Old Rochester, Acushnet reach tuition deal

MATTAPOISETT — After three months of negotiations Old Rochester Regional School District and the Acushnet school district have reached a tuition deal. 

Both schools agreed to a tuition deal at an Old Rochester School Committee meeting Thursday, March 26. 

Old Rochester Regional High School would officially be an option for Acushnet students in the 2026-27 school year. 

Superintendent Michael Nelson said the agreement is set for a five year term with the ability to extend the term as needed. 

“We are excited about this partnership and the opportunities we believe that will provide for all students that are involved,” Nelson said. “I'm confident that this agreement will provide a mutually beneficial partnership with the Acushnet Public Schools in the coming years.”

The deal includes agreements over tuition rates, transportation, special education costs and residency stipulations. 

Acushnet Superintendent Paula Bailey said she is looking forward to the partnership after working hard to come to an agreement. 

“We're just excited about it and our kids are excited as well. Thank you for including us,” Bailey said. “We feel very welcome here.”

Currently, there are 108 eighth graders in Acushnet’s district who will be placed across the South Coast when they move up to high school. 

Many who do not choose to attend area vocational-technical high schools will enroll at Old Rochester Regional or New Bedford High School.