Fall River Public Schools Announces Pamela Pacheco as Principal of Henry Lord Community School

Pamela Pacheco was appointed as the new principal of the Henry Lord Community School in Fall River. Pacheco will take over the new role effective July 1. (Photo Courtesy Fall River Public Schools)

FALL RIVER — Superintendent Dr. Tracy Curley is pleased to announce that Pamela Pacheco has been appointed as the new principal of the Henry Lord Community School.

Pacheco, who most recently served for three years as principal of Wood Elementary School in Fairhaven, will take over the new role effective July 1.

“I am incredibly honored to join the Henry Lord Community School and the greater Fall River community,” Pacheco said. “My hope is to build strong, trusting relationships with students, families, and staff, so that we can work together to create a safe, inclusive, and academically vibrant environment. I believe every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported — and I’m committed to fostering a school culture where that is the daily reality.”

For Pacheco, a Fall River native, becoming the new principal of the Henry Lord Community School is a homecoming. Pacheco also worked for Fall River Public Schools early in her career. In 2001, she was hired as a special education teacher at Talbot Middle School and later held several other positions in the school district.

“Fall River is my hometown, and it holds a very special place in my heart,” Pacheco said. “There’s something truly powerful about giving back to the community that helped shape who you are.”

After her time as a special education teacher at Talbot Middle School, in 2004 Pacheco became a literacy coach at Laurel Lake Elementary School in Fall River. Then, in 2012, Pacheco became the district’s director of professional development, spending six years in that position before transitioning to the role of dean of teaching and learning at Letourneau Elementary School, a post she held for the next five years. She then took the position of vice principal at Samuel Watson Elementary School in 2021.

Pacheco began her teaching career in 1996, starting off as a special education teacher for the South Coast Educational Collaborative.

Pacheco earned an Education Specialist degree in language and literacy, and a Master of Science in special education, both from Simmons University. Pacheco also holds a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Bridgewater State University.

“I’m excited to listen and learn from the people who know the Henry Lord Community School best and to lead with purpose, equity, and heart,” Pacheco said. “Together, I believe we can continue to grow a school that not only meets the needs of all learners but also reflects the pride and resilience of Fall River.”

Superintendent Dr. Tracy Curley welcomed Pacheco into her new role as principal of the Henry Lord Community School, stating that her nearly three decades of experience in education and her background working for the Fall River school district will serve her well in the new role.

“We’re really happy to welcome Ms. Pacheco back to Fall River Public Schools,” said Dr. Curley. “She knows our schools, understands our students, already has excellent working relationships with so many building and district leaders, and brings a strong history of success and teamwork. We’re excited to see all that she and her team will do as she assumes her new role as principal of the Henry Lord Community School.”

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