Dartmouth School Committee appoints Avila to regional Voke board

School Committee · Meeting of August 25, 2026

Dartmouth School Committee unanimously appoints Rick Avila to its regional vocational school seat. Superintendent Mike Watson told members he had been contacted by the sitting chair of the Greater New Bedford Voke committee, who along with others felt Avila would bring a "different lens" than past appointees. Members Heidi and Melissa debated Avila against two other finalists, an attorney identified as Hunt and a candidate identified as Dr.

Bush, with Heidi arguing Dartmouth's "stake at the table... is really critical" amid tightening admissions. Avila, a longtime shop instructor and assistant baseball coach, told the committee he would step down from coaching if appointed; members discussed whether a teacher "cooling-off" period under Massachusetts Teachers Association rules would apply. The vote passed unanimously, with the appointment to be formally announced by the town's Select Board office.

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• Who Was There
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• The complete report — 1,782 words

Source: the School Committee meeting of August 25, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.