Old Rochester Regional School District & Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 News

Official Website

Welcome to the Old Rochester and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 School District News. The purpose of this site is to communicate timely and relevant information about the schools in Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester to all stakeholders.

Michael S. Nelson, M.Ed.
Superintendent, email

Old Rochester Regional School District
MA Superintendency Union #55

135 Marion Road
Mattapoisett, MA 02739
Office: 508-758-2772 X1956
Fax: 508-758-2802

Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 Awarded Over $277,000 Through Five Grants

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MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is pleased to announce that the Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 have secured $277,468 through five education grants to support early childhood programs, literacy instruction, civics education and career preparation.

The Old Rochester Regional School Committee accepted the five grants at its Sept. 30 meeting.

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Sharlene Fedorowicz, Early Education Coordinator Doreen Lopes and Old Rochester Regional High School Assistant Principal Lauren Millette led the grant application work.

Preparing the applications required staff to review funding requirements, identify student and program needs, develop proposals and prepare budgets showing how the funds would be used. For the competitive grants, those applications also had to demonstrate why the school system’s proposals merited funding.

“I am especially proud of the work our administrators and teachers put into pursuing these opportunities,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Fedorowicz. “Grant writing requires significant time, collaboration, and attention to detail, particularly when competing for limited awards. Our team works together to identify opportunities, develop strong proposals, and create thoughtful plans for how the grants will benefit our students.”

The awards include:

  • The Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant — $75,468: A Department of Early Education and Care continuation grant supporting coordinated services for young children and their families, including family engagement, early learning activities and connections to community resources. The funding will support the school district’s ongoing family and community engagement efforts.
  • The Civics Teaching and Learning Grant — $30,000: A competitive grant through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), funded by the state’s Civics Project Trust Fund, to support civics instruction, educator development and student civics projects. The school district will use the funding to support civics education and student participation in civic projects and activities.
  • The Innovations Career Pathways Implementation and Support Grant  —  $50,000: A competitive DESE grant providing designated Innovation Career Pathways programs with resources to support implementation of approved career pathways and related college and career readiness opportunities. ORR High School will use the funding to support the Innovation Career Pathways program that it launched during the 2025-26 school year.
  • The Partnership for Reading Success (Massachusetts Cohort II) Grant   — $117,000: A competitive DESE grant supporting the selection and implementation of high-quality PreK-3 English language arts and literacy instructional materials, along with educator coaching and professional learning. The school district will use the funding to strengthen early literacy instruction and expand access to high-quality literacy materials.
  • The Career Technical Education Frameworks and Competency Based Implementation Grant — $5,000: A competitive DESE grant supporting state-designated career technical education programs as they align curriculum, instruction and assessment with Massachusetts CTE frameworks and competency-based practices.

“These awards reflect the expertise, initiative, and hard work of our administrators and teachers,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Fedorowicz. “Most importantly, they will create expanded opportunities and stronger programs for our students. We are proud of the collaborative work behind these grants and grateful to everyone who helped make these accomplishments possible.”

“The Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant will allow us to continue building strong connections with young children, families and the community,” said Early Education Coordinator Lopes. “These partnerships are an important part of getting children ready to learn before they start school, helping us to provide resources and support that our families deserve.”

“These grants will help Old Rochester Regional High School expand opportunities for students so that they can explore their interests and develop valuable skills that will help prepare them for their future careers,” said Assistant Principal Millette. “We want our students to graduate with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to pursue their goals after high school.”

“A great deal of work goes into these applications before we receive an award,” said Superintendent Nelson. “Dr. Fedorowicz, Doreen and Lauren put time and care into explaining what our students need and how we would use the funding. Securing competitive grants takes a strong proposal, and I appreciate the work they did to bring these resources to our schools.”

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Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation Invites Community to Inaugural Fall Gala

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MATTAPOISETT — The Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation invites the community to attend its inaugural Fall Gala on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at Century House in Acushnet.

The evening includes a cocktail hour and curated silent auction, featuring unique local experiences, vacation getaways and premium goods donated by regional businesses.

The gala will raise funds to strengthen educational opportunities for students and educators across Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester. Tickets may be purchased at https://gofan.co/event/6711869. Early registration is encouraged, as tickets are limited.

Proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Foundation’s grant program, which funds innovation, specialized arts and science initiatives and experiential learning projects that enhance curriculum.

“We look forward to seeing our community of educators, families, local businesses and individuals at the inaugural Fall Gala on Oct. 8,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “This evening is a chance not only to support public education, but also to gather with friends and family to enjoy a cocktail reception, win silent auction prizes and more. We are grateful for the community’s support of our students and educators, and are eager to see them at the gala.”

Local businesses and individuals who wish to support the gala can choose to do so in the following ways:

  • Sponsorship Packages: Choose one of four different tax-deductible tiers that offer prominent organizational visibility before and during the event.
  • Silent Auction Procurement: Donate high-quality items, vacation stays, event tickets or premium gift baskets.
  • In-Kind Vendor Support: Collaborate with regional hospitality, floral, printing or entertainment vendors willing to offer discounted or donated services.

For more information about sponsorship and auction details, click here, or email Tritowneducationfoundation@oldrochester.org.

“We wish to thank all of the local businesses and individuals who have supported the gala through generous silent auction prizes, sponsorships and vendor support,” said Doreen Lopes, Chairperson of the Tri-Town Education Foundation. “Their contributions have been invaluable as we prepare for the gala, and we are excited to see their hard work pay off the night of the event.”

About the Tri-Town Education Foundation

The Foundation’s mission is to enhance and enrich the educational experience of the students and teachers through grants that benefit public education in Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester. Funding is generated from private philanthropic donations.

Vision of the Foundation

The vision of the Education Foundation Grants program is to enrich the educational, cultural and civic experience for all our students, enhance each student’s success in school, in our communities and in life and encourage academic excellence, innovation and creative thinking in our schools.

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Rochester Memorial School Committee Chair Kate Duggan Joins Massachusetts Education Policy Fellowship

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Rochester Memorial School Committee Chair Kate Duggan is participating in this year’s Massachusetts Education Policy Fellowship, organized by the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)

 

MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is pleased to share that Rochester Memorial School Committee Chair Kate Duggan has joined this year’s Massachusetts Education Policy Fellowship (MEPF), organized by the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy.

MEPF brings together leaders from a range of educational organizations seeking to understand and advance equitable education policy. This year’s 10-month program will feature a variety of virtual sessions and workshops with prominent leaders, including former Massachusetts Education Secretary Paul Reville. Fellows will also hear from Massachusetts State House and U.S. Congress legislators and staff to learn about the policy process.

“Once again, we are excited to welcome an impressive group of fellows to participate in MEPF,” said Chad d’Entremont, Executive Director for the Rennie Center. “In a fast-changing education policy environment, understanding how to navigate as a leader — and promote equitable access to opportunity for all students — is more important than ever before. The 2026-27 MEPF fellows bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to our program, and we are excited to work with them over the coming year to explore the state education policy context, identify opportunities for improving education through policy change and build their networks in the education and policy communities.”

Duggan joins MEPF as the Chair of the Rochester Memorial School Committee and Director of Research Development at Northeastern University.

“I am pursuing the MEPF fellowship to deepen my policy knowledge, expand my statewide network and elevate the challenges facing rural public schools on the Massachusetts policy agenda,” said Duggan. “My service on the Rochester Memorial School Committee, inspired by my elementary and middle-grade children, has shaped my advocacy for small and rural districts navigating the structural funding pressures of Chapter 70, Circuit Breaker reimbursement and rural aid.”

As part of MEPF, Duggan will interact with 29 other fellows working in a variety of roles, including teachers, faculty members, school and district administrators, researchers, nonprofit leaders and state officials. The program equips participants to leverage their knowledge, skills and networks to advance as policy leaders and promote a stronger education system for all learners.

“As an MEPF fellow, Kate will deepen her understanding of public policy making and bring a fresh perspective back to the Rochester Memorial School Committee,” said Superintendent Nelson. “This program offers her a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow education professionals and strengthen her leadership skills in a way that supports our schools. We look forward to hearing the knowledge Kate gains from MEPF and utilizing this as a resource for our school community.”

About the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy

The Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy’s mission is to improve public education through well-informed decision-making based on deep knowledge and evidence of effective policymaking and practice. For more information, visit www.renniecenter.org

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Duggan is one of 30 fellows participating in the 10-month program. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)

Michael Perrone Appointed Interim Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations for Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55

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Michael Perrone has been appointed as Interim Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations for Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)

MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Perrone as Interim Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations for Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55, effective Sept. 21.

Perrone brings more than 20 years of experience overseeing school finance and operations in Massachusetts and other states. Most recently, he served as Acting Superintendent for Middleborough Public Schools in addition to his role as Director of Business and Finance, where he managed a budget of more than $50 million.

In Middleborough, Perrone also oversaw capital projects, procurement, transportation, facilities, maintenance and other support services. He helped develop long-range capital and facilities plans and participated in collective bargaining.

Perrone previously served as Interim Business Manager for Hanover Public Schools, managing the district’s financial operations and overseeing transportation, facilities, purchasing and food services.

Earlier in his career, Perrone held several senior school finance positions, including Associate Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer for Polk County Public Schools in Florida. He also served as Chief Financial Officer for DeKalb County Public Schools in Georgia and Duval County Public Schools in Florida.

Perrone previously worked in Massachusetts as Director of Finance for Barnstable Public Schools and Business Manager and Assistant Treasurer for Silver Lake Regional School District. He also served as Business Manager for Thompson Public Schools in Connecticut.

Perrone holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Hartford. He is certified as a school business manager in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

“Michael has managed school finances and operations in districts of many different sizes, and that experience will be a tremendous asset to our school system,” Superintendent Nelson said. “He understands the challenges schools face and knows how to work with school leaders and municipal partners to find practical solutions. We are excited to welcome him to our leadership team.”

“I am honored to join Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55,” Perrone said. “I look forward to working with the leadership team, staff and communities to support our schools and ensure our resources continue to serve students effectively.”

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