Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Committee and Rehoboth Board of Selectmen Reach Agreement, Marking a New Chapter of Collaboration

Rehoboth, MA — The Rehoboth Board of Selectmen and the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Committee are pleased to announce that they have reached a mutually agreed-upon resolution to the legal matter between the Town of Rehoboth and the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District.

This agreement represents a meaningful step forward and reflects a renewed commitment to collaboration, communication, and shared responsibility in support of both communities.

“As a result of the Rehoboth Board of Selectmen suing the DR District for breach of contract issues, an extensive financial analysis was conducted pursuant to the capital expenditure. This started as a very contentious and adversarial project under the previous school superintendent and School Committee. With the appointment of a new Superintendent and the support of the current School Committee, this shifted gears to become a joint project that can and will benefit both the town and the District. The town and the District have agreed upon this resolution which will be mutually beneficial to both parties.” – Skip Vadnais, Chair, Rehoboth Board of Selectmen”

Over the course of this process, both parties remained focused on finding a path that prioritizes students, respects taxpayers, and strengthens the long-term partnership that defines the regional school district. This resolution allows both the Town and the District to move ahead with clarity, alignment, and a shared sense of purpose.

As part of this agreement:
● The Town of Rehoboth will withdraw its claims
● Both parties have worked collaboratively to bring closure to the matter
● The District will continue to review and evaluate matters related to vendor performance and project outcomes, as appropriate

This resolution enables both communities to shift their full attention toward the work that matters most: supporting students, strengthening schools, and building on the positive momentum forged in recent years with the current administration.

“On September 13, 2021, the Town of Rehoboth, through its elected officials, filed suit against its own regional school district claiming a breach of contract. While most of these claims were dismissed by a judge, a few remained unsettled. Always keeping in mind our students’ education and not wanting to waste more taxpayer funds on a frivolous lawsuit that had become costly and unproductive, the District approached the Town to resolve these remaining claims through mediation. Initially, the Town and the District did not align on an appropriate course of action. However, with the support of Superintendent Runey and the School Committee, we paved a path to settlement. This agreement allows us to close this chapter and continue moving forward in a way that supports both our communities as well as our regional school district and advances our DRiving Toward 2030 Strategic Plan.” – Christopher Andrade, School Committee Chair, Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Committee

This agreement not only brings closure to the matter but also reflects the progress made through sustained collaboration and a shared commitment to moving forward together.

“I am so grateful to everyone who brought this to a successful conclusion! This agreement represents more than a resolution; it reflects meaningful progress in how we work together and a result that positions both communities to move forward with confidence. We’ve strengthened communication, rebuilt relationships, and are returning our focus to where it belongs: on empowering educators who shape the futures of our students and our district.”

— Bill Runey, Superintendent, Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District

Both the School Committee and the Board of Selectmen reaffirm their commitment to:
● Strengthening collaboration between the district and the Town of Rehoboth
● Ensuring responsible and transparent stewardship of public resources
● Continuing to build trust through consistent and open communication

“This agreement reflects how we should be working as a regional system—with clear communication, shared responsibility, and a commitment to doing what’s right for both communities.” – Aaron Morse, Vice Chair, Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Committee

The Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District remains focused on empowering staff, igniting student curiosity and learning, and shaping the future—continuing to move forward together through the DRiving Toward 2030 strategic plan.