DR schools approve pantry sponsorship, two policies

School Committee · Meeting of September 22, 2026

REHOBOTH — Dighton-Rehoboth freshman retention climbs to 83.1 percent, up 13.8 points. Principal Demers told the School Committee the district's grade 8-to-9 "conversion rate" rose from 69.3 percent using verified state-reported cohort data, crediting earlier middle-school access to extracurriculars, expanded pathways and a stronger transition program. The committee also voted unanimously to seek sponsorships for the new Falcons Fueling Families food pantry, set to launch in mid-October, and approved second readings of its cell phone policy (JICJ) and student-data policy (ACL).

Business Administrator Brim said a consultant found "shockingly low numbers for electricity consumption for a district of our size" and will propose locking in rates for three more years at roughly $66,000 more annually. The committee accepted a $100 book donation from the Rachel Brannigan Educational Foundation and a $500 gift from the Charities Aid Foundation. Resident George Solis questioned during public comment whether the retention gain could raise per-pupil costs for Dighton and Rehoboth.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,510 words

Source: the School Committee meeting of September 22, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.