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. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is pleased to share that Rochester Memorial School Committee Chair Kate Duggan has joined this year’s Massachusetts Education Policy Fellowship (MEPF), organized by the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy.
MEPF brings together leaders from a range of educational organizations seeking to understand and advance equitable education policy. This year’s 10-month program will feature a variety of virtual sessions and workshops with prominent leaders, including former Massachusetts Education Secretary Paul Reville. Fellows will also hear from Massachusetts State House and U.S. Congress legislators and staff to learn about the policy process.
“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. “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, and we are excited to work with them over the coming year to explore the state education policy context, identify opportunities for improving education through policy change and build their networks in the education and policy communities.”
Duggan joins MEPF as the Chair of the Rochester Memorial School Committee and 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. “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.”
As part of MEPF, Duggan will interact with 29 other fellows working in a variety of roles, including teachers, faculty members, school and district administrators, researchers, nonprofit leaders and state officials. The program equips participants to leverage their knowledge, skills and networks to advance as policy leaders and promote a stronger education system for all learners.
“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 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. We look forward to hearing the knowledge Kate gains from MEPF and utilizing this as a resource for our school community.”
About the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy
The Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy’s mission is to improve public education through well-informed decision-making based on deep knowledge and evidence of effective policymaking and practice. For more information, visit www.renniecenter.org
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Duggan is one of 30 fellows participating in the 10-month program. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
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