Parents and educators press Fall River School Committee over safety, staffing at Sylvia Elementary; union denies vote against superintendent

At the Feb. 11 Fall River School Committee meeting, parents and staff delivered sustained public comment about safety and staffing at Sylvia Elementary School, urging the committee and superintendent to investigate shortages of experienced teachers and repeated student assaults on staff.

Devani Kudrich, identified herself as a paraprofessional at Sylvia Elementary and said a 02/04 classroom incident left her hospitalized for two days. "I almost had a heart attack," Kudrich said, recounting repeated daily assaults she described as punching, kicking and spitting, and saying staff had been told such incidents were "part of the job." She asked the committee to address classroom-level safety and ensure promised special‑education and SEL supports are actually provided.

Sarah Riley, who said she submitted a parent grievance in December, told the committee she has observed a long trend of bullying and a decline in Sylvia's educational quality, citing high midterm attrition, the use of inexperienced paraprofessionals to fill emergency vacancies and administrative failures to follow up on complaints. "We are failing these children," Riley said, calling for an outside investigation and greater transparency.

Keith Michon, president of the Fall River Educators Association, framed his remarks as a call for accountability rather than criticism. Michon said the union and administration had collaborated on a health-and-safety memorandum of agreement and that, while progress has been made, the committee should avoid actions that amount to micromanagement of the superintendent. He also alleged that some subcommittee remarks had suggested disregarding bargaining obligations and asked the committee to bargain in good faith.

Separately, Dennis Borges, president of AFSCME Council 93 Unit 11‑18, addressed circulating rumors and said Council 93 "does not support" statements that it opposes the superintendent. "We support the superintendent 100%," Borges said and added that the union would defend contract protections.

The committee did not take immediate disciplinary action. Several members thanked speakers and asked administration for records and follow-up: Chief Operating Officer Ken Pacheco was asked to check for DESE complaints or other filings the public had referenced; members requested copies of any related documentation and said they would consider referring items to the appropriate subcommittee for further review. The superintendent and committee agreed to examine the grievances and consider whether an outside investigator is warranted.