Rochester Memorial School Committee chair joins education fellowship
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. Photos source: Old Rochester Regional School District
Duggan is one of 30 fellows participating in the 10-month program.
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. Photos source: Old Rochester Regional School District
Duggan is one of 30 fellows participating in the 10-month program.
MATTAPOISETT — Kate Duggan, the Rochester Memorial School Committee chair, has joined the Massachusetts Education Policy Fellowship.
The fellowship helps leaders of educational organizations understand and advance equitable education policy. The 10-month program will include virtual sessions and workshops, including a session with former Massachusetts Education Secretary Paul Reville. The fellows will also meet with state representatives and U.S. Congress members and staff to learn about policy-making.
“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 for Education and Research policy, which organized the fellowship. “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.”
In addition to leading the school committee, Duggan is also the 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 in a news release. “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.”
Duggan will work with 29 other fellows who are teachers, faculty members, administrators, researchers, nonprofit leaders and state officials.
“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 Michael 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.
