ROCHESTER — Following the outcome of the district-wide ballot vote held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, the Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School District has formally notified the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) that it will withdraw its proposed school building project from the MSBA pipeline.
The vote marked the second time voters in the district’s five member communities were asked to consider the proposed project. While the project received significant support throughout the district, it did not achieve the approval necessary to move forward.
As a result, Old Colony has informed the MSBA that it will discontinue pursuit of the current project and exit the Authority’s funding pipeline.
“We respect the decision of the voters and are grateful to the thousands of residents who took the time to participate in this important process,” said Superintendent-Director Aaron Polansky. “We would like to sincerely thank our member communities, elected officials, Building Committee members, School Committee members, staff, students, families, and community supporters who dedicated countless hours to studying, discussing, and advocating for this project.”
The proposed project was developed through years of collaboration with the MSBA and was intended to address significant facility needs while expanding educational opportunities for students across the district’s member towns of Acushnet, Carver, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, and Rochester.
Despite the project’s withdrawal, Old Colony remains committed to providing high-quality career and technical education opportunities for current and future students.
“Our mission remains unchanged,” Polansky said. “Old Colony will continue to deliver exceptional educational experiences, prepare students for successful careers and post-secondary opportunities, and serve the workforce needs of our region. We will now evaluate future options for addressing the district’s long-term facility challenges while maintaining our focus on student success.”
District officials will continue discussions with the School Committee, member communities, and state partners regarding the next steps for maintaining and improving the school’s aging facilities.
- For additional information, please contact: Aaron L. Polansky, Superintendent-Director Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School 476 North Avenue Rochester, MA 02770 508-763-8011
About Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School
Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School serves students from Acushnet, Carver, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, and Rochester. The district provides rigorous academic instruction alongside career and technical education opportunities designed to prepare students for success in college, careers, and civic life.
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