About Us
The Voice for Regional Schools in Massachusetts
For over 35 years, the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools has been the dedicated voice for regional school districts across the Commonwealth — providing advocacy, professional development, consulting, and resources to the administrators and school committee members who lead them.
Who We Are
Built for Regional Schools. By People Who Know Them.
The Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools (MARS) was founded in 1987 with a clear and focused purpose: to support the unique needs of regional school districts in Massachusetts.
Regional schools operate differently from traditional school districts. They span multiple municipalities, navigate complex governance structures, and face financial and legal challenges that most education organizations simply aren’t equipped to address. MARS was created precisely because those distinctions matter.
For more than three decades, we have worked alongside Superintendents, School Business Officials, and School Committee Members — providing the advocacy, training, resources, and hands-on support that regional school leaders need to serve their students and communities well.
Our work is guided by our members, governed by a Board of Directors drawn from regional districts across Massachusetts, and carried out by a small, dedicated professional staff committed to the mission every day.
Our Mission
To foster and support regional schools in Massachusetts through education, collaboration, and advocacy — working comprehensively with Superintendents, School Business Officials, and School Committee Members to ensure excellence in the educational opportunities afforded to students attending regional schools throughout the Commonwealth.
What We Stand For
We advocate for regional school districts through policy, legislation, collaboration, and shared resources—supporting education leaders with the tools they need to serve their communities effectively.
Advocacy
Develop a clear statement of the needs of regional school districts throughout the Commonwealth and effectively communicate these needs to all stakeholders — including the executive and legislative branches of state government and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Legislation
Identify and propose legislation deemed beneficial to regional school districts throughout Massachusetts, with emphasis on components that provide categorical entitlements and reimbursements, and on all matters affecting the funding and operation of regional schools.
Partnership
Foster mutually beneficial collaborative relationships with MASS, MASC, MASBO, MAVA, and other stakeholders — working together in the shared interest of students and communities across the Commonwealth.
Resources & Communication
Serve as a resource to our membership through collaborative planning, professional development, and information sharing — devising, developing, and disseminating strategies to address the issues facing regional schools.
Policy Influence
Foster a productive partnership with DESE and advocate for the adoption of policies and practices consistent with the goals of the Association and responsive to the needs of all regional school districts.
Meet the MARS Staff
MARS is powered by a dedicated team of professionals with deep expertise in regional school administration, finance, and policy.
Board of Directors
Bylaws
The MARS Bylaws govern the structure, membership, and operations of the Association. They were most recently updated and voted on May 11, 2021.
Membership
Annual dues are determined by the voting members at the Annual Meeting and are payable by December 31 of each fiscal year. Membership includes access to all MARS professional development events, resources, the member directory, consulting support, and legislative advocacy on behalf of your district.