Fall River Educators' Association

This past Thursday, the Fall River Educators Association had the privilege of celebrating our retirees and honoring their years of dedication, service, and commitment to the students, families, and educators of Fall River.

We also want to extend a special congratulations to our award recipients: Kelly Gabardi, Tom Khoury, and Carlton Medeiros.

🏆 FREA Solidarity Award – Kelly Gabardi

If you've attended a meeting, union event, or political action this year, there's a good chance you've seen Kelly there. Most recently, Kelly spoke at the School Committee meeting on behalf of the 213 members who received non-renewal notices. She wasn't asked to attend. She wasn't asked to speak. She showed up because she deeply cares about her colleagues, her profession, and most importantly, the students we serve. Her dedication embodies the very spirit of solidarity.

🏆 FREA Friend of Public Education Award – Tom Khoury

Tom Khoury was one of the candidates endorsed by FREA last fall and was successfully re-elected. Throughout what has been a challenging year, Tom has remained a consistent supporter of educators, public education, and the students of Fall River. We are grateful for his partnership and commitment to our schools.

Finally, we gave special recognition to Carlton Medeiros, who will be leaving the district after 11 years of dedicated service. During his time in Fall River, Carlton built the Construction Laborers CTE Program, served as the CTE Union Representative, and contributed his time and expertise as a member of both the Bargaining Team and the Health and Safety Committee.

His commitment to students, colleagues, and the labor movement has left a lasting impact on our district. His contributions are deeply appreciated, and he will be greatly missed by the Fall River educational community.

To all of our retirees, award recipients, and colleagues moving on to new chapters, thank you for your service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public education. Congratulations, and best wishes for the future! 🎉🍎❤️

Today, the Massachusetts Teachers Association celebrates Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free. Since then, Juneteenth has been observed as a celebration of Black freedom, resilience, culture and community.

As educators, we know that understanding our history helps us build a better future. Today, we honor those who fought for freedom, reflect on the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans to our schools, communities and nation.

Happy Juneteenth!

Hope to see you at the FREA end of year celebration!

June 18, 2026 5 - 9 pm at Primo

RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-JpYZGKo83LbURXlQetaCDRAibLBZy10qqJgQ-k9ZF3m_Ew/viewform?usp=header

Join the Ethnically Marginalized Affairs Committee as we celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 20, at Worcester State University.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865 — the day enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a celebration of Black freedom, resilience, culture and community, and a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and liberation.

This year’s celebration, Centering Healing and Action for Resistance, will bring together music, movement, joy and community care for the whole family. Enjoy music from DJ Lady Ly, sound bowl healing, celebratory dancing with SoulFire Movement, chair massages, face painting, balloon art, games, exhibitors and delicious food from Zaz Restaurant and Gerly’s Ice Cream.

Learn more and register here: https://massteacher.org/juneteenth.

📣 Join us for the FREA Annual Meeting!

Let’s come together as educators and advocates to strengthen our union, support our students, and shape our future. 💙

🗓 Wednesday, May 27, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM
📍 Morton Middle School Auditorium

Your voice matters. Your presence matters. Together, we are stronger!

Join Educators at this years MTA Juneteenth Celebration June 20, 2026 in Worcester. RSVP today!

Summary - 2026 MTA Juneteenth Celebration

Our public K–12 schools and colleges are at a critical crossroads. Across Massachusetts, educators, students, and families are feeling the impact of underfunding, with larger class sizes, staff cuts, and fewer resources for the students who need them most.

The FY2027 Senate budget takes important steps forward, but we must keep pushing for the full investment our schools and communities deserve. That’s why we’re asking educators, parents, students, and allies to take 2 minutes to sign this letter campaign and urge lawmakers to strengthen public education funding now.

Every voice matters. Together, we can fight for fully funded schools, fair resources, and the high-quality public education every student deserves.

Sign and share today!

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/fy2027-senate-budget-letter-campaign?source=direct_link&

FY2027 Senate Budget Letter Campaign Our public schools and colleges are grappling with a historic fiscal crisis which threatens to undermine the quality of the finest public education system in the nation. As educators, parents, school committee members, students and others who testified at recent public hearings have made clear, we a...

We are proud to recognize fourteen of our members who served, both in person and virtually, as delegates at the 181st MTA Annual Meeting. Thank you for representing our union with professionalism, dedication, and a shared commitment to supporting our members and strengthening our collective voice.