The city moved one step closer to sealing the deal on the former Bishop Connolly High School earlier this week.

 

A $29,800,000 loan order requested by Mayor Paul Coogan gained the authorization of seven councilors at the May 26 City Council meeting. Councilor Christopher Peckham opposed the motion and Councilor Andrew Raposo abstained from voting. 

 

The authorization was referred to the City Council Committee on Finance. 

 

The city is intends to convey the purchase to Fall River Public Schools, where the former Catholic high school’s halls will greet the district’s youngest and “most vulnerable” students. The purchase, once official, is part and parcel of a districtwide move to consolidate classrooms, economize space, disperse staffing, and devote a single location to pre-K education. 

 

It’s unlikely the city will be able to close on the property before January 2027 — after the purchase and sales agreement gets a rubber stamp from the Vatican. 

 

See more at heraldnews.com.