Inside Education

Inside the 2025 Fall River School Committee Debate

🎙️ The Questions

In the second and third questions of the student-moderated debate, candidates discussed two defining issues for Fall River’s public schools:
1️⃣ How to balance evidence-based curriculum with teacher creativity.
2️⃣ How to restore pride in the city’s schools and reputation.

Question 2 – Balancing Curriculum and Creativity

Student moderator Jazlyn Martinez asked how the district can meet academic standards while allowing teachers to design inspiring lessons.
• Colin Dias — Proposed giving teachers a formal role in curriculum development through presentations to the Instructional Subcommittee, ensuring multiple perspectives guide decisions.
• Kevin Aguiar — Called curriculum a framework, not a script. Supported evidence-based structure combined with professional freedom and creativity.
• Mark Mollicone — Encouraged teachers to “think outside the box,” arguing that innovation helps reach diverse learners.
• John Silvia — Criticized “teaching to the test.” Welcomed the end of MCAS as a graduation requirement and urged a return to engaging, curiosity-driven instruction.
• Ana Riley — Described curriculum as a tool, not a limit. Said the best teachers bring lessons to life through hands-on activities and excitement.
• Emanuel Moniz — Emphasized experiential learning such as field trips and community connections, coupled with material and emotional support for educators.
• Shanelle Stewart — Said today’s students need stimulation. Advocated for interactive, tech-integrated lessons that keep them engaged.
• Tom Khoury — Argued that “one size doesn’t fit all,” particularly in gateway cities. Praised Durfee’s evolving Program of Studies for broader options.
• Randy Dudek — Said removal of the MCAS graduation mandate allows new opportunities for flexibility and creative teaching approaches.

🗝️ Common Ground:
All nine candidates agreed that successful classrooms depend on both structure and creativity , maintaining standards while trusting teachers to innovate.

Question 3 – Restoring Fall River’s Reputation

Student moderator Madeline Hargraves asked how candidates would change outside perceptions of Fall River and its schools.
• Kevin Aguiar — Said the city must “own its narrative” by publicly celebrating student and staff success.
• Mark Mollicone — Encouraged using criticism as motivation and working as a team — families, educators, students — to highlight positives.
• John Silvia — Recalled negative stereotypes dating back to the 1970s and said residents need to “toot our own horn” and show others the reality of today’s schools.
• Ana Riley — Urged public officials to act as “first cheerleaders,” sharing good news daily through social media and community channels.
• Emanuel Moniz — Linked positive perception to positive environments, saying clean, well-maintained schools project pride.
• Shanelle Stewart — Pointed out that programs like unified sports deserve more visibility. “Flood the news with positives,” she said.
• Tom Khoury — Criticized “yellow journalism” that focuses on conflict over achievement. Highlighted Durfee’s award-winning band and theater programs.
• Randy Dudek — Said his family’s experience disproves online negativity and urged ongoing efforts to spotlight classroom successes.
• Colin Dias — Agreed on promoting good news but emphasized equity, noting that RPA and Stone students should also be represented in citywide recognition.

🗝️ Common Ground:
Candidates largely aligned on the need for transparency, celebration, and unity. Each emphasized pride in students and educators as the foundation for improving Fall River’s public image.

🏁 Takeaway

Across both questions, candidates expressed confidence in Fall River’s educators and students. The themes of teacher trust, creativity, and community pride underscored a shared belief that the district’s success depends on celebrating its strengths while continuing to evolve.