Dighton-Rehoboth Schools May Go to Remote Learning

The Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District will likely go to remote learning when the new school year begins in September. Kristin Donahue, speaking on behalf of the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee, said in person instruction was “not realistic” and “cost prohibitive” due to the mandates required by the CDC and the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). “This is a life and death situation that we don’t know about,” Donahue said Thursday.”We have to do what’s right to keep our students and our staff alive.”

A preliminary reopening plan has to be submitted to the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), along with the findings of a feasibility study before July 31. A comprehensive plan is due to DESE on August 10. A hybrid model consisting of classroom instruction and remote learning had been under consideration. The school committee will vote on which plan to send to DESE on August 6.

On Monday, Education Commissioner Jeff Riley announced the start of school in Massachusetts will be delayed by 10 days to allow for more educator training. The school year will be reduced to 170 days. The district instituted remote learning last March after the outbreak of coronavirus throughout the state.