D-R School Committee Profiles

Joseph Luca and Wayne Mello are running for one open seat on the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Committee in the April 1 town election. Profiles are below.

Joseph Luca believes he can provide solid financial guidance to the school committee.

“I like to look at the numbers,” said Luca, who works for Hasbro as an Order and Policy Management Analyst. “I listen to all sides of any argument and make choices based on what’s best for our students.”

Luca, 46, attended Rhode Island College and Johnson and Wales University. He obtained a degree in Business Management.

Luca moved his family to Rehoboth a few years ago. He is married and has two young children.

“The community is very welcoming. This is where my kids are going to be growing up and going to school. I want to make sure we’re putting the needs of the students first and we’re empowering the teachers to do that.”

The response to his candidacy has been largely favorable: “I’ve had a lot of people come up and thank me for running and express their gratitude and willingness to help.”

Wayne Mello is running for school committee because he wants to make a contribution to Rehoboth.

Mello, 56, operates his own construction business. He is married and his children attended Dighton-Rehoboth High School.

“I hope to be able to protect (the students),” Mello explained. “To help with the finances. I run a business so I have a little bit of an idea of how to do things. Friends and family seem excited that I’m going to be doing something.”

Mello has lived in town for 30 years and loves being in the country.

Mello wants to improve enrollment at the high school, which has fallen significantly over the last decade.

“I would hopefully like to work with the school committee and the administration and see different ways we can accomplish these things and make it better here.”