ORR School Committee
Each of the tri-towns elects members to the Old Rochester Regional (district) School Committee; these two candidates from the Town of Mattapoisett are running for one, three-year term.
Nina Datshkovsky Ennis
I’m running for the Old Rochester Regional (ORR) School Committee because I believe parents must have a strong voice in shaping the future of our schools. I aim to be a voice for parents and their contribution to the vision for ORR schools. As a mother and active community advocate, I bring a passionate, common-sense approach rooted in family values and a deep belief that parents are essential partners in the success of our students. I am committed to a bold vision that prioritizes academic excellence, fosters meaningful family engagement, and empowers our entire community to be active partners in every student’s success. Through my work in educational, medical, and judicial settings as a Spanish interpreter and translator, I’ve supported diverse families and witnessed firsthand the gaps in communication and access. I know how critical it is to ensure all students feel supported and all parents feel heard. I’ve also led programs focused on youth development, reinforcing my belief that strong schools are built on trust, transparency, and collaboration between families and educators. With a multicultural and multilingual background, a deep respect for parental rights, and a passion for high-quality education, I will advocate for nutritious food programs, increased physical activity, open communication, and transparent decision-making that puts students first. I’ve served in leadership roles across civic and community organizations and understand how to communicate, build consensus, and deliver meaningful results. Together, we can build a school system that educates with excellence, engages families openly, and empowers our children to thrive.
Betsy Stewart
My name is Betsy Stewart and I am running for ORR School Committee because I believe in the value of public education and know that a strong school system supports and sustains the health and vitality of its local community. Our public education system must prepare students for tomorrow’s opportunities and challenges. I believe that with my work and life experience, I can make a significant contribution to the school committee and to our community. My combination of professional expertise, leadership experience and community service uniquely position me to serve on this school committee. As a wellness professional and small business owner, I bring extensive knowledge to this role with a passion for education, community well-being and smart resource management. My priorities are accelerating learning improvement, lowering the town’s tax burden through budget reform, investing in civics education, ensuring student safety and increasing civil discourse. I ask that you put your confidence in me and vote for a candidate who will thoroughly research and evaluate current issues which will come before our committee, advocate for students, teachers and staff and work diligently to improve and build upon current academic standards and educational outcomes in the ORR schools, making it an even better educational institution than it already is. Our children deserve the best possible junior and high school experience. I believe my contributions will help foster a thriving educational environment for all students. Please remember to vote on May 20th and ensure that your voice is heard. Thank you.
Mattapoisett Water/Sewer Commission
Two candidates, incumbent Dana Lebaron Barrows and challenger Mason Mathieu, are running for one open seat, a three-year term.
Mason Mathieu
My name is Mason Mathieu. I have been a resident of Mattapoisett for most of my life. I attended Center School, Old Hammondtown School, Old Rochester Regional Junior High and ORR High School. After high school, I attended the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting before obtaining a Juris Doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Law. I passed the Massachusetts Bar Exam in 2023 and the Bar Exam for Florida in 2024, and I am currently licensed to practice in both states. I am employed in my family Law Firm of Mathieu & Mathieu in New Bedford and Marion. I am also a part time assistant city solicitor/tax title attorney with the City of New Bedford Treasurer’s Office. I am currently on the Board of the Human Rights Committee for the Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (SMEC). I am seeking to be a commissioner for Mattapoisett’s Water & Sewer Commission because I see it as an opportunity to give back to the community that I have been a part of for the majority of my life. I feel my experience and training would be beneficial in decision making as a board member on the commission. This town has provided me with a safe and fun environment to grow up in, and I would be honored to dedicate a portion of my time and efforts in order to help ensure that it continues to improve and prosper. Thank you for your consideration.
Mattapoisett Board of Health
Two candidates, incumbent Michelle Bernier and challenger N. Douglas Schneider, are running for one, three-year term.
Michelle Bernier