WORCESTER—The Worcester School Committee meets Thursday, May 15, with a fairly light (lighter than usual) agenda headlined by a budget presentation from Superintendent Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez.
The report outlines the district’s budget priorities for the 2025-26 school year, rooted in the WPS Strategic Plan and an equity budgeting model shaped by broad stakeholder input.
While Worcester Public Schools anticipates $38.2 million in new revenue, rising costs—especially in health and benefits—leave just $3.8 million in discretionary funds for new initiatives.
Those funds help jumpstart equity-focused strategies including increased common planning time, reduced non-teaching duties for secondary educators, expanded after-school programs (including a secondary late bus), and cluster-based elementary aftercare. Classroom educator positions, special education supports, dual language expansion, and new career tech ed (CTE) offerings also feature in the proposed plan.
The lion’s share of funding—over 56%—remains focused on instruction. Other key spending categories include benefits (18.5%), operational costs (6.8%), and tuition payments (5.2%).
In addition to the budget, the committee will review a batch of grant approvals and finance items.
In addition to the budget report, the committee votes on a range of grants and financial approvals aimed at enhancing programs across the district. Among them: a $4,236 Envision Equity Grant to create culturally responsive classroom libraries for multilingual students at North High; an $18,300 OpenSciEd Grant from the One8 Foundation to support hands-on science education for grades 7 and 8 at Claremont Academy; and a $3,590 grant from the New England Dairy Council to implement a smoothie program at Forest Grove, Doherty, and East Middle.
Other items include a $54,965 grant to bolster comprehensive health and physical education districtwide, a donation of a pipetting robot for Worcester Tech’s biotech program, and several prior-year payments for services and stipends, including over $20,000 owed to the Central MA Area Health Education Center.
Other highlights on the agenda:
- Student achievements recognized: The committee considers setting dates to honor two student accomplishments: Dea Kamberi of Doherty, named Massachusetts Distinguished Young Woman of the Year, and Burncoat High’s theater club for reaching the finals of the METG Drama Festival with their performance of “The Price.”
- School bus incident policies: A previously requested report on school bus accident and incident protocols—including those involving students attending charter or private schools—has been completed and filed.
- Possible school use for former Becker buildings: A public petition and committee request will prompt discussion of whether 51 and 61 Sever St. (former Becker College properties) could be used for temporary school needs, including the transition or alternative programs. Committee member Sue Mailman is requesting cost estimates for possible renovation.
- Halal food options for students: In response to the student advisory committee, the committee will receive a report encouraging the inclusion of halal lunch options. Approved recommendations include sourcing certified vendors, training cafeteria staff, labeling menus, and surveying students to assess demand.
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