TAUNTON, Mass. — The Taunton School Committee has officially named 66 Summer St. the Carol A. Doherty Professional Learning Center, honoring the late former state representative and longtime educator for her lifelong dedication to professional development and public service.
School Committee Chairman Dr. Gregory DeMelo emphasized the importance of the decision, stating, "Carol’s impact on our schools and community cannot be overstated. This center will stand as a tribute to her unwavering commitment to education and service, and we are proud to honor her legacy in this way."
Superintendent John J. Cabral echoed this sentiment, adding, "Carol Doherty was a champion for education, always striving to provide opportunities for teachers and students alike. It is only fitting that our Professional Learning Center bears her name, ensuring that her dedication to lifelong learning lives on in Taunton."
The decision to name the building after Doherty follows weeks of planning and a public input process. At a Feb. 28 subcommittee meeting, members of the Long-Range Planning and School Properties Committee, chaired by Steven Vieira, voted to convert the property into a Professional Learning and Development Center, aligning with the district’s expanding needs and commitment to educator growth. A subsequent motion was made to name the center in honor of Doherty, recognizing her deep impact on education at both the local and state levels.
Doherty, who died Feb. 15 at age 82, was a lifelong advocate for public education. She began her career as a teacher in New Bedford before becoming a guidance counselor at Taunton’s Edmund Hatch Bennett School. She later served as president of the Taunton Education Association and went on to lead the Massachusetts Teachers Association from 1980 to 1984. Her leadership in education extended into public service, where she served five terms on the Taunton School Committee, beginning in 2011. In 2020, she was elected state representative for the Third Bristol District, representing Taunton and Easton, and was re-elected in 2022 and 2024.
Throughout her career, Doherty championed policies that expanded educational access and professional development for educators. As a legislator, she introduced bills to ensure American Sign Language was offered in public schools and to establish CPR and AED training as a statewide graduation requirement. Her commitment to education, from the classroom to the State House, left a lasting mark on the Taunton community.
After a 30-day period for public input, during which no opposition was received, the School Committee formally approved the naming at the April 2 meeting. The vote was unanimous.
Doherty’s husband, Dennis Cook, was present at the meeting and expressed gratitude for the recognition of her legacy. An official dedication ceremony will be held in September once necessary updates to the building are completed. Family, friends, and community members will be invited to celebrate Doherty’s enduring influence on Taunton Public Schools and beyond.
The Carol A. Doherty Professional Learning Center will serve as a hub for educator development and community engagement, ensuring that her passion for lifelong learning continues to inspire future generations.