March 28, 2024

Candidates for D-R Regional School Committee

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Incumbents Aaron Morse and Richard Barrett are facing newcomer Robert Owens in the contest for two open three year seats on the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Committee. Morse currently serves as Vice-Chairman. Barrett is a longtime committee member.

Richard Barrett

Barrett, 70, pledges to focus on fiscal responsibility and transparency if he is re-elected to the school committee. Barrett, who grew up in Somerset, is a former school bus driver. He is married and has two grown children.

Barrett has a lot of confidence in Superintendent Bill Runey. “I think he’s going to do a great job for this district,” Barrett said.”It’s a good team he’s put together and they understand what others haven’t.”

Barrett adds he will provide “common sense” to the school committee.

Aaron Morse

Morse, 45, has previously served as Chairman of the school committee. He moved to Rehoboth in 2018 with his family and is employed as a software engineer.

Morse is proud of the work Superintendent Bill Runey has done, along with his leadership team, and wants to continue to provide support. “They’re just settling in and getting the district moving in the right direction,” Morse said.

The Covid pandemic was a major event during Morse’s time on the committee. Morse’s election was delayed by more than two months as a result. Committee meetings were held via Zoom, which made getting work done a bit more challenging. “It was stressful,” Morse said, noting the remote meetings made it “difficult” to communicate with other committee members.

“I am also a voice for parents,” Morse explained. “Whether it’s a simple question or something more, I am always available to hear from you. I am a staunch advocate for Parents’ Rights in Education.”

Morse appreciates the support from residents and hopes he will be able to continue working for the town.  “It’s a lot of work but I feel we’re making a positive impact on the operations of the district and just helping to make things run smoothly,” Morse added.

Robert Owens

Owens, 37, grew up in Rehoboth and is employed as a senior biochemist.

“I want to support Superintendent (Bill) Runey and his objectives going forward,” said Owens, who is married and has a daughter who attends Palmer River Elementary School.

His top priorities include a greater focus on curriculum development, testing and assessment, teacher training, and technology use. “Our students and teachers need to be prepared to use and deal with these cutting edge but easily accessible technologies in a realistic productive manner,” Owens said.

Owens is also concerned about school safety, particularly regarding bullying prevention, mental health services, and emergency preparedness. “We need to do better with communicating to the community and parents and getting them involved with schools,” Owens noted. “Greater transparency will lead to a healthier dialogue. I think Runey is making great strides towards this.”

Owens has received positive feedback to his candidacy. “They’re interested in seeing someone younger get involved (with the school committee),” Owens added. “Obviously I do a lot of research on things. I think (residents) feel I have an understanding of what’s going on and being able to utilize my experience and knowledge and explaining things.”

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