New Bedford Wins Round 1 in Fight Over Federal Funding

New Bedford Superintendent Andrew O'Leary reacted to some positive news this week while stopping by Townsquare Sunday. Massachusetts school districts, including New Bedford with help from the Mass. Attorney General, have won the first round in a fight with the Trump Administration over the use of federal COVID-related funding.

A U.S. District Court in New York ruled last week that the Federal Department of Education's effort to "claw back" $106 million from Massachusetts school districts – including $12 million for New Bedford – was an "arbitrary and capricious" action, and the funding should be given back to the school districts.

Superintendent O'Leary said the funding in New Bedford is being used to complete several projects, the new Culinary and Nutrition Center, modular classrooms at the Brooks School, a health center at New Bedford High School, and HVAC and ADA work at Hayden McFadden.

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"First up for completion is the Culinary and Nutrition Center (Central Kitchen) on North Street," O'Leary said.

"The current culinary site at the County Street building is totally inadequate. Our food service program is likely the best in the state and deserves a great home," he said. "We'll be serving millions of meals a year out of the Central Kitchen, not just to New Bedford Public School students, but students in all schools in the city."

The superintendent admitted the Trump Administration could appeal the ruling or ignore it altogether, but he said NBPS planned for any bump in the road.

"We do have a Plan B," he said. "These projects will get completed. We do have a backup plan, but ultimately the federal government must fulfill its obligations, and the court has endorsed that."

On another note, school officials, political leaders and future students broke ground last week for a new elementary school at the former Goodyear site at 350 Bolton Street in the South End. The new school will house 760 students and replace the aging Congdon and DeValles elementary schools.

"Modern schools are exactly what our kids deserve," O'Leary said. "I'm a history buff and I love our old school buildings, but we are long past those now."

The new school is expected to open in 2027.

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