Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District Welcomes DESE Commissioner Pedro Martinez

Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District was proud to welcome Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez on Friday, May 29, 2026, for a visit highlighting innovative student learning opportunities and district programs across multiple grade levels.

Commissioner Martinez visited both Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School and Palmer River Elementary School alongside Superintendent Bill Runey, state legislators, School Committee members, educators, and student leaders. Throughout the afternoon, the Commissioner met with students and staff, toured classrooms and programs, and learned more about the district’s commitment to providing empowering, future-ready educational experiences for all learners.
At Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, Commissioner Martinez participated in an Early College panel discussion with students and teachers, where students shared insights about their experiences earning college credits and preparing for future academic and career opportunities.

The visit also included tours of the school’s anticipated Culinary Arts/Hospitality and Criminal Justice/Public Safety Pathway programs, giving the Commissioner an opportunity to see Dighton-Rehoboth’s Next-Generation Career & Technical Education Expansion that connects classroom learning with real-world career opportunities and meets critical workforce needs across Southeastern Massachusetts.

“Commissioner Martinez’s visit provided an opportunity to see the future of education in action,” said Superintendent Bill Runey. “From Early College students earning credits and gaining confidence in their future, to our expanding Career and Technical Education pathways, to the curiosity and engagement taking place in our elementary classrooms, the common thread was opportunity. These experiences are exactly what DRiving Toward 2030 is all about—igniting learning, shaping the future, and ensuring every student graduates with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in an ever-changing world. Given the demands on the Commissioner’s time and the many outstanding schools across Massachusetts, we are especially honored that he chose to spend part of his day in Dighton-Rehoboth. His visit is a meaningful affirmation of the incredible work taking place across our district and the momentum our students, staff, and community have built together.”

Following the high school tour, Commissioner Martinez visited Palmer River Elementary School, where he toured classrooms and observed engaging learning activities led by students and teachers.

District leaders said the visit reflected Dighton-Rehoboth’s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful educational opportunities that support student growth, achievement, and belonging at every level.