste. However, committee members, led by Kevin Aguiar, expressed significant concern that the School Committee had no input on the contract and requested a five-year history of waste removal costs. A major point of contention arose regarding the budgets for the Evolve, Resiliency Preparatory Academy (RPA), and new virtual school programs. Committee members argued that the administration was reallocating the approximately $3.3 million budget from the former RPA program to create new, separate budgets for the three schools without the required approval of the School Committee, circumventing their budgetary authority. The new CFO, Mr. Petronio, explained he was creating new cost centers and moving budgeted funds as staff were assigned. Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Smith acknowledged the committee's concerns and committed to providing a full budgetary breakdown for their approval at a future meeting. The CFO also presented the FY26 end-of-year report, which showed a balanced budget, and a comprehensive list of the district's revolving accounts, which sparked a discussion on McKinney-Vento transportation funds and varying school utility costs. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to adjourn. Topics discussed Waste Removal ContractKen Pacheco explained the new city contract with Capital Waste, which includes weighing school waste for better accountability. Committee members expressed concern about lack of input and requested historical data. Recycling and Composting in SchoolsThe committee discussed recycling mandates, the separation of cardboard, and the lack of a composting program, with suggestions to explore composting in the future to reduce waste. Special Waste DisposalA brief discussion confirmed that special waste, such as from acid waste tanks, is handled by a separate vendor and is not part of the general waste removal contract. Repairs and Upgrades at 290 Rock StreetAn update was provided on the status of facility upgrades at 290 Rock Street, which houses the alternative programs, indicating work was nearly complete pending the arrival of some doors. Budget for Alternative Programs (Evolve, RPA, Virtual School)Committee members raised concerns that the administration was reallocating an approximate $3.3 million budget for three alternative schools without a vote from the School Committee, violating their budgetary authority. FY26 End-of-Year Financial ReportThe CFO presented the final financial report for FY26, showing the district balanced its budget to zero, with a $1.2M salary surplus covering a deficit in non-salary contracted services. Revolving and Special Revenue AccountsThe CFO provided a comprehensive list of all school department revolving accounts, which he is in the process of reviewing to determine their status and potential use. McKinney-Vento Transportation FundsDiscussion about the McKinney-Vento revolving account, its $715,000 balance, and how funds are used for transportation reimbursement for homeless students. School Heating and Utility CostsA committee member questioned the large variance in heating and utility costs between schools, with some bills reaching $20,000. Stone Tuition FundA question was raised about the Stone Tuition fund showing no expenditures, despite a vote to purchase vans from it; it was clarified the vans had not been paid for yet. Protocol for New Job DescriptionsIt was noted that a new job description was being fast-tracked through the Finance Committee instead of its relevant subcommittee due to the urgency of hiring before school starts. Motion to adjourn the Finance Subcommittee meeting. — passedMotion to adjourn the Finance Subcommittee meeting. Links Read the meeting summary Watch the full meeting