Fall River Public Schools
School Committee & Superintendent
The Superintendent
Dr. Kathleen Smith, JD — Interim Superintendent
Dr. Kathleen Smith was appointed Interim Superintendent of Fall River Public Schools in 2026 and began in the role on May 1, 2026, succeeding former superintendent Dr. Tracy Curley. Smith brings more than four decades of experience in Massachusetts public education. In 2013 she became the first female Superintendent of the Brockton Public Schools, leading a district of roughly 17,000 students, and has since served as an interim superintendent guiding several districts through periods of transition, including Salem, Weymouth, Dover-Sherborn, and Newton. She holds a Juris Doctor from the New England School of Law, a master’s degree from Bridgewater State University, and a bachelor’s in education from Westfield State University. Smith has committed to leading Fall River Public Schools through June 2027, when a permanent superintendent is expected to be appointed.
| Role | Interim Superintendent (began May 1, 2026) |
|---|---|
| District | Fall River Public Schools (DESE code 00950000) |
| Website | fallriverschools.org |
The School Committee
The Fall River School Committee sets policy for the district, approves the school budget, and hires and evaluates the superintendent. Under the city’s charter the Mayor serves as Chair of the School Committee, joined by six members elected at-large by city voters.
Paul Coogan
Kevin Aguiar
Collin R. Dias
Thomas Khoury
Emanuel Moniz
Ana Cristina Riley
Shanell Joy Stewart
The District at a Glance
- Enrollment: about 11,000 students (2025–26).
- Schools: roughly 19 schools, including B.M.C. Durfee High School.
- Graduation rate: rose to 76.8% in 2025, up from 66.4% in 2024.
- DESE profile: district code 00950000.
Meetings & Participation
- When: the Committee meets monthly; meetings are open to the public.
- Watch: meetings air on Fall River Educational Television (FRED-TV), based at Durfee High School.
- Get involved: families can attend meetings, join school councils, and contact members on district matters.
Doing a civics project on schools or education? The Civics Project Guide walks you through every step.