Superintendent Bill Runey frames the district’s approach with three core concepts that drive every decision. “We seek to empower our staff to ignite curiosity and learning in order to best shape the future of our students — and, in doing so, shape the future of the district itself,” he explains. Backed by trusted partners—from the School Committee to union leadership—Runey’s vision reflects a rare alignment of district leadership, elected officials at the state and local levels, and frontline educators working toward a common future. “You’ll see a lot of our marketing strategies are based around empower, ignite, and shape.” The mission arose from recent strategic planning sessions to foster unity between two communities by focusing on common goals and the future of their children. The #WeAreDR mantra has become the words to live by in the district. Runey defines his role as equal parts instructional and innovative leadership and community-facing advocacy for education in both towns. “I believe that I have to champion education in our two towns,” he states. “I believe my visibility and approachability are key to fostering trust and connection across both communities. That presence allows me to inspire confidence, build unity, and ensure our schools remain a worthy investment for both communities.” SUPPORTING THE WHOLE CHILD AND EMPOWERING EDUCATORS The district’s educational philosophy centers on a principle that Assistant Superintendent Fred Souza learned early in his career: comprehensive student development requires equally comprehensive staff support. “I remember in college, my professor was often asked, ‘What do you do every day?’ He’d say, ‘I teach the whole child—I just happen to use mathematics to do it,’” Souza recalls. “We’re in the business of developing well-rounded human beings. That’s always been the goal.” Post-pandemic realities have intensified this approach. Massachusetts students lead the nation in reading and math assessments, yet local challenges persist. In Dighton-Rehoboth, only 40% of students test proficient in math and 44% in reading, figures 175 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10 DIGHTON-REHOBOTH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
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