The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has delivered a report that criticizes the Fall River School Committee for exhibiting unprofessional conduct, overstepping its authority, having “a strained relationship” with district staff and leadership, and holding inefficient meetings that staff said resemble a "circus."

The 48-page report was produced by DESE and the American Institutes for Research in the aftermath of former Superintendent Tracy Curley’s ouster this March. It identifies some strengths and growth areas for the district, though its list of areas that need improvement is longer.

The report includes significant criticism of the School Committee, noting that individual members sometimes exceeded their authority, leading to staff accusations of bullying, with supervisors having to protect staff from them.

The report is the result of interviews with about 40 people in Fall River — from Mayor Paul Coogan and School Committee members to teachers and students — conducted in early May. Included in the analysis were recordings of School Committee meetings, emails between staff, district reports and other data.

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