DR School Committee Extends Superintendent Contract Through 2031

Following an exemplary annual performance evaluation and a year marked by significant district achievements and continued improvement in student outcomes, the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Committee has unanimously approved a contract extension for Superintendent Bill Runey, keeping him at the helm of Dighton-Rehoboth Schools through June 30, 2031.

The extension reflects the School Committee’s confidence in Runey’s leadership and its recognition of the progress achieved under his direction. Through a sustained focus on instructional improvement, expanded student opportunities, data-informed decision-making, and strong professional collaboration, his leadership has helped translate the district’s DRiving Toward 2030 strategic vision into stronger experiences and outcomes for students. Earlier this year, Runey was also recognized nationally as one of Education Insider Magazine’s Top Fifteen School District Superintendents of 2026, further highlighting Dighton-Rehoboth’s growing reputation for innovation and excellence.

Quote from School Committee Chairperson Mr. Christopher Andrade

“The Exemplary evaluation reflects Bill’s strong and consistent leadership of the district. We have seen gains in student outcomes, expanded opportunities, and a positive culture throughout Dighton-Rehoboth, as well as increased recognition of the work taking place here. Extending his contract through 2031 reflects the Committee’s confidence in continuing the progress of our DRiving Toward 2030 strategic plan.”

Using the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s superintendent evaluation framework, the School Committee awarded Runey an overall Exemplary rating in his fourth year as superintendent. The evaluation recognized exceptional performance across district leadership, operations, community engagement, and professional culture. Runey met three of his four superintendent performance goals and exceeded one, while earning Exemplary ratings in Management and Operations, Family and Community Engagement, and Professional Culture.

The Committee highlighted several accomplishments from the past year, including:

• Implementing the Teaching and Learning Dashboard to strengthen instructional consistency and provide educators with meaningful, data-driven tools to support student success.
• Increasing instructional visibility through regular classroom walkthroughs and expanded communication showcasing teaching and learning throughout the schools.
• Strengthening fiscal stewardship by establishing a grant-writing program that has secured more than $1 million in competitive funding, including a $1.5 million Career Technical Education Expansion Grant.
• Leading the Massachusetts School Building Authority feasibility study for Dighton Elementary School through a transparent, collaborative, and student-centered process.
• Building strong relationships with families and community partners through consistent communication, accessibility, and responsiveness.
• Fostering a professional culture rooted in collaboration, trust, continuous learning, and high expectations for students and staff.

In its narrative evaluation, the School Committee wrote that Runey “has been great at trying to move the district forward, improving the image and capability of the district from the previous decade before he took over,” adding that his leadership has strengthened instructional systems, improved fiscal stewardship, deepened community trust, and fostered a #WeAreDR culture grounded in collaboration and continuous learning.

Quote from Bill Runey, Superintendent of Schools

“Leadership is ultimately about leaving an organization stronger than you found it. I’m proud of the progress we have made together—from stronger student outcomes and expanded opportunities to a more positive culture, renewed pride in our schools, and strengthened confidence in the direction of our #WeAreDR community. I’m grateful for the School Committee’s confidence and excited that this extension gives us the opportunity to continue building on that progress.”

Since becoming superintendent in 2022, Runey has led a period of sustained growth that has produced expanded opportunities and improved outcomes for Dighton-Rehoboth students. Under his leadership, the district has expanded Early College participation, developed new Career and Technical Education pathways, strengthened instructional practices and the use of student data, increased competitive grant funding, enhanced communication, and built deeper partnerships with families and the broader community.

The contract extension through June 30, 2031, reflects the School Committee’s confidence that Runey’s leadership will continue to advance student achievement and ensure that the district’s strategic priorities result in meaningful, measurable benefits for learners. Dighton-Rehoboth remains committed to empowering educators, igniting meaningful learning, and shaping future-ready learners.