The Fall River School Committee and Superintendent of Schools Matthew Malone have worked out an agreement for the superintendent to step down from his duties on July 1st. The committee also voted to appoint Assistant Superintendent Maria Pontes as the interim superintendent.
Malone has been embroiled in controversy after allegations that arose earlier this year that he acted inappropriately in front of staff. The school committee conducted an investigation of the allegations and by a vote of 4-2 decided to retain the superintendent, reducing his salary and adding the language of its ability to terminate him without cause.
Last month Malone informed the committee of his intention to resign on November 1.
Under an amended contract approved unanimously by the committee, Malone will continue to be compensated by the district until October 31. The contract includes a three-month severance package and Malone will cash in on five weeks of unused vacation time.
School committee member Kevin Aguiar, one of the members who voted against retaining Malone earlier this year, said Malone’s early departure brings an end to the superintendent’s controversial tenure.
Committee member Tom Khoury has supported the superintendent saying the district has seen measurable improvement during his tenure.
Pontes comes in as interim superintendent after serving over 30 years in education in Fall River, including three years as principal of Kuss Middle School.
Malone did not speak at last night’s meeting. In a written statement he expressed his appreciation for serving the students of Fall River during his tenure as superintendent.
Video courtesy Fall River Educational Television.
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