BREAKING NEWS: State Senator Calls for Central Falls Superintendent to Resign

BREAKING NEWS: State Senator Calls for Central Falls Superintendent to Resign

State Senator John Tassoni today is calling for Central Falls Schools Superintendent Dr. Frances Gallo to resign, citing reports of about the mismanagement of the school district—including today’s GoLocalProv report on three former administrators who are still being paid.

“In addition to the various stories that have already been published about the problems with the operation of the Central Falls school system, I have become aware of many more issues that have convinced me that what is needed is a complete overhaul of how the schools are operating in that city,” Tassoni, D-Smithfield said in a statement. “That must begin with the immediate resignation of the current superintendent.”

Today, GoLocalProv reported that two resigned administrators were still on the district payroll. A third administrator, who had been on leave most of the year, was also still being paid. Sources inside the district blamed Dr. Gallo’s “erratic” management style. Tassoni specifically cited today’s report in his statement.

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“The management of the Central Falls schools is erratic at best and incompetent at worst,” said Tassoni added. “The state is operating the schools. State money is being used to operate the schools, and some of that money is being wasted and used irresponsibly. The state needs to step in and correct the many problems so that the children of Central Falls receive a proper education.”

Tassoni also called for other sweeping changes to the district, including the replacement of current members of the Board of Trustees for the school.

Earlier this week, GoLocalProv reported that one member, Leslie Estrada, had a criminal record that includes charges of selling drugs and shoplifting. The former chairman of the Board of Regents has said he was unaware of her past when he voted on her nomination. After the report, Deborah Gist said she will review the record.

Central Falls Board of Trustees chair Anna Cano-Morales responded to Tassoni's charges Thursday afternoon, saying in a statement, "“Unfortunately Senator Tassoni is mis-informed, as is the news media on these issues. Despite the best efforts of our team in Central Falls the facts have been mis-reported and mis-represented on a number of occasions. That said, both Dr. Gallo and I would be more than willing to join in a meeting with Senators Tassoni, (Elizabeth) Crowley, and the Senate leadership to discuss - and allay - his concerns.”

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