The Fall River School Committee is looking at ways the department can improve upon its role in serving students who are at high risk after criticism surrounding the death of 14-year-old David Almond last fall.
David was found malnourished, bruised and not responsive at the home of his father and his girlfriend last October. 33-year-old John Almond and 26-year-old Jacyln Marie Coleman have been charged with second-degree murder and assault and battery on a disabled person in the death of David, who is autistic. The pair pled not guilty yesterday to the charges during their arraignment in Bristol County Superior Court. David’s triplet brother Micahel was also found in the apartment in the same medical condition but survived.
The state’s Child Advocate released a report two weeks ago on its investigation in the case, citing the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the state’s court system and the Fall River Public School Department for failing to take steps that may have prevented David’s death.
The report faulted the school department for not following through on contact with both David and Michael either in person or remotely since the pair were returned to the care of their father in March of 2020.
During last night’s school committee meeting, Superintendent Matthew Malone said the Child Advocate’s report was thorough and pointed out gaps within the system that the school department is committed to improving.
Along with further training, the school committee voted to establish a commission to review the investigative reports and within 90 days, make recommendations on any changes to school policies or training. School committeemen Mark Costa worked on the details of the proposal and said it’s important for the district to learn from its mistakes.
Since the release of the report, schools have begun requiring remote students to have their cameras on during class so teachers can see them, and school employees who make house visits have been instructed to be far stricter about ensuring they are able to see a student when checking on their well-being.
Video courtesy Fall River Educational Television
Comments are closed.