Re-Elect Aaron Morse for Dighton-Rehoboth School Committee

Hello. I’m Aaron Morse and I am running for re-election to the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School Committee. My family and I moved here to Rehoboth in 2018, joining my wife’s parents who have lived in town since 2006. We quickly became aware of the financial situation between the district and the town after the Prop 2 ½ override in 2018 and the ensuing budget boondoggle the very next year. It was due to these issues that I initially ran for School Committee back in 2020. I ran on a platform of fiscal responsibility and being a voice for balance to make sure students get the best education possible within the limits of what Rehoboth taxpayers can afford. 

Over the last 3 years, I have gained valuable experience in various roles and sub-committees to work effectively to that end. I have served in committee leadership as Chairman and Vice-Chairman, Chairman of Negotiations Subcommittee, Chairman of Capital Subcommittee and a member of the Budget Subcommittee. Through collaboration between the committee and district administration, we haven’t experienced budget turmoil since 2019, and I would like to keep it that way. That being said, there is still work to do. I am concerned about the continued use of Excess and Deficiency (E&D) as a non-recurring revenue source to the budget. As a practice, this requires unspent prior year money to offset current year increases that we would otherwise not be able to afford and it is something that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) discourages. I have made it known that we need a plan to reduce our reliance on E&D as a budget revenue source unless it is to cover one-time expenses.

Through the tireless efforts of Superintendent Bill Runey and his team and Business Administrator Rob Baxter and his team in the business office, conditions are improving steadily in the district. I am proud to have had a hand in the hiring of these two key administrators. Working together with Mr. Runey and Mr. Baxter, we have made strides in improving relationships with both Rehoboth and Dighton through increased transparency and communication. One issue that would benefit from improved communication is the ongoing litigation with the Town of Rehoboth. It is my hope that this will be resolved through mediation, a process that is already underway. It is also my hope that with improved communications and good faith discussions, the outdated Regional Agreement will be brought into compliance with modern statutes and regulations.

I am also a voice for parents. On several occasions, parents reached out to me with their concerns and I was able to either direct them to the proper contact or advocate to the administration directly on their behalf. Whether it’s a simple question or something more, I am always available to hear from you. I am a staunch advocate for Parents’ Rights in Education.

A little bit more about me – I’m a regular working husband and father of 2. I am a self taught Web and Software Engineer by trade and have been in the industry for 25 years. A lot has changed over that time which means I’m always researching and learning to keep up with new technologies and techniques. I have applied this mindset to my work on the committee, as there are always issues coming up that require research and self-education. I tend to be quick to listen, slow to speak. My communication style is fact based and I try to keep things simple and easy to understand. I always do my best to work well with everyone.

Should I be elected for another term, I will provide stability and continuity of committee leadership, which would provide critical support to Mr. Runey and his team as they work to improve the overall health of the district and its relationship with the Town of Rehoboth.

If you would like to know more about me and my position on relevant issues, support my campaign financially or with a yard sign, or find out where I will be standing out, you can follow me at https://www.facebook.com/morse4sc, https://twitter.com/admorseSC  or reach me by email at morse4rehobothsc@outlook.com.

Thank you for your support!
Aaron Morse