Dighton Elementary School

Business View Article: “Proving Rural Districts Can Compete Through Strategic Innovation” Showcases District’s Vision and Progress

The Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District is proud to announce a feature in Business View Magazine. The article highlights how the district is redefining what’s possible for small, rural school systems through visionary leadership, community collaboration, and a focus on empowering educators and students alike.

Featured on the cover of the October 2025 issue, the piece showcases the district’s commitment to educational excellence across five schools serving 2,500 students. It explores how the district’s leadership team, including Superintendent Bill Runey, Assistant Superintendent Fred Souza, and Director of Instructional Technology Lauren Harwood, have worked together to align innovation, strategic planning, and community engagement under the unifying mantra #WeAreDR.

Superintendent Runey stated, “This is such a tremendous testament to what everyone in these two communities has done to foster a true renaissance in our district.” 

The feature covers several of Dighton-Rehoboth’s groundbreaking initiatives, including:

• Supporting the Whole Child and Empowering Educators: Dighton-Rehoboth’s “whole child, whole educator” philosophy emphasizes that supporting students’ growth begins with supporting the well-being and professional strength of the educators who teach them.

• DREAM Seminars (Dighton-Rehoboth Educators Aspiring for Mastery): An educator-led professional development model that turns teachers into instructional innovators.

• Career and Technical Education Pathways: Programs connecting students to real-world experiences in fields like engineering, automotive technology, and marketing—with partnerships including Ford Motor Company and Tasca Automotive Group.

• Technology and AI Integration: A forward-thinking approach to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, emphasizing responsible use and future-ready digital skills.

• Safety and Security Investments: Strategic partnerships with local police, fire departments, and security vendors to modernize district-wide safety infrastructure.

The article also highlights how Dighton-Rehoboth’s leadership philosophy blends fiscal responsibility with innovation, ensuring that every initiative supports the district’s DRiving Toward 2030 Strategic Plan for long-term sustainability and student success.

The full feature article is available below and online: