Supporting Regional Schools Across Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools (MARS) is the statewide voice for regional school districts — providing advocacy, professional development, consulting, and resources to the leaders who serve them.
Statewide Reach & Impact
Expert Consulting Team
Trusted Across Massachusetts
About MARS
A Trusted Partner for Regional School Districts
MARS is a member-driven organization governed by a Board of Directors composed of school administrators and school committee members from regional districts throughout Massachusetts. Our work is guided by the needs of our members and the students they serve.
- Founded: 1987
- Members: Regional school districts across Massachusetts
- Services: Advocacy, Professional Development, Consulting, Resources
- Reach: Serving Superintendents, School Business Officials, and School Committee Members statewide
Our Mission
Our Commitment to Regional Schools
Founded in 1987, the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools is committed to fostering and supporting regional schools through education, collaboration, and advocacy.
Working comprehensively with Superintendents, School Business Officials, and School Committee Members — alongside governmental entities and other educational organizations — MARS seeks to ensure excellence in the educational opportunities afforded to students attending regional schools throughout the Commonwealth.
MARS devises, develops, and disseminates strategies to address the unique challenges facing regional school districts. We serve as a trusted resource through collaborative planning, professional development, and information sharing.
What We Do
How We Support Our Members
At MARS, we provide targeted support designed specifically for the unique needs of Massachusetts regional school districts. Through advocacy, professional development, consulting, and strategic resources, we help district leaders navigate complex financial, operational, and governance challenges with confidence.
Legislative Advocacy
We monitor state and federal legislation, represent regional school districts at the State House, and keep our members informed on budget developments, policy changes, and funding opportunities that impact their districts.
Professional Development
MARS offers workshops, training sessions, Help Desk meetings, and an annual legislative forum - all designed to keep school district leaders informed on the current practices, regulations, and financial management requirements. Sessions are conducted virtually and archived for the convenience of our members.
Consulting Services
Our experienced consulting team provides tailored support to regional school districts across finance, operations, regionalization, strategic planning, and other key areas, helping districts address complex challenges with confidence and build a path to long-term success.
Why Choose MARS
Regional Schools Are Different. So Are We.
Managing a regional school district comes with challenges that most education organizations simply don’t understand — complex assessments, multi-town governance, unique state regulations, and funding structures found nowhere else. MARS was built specifically for this world, and everything we do reflects that.
Expertise You Can't Find Elsewhere
With over 35 years serving Massachusetts regional school districts exclusively, we bring deep knowledge of the financial, legal, and governance challenges that are unique to your district — and your district alone.
A Community That Gets It
MARS connects Superintendents, School Business Officials, and School Committee Members across the Commonwealth — a peer network of professionals who face the same challenges you do and are ready to share what works.
Support From Advocacy to Action
From representing your interests on Beacon Hill to hands-on consulting and professional development, MARS supports your district at every level — not just with information, but with real, practical help.
Testimonials
Trusted by Regional School Leaders Across Massachusetts
Hear from Superintendents, School Business Officials, and School Committee Members who rely on MARS for advocacy, guidance, and professional support.
MARS understands the nuances of regional school districts, so having someone who is knowledgeable about your situation to talk to when you need support is incredibly helpful.