Superintendent Michael S. Nelson would like to offer congratulations on behalf of Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 to Dr. Jaime Curley, who has served as the districts’ Assistant Superintendent of Student Services since August 2024, for her recent appointment as the new Superintendent of Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools.
Dr. Curley was recently selected by the All-Island School Committee to fill the role currently held by Martha’s Vineyard Superintendent Richie Smith, who plans to retire in June.
Pending successful contract negotiations, Dr. Curley will be the first woman to serve as Superintendent of Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools, a school district with more than 2,100 students.
“Please join me in congratulating Dr. Curley on this achievement,” said Superintendent Nelson. “I know this has long been a professional goal of Dr. Curley to one day lead a school district as superintendent. While her absence will surely be felt here within our school system’s leadership team, we are always happy to see one of our own like Dr. Curley accomplish their dreams.”
Dr. Curley described her time with Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 as an opportunity to grow as an educator, immersing herself in the diverse needs of students throughout Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester.
“I’ll forever be grateful for this time in my career and the people I was able to work with here, including the staff, parents, School Committee members and students,” Dr. Curley said. “I learned so much in these two school years about what it means to develop a strong culture of collaboration. These are lessons that will remain with me as I start this next chapter in Martha’s Vineyard. Thank you again to everyone I’ve met along the way here in the Tri-Town.”
Dr. Curley came to the Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 from the Mashpee Public Schools District with a strong expertise in administrative roles, education and psychology, having earned a Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University.
Prior to her time at ORR, Dr. Curley was Director of Special Education Services at Mashpee Public Schools for seven years. Before that, Dr. Curley worked in the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District for 18 years as a Director of Pupil Services, School Psychologist, Lead Mentor, Co-coordinator of Extended School Year and Special Education Teacher.
In addition to her doctoral degree, Dr. Curley holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a post-baccalaureate degree with a certificate in special education from Bridgewater State University. She also obtained a Master of Education and a certificate of advanced graduate study in School Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Dr. Curley will remain with ORR through June 30. In the coming weeks, the school system will begin a search to fill the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services position.
“Dr. Curley has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our students, families and staff during her time with our school system,” said April Nye, Vice Chair of the Old Rochester Regional School District Committee. “Her expertise, thoughtful leadership and commitment to supporting every learner have been assets to our schools. Together, we congratulate her on this well-deserved appointment and wish her great success in this exciting new role.”
“While we will certainly miss Dr. Curley’s leadership and collaborative spirit, we are proud to see her take this next step in her professional journey,” said Superintendent Nelson. “We thank her for her dedication to our Tri-Town community and extend our very best wishes as she begins her tenure with Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools.”