Allen, a 27-year veteran of the district, received strong support from most committee members for his leadership and role in advancing the district’s strategic plan. Former superintendent Maureen Binienda objected to the process and Allen’s lack of classroom experience.
WORCESTER — The Worcester School Committee voted, 8–1, Thursday night to appoint Deputy Superintendent Brian Allen as the district’s next superintendent, pending contract negotiations.
Allen, a South High graduate and 27-year veteran of Worcester Public Schools, was chosen without a formal interview process.
His appointment drew support from both the public and committee members who cited his role in advancing the district’s strategic plan under outgoing superintendent Rachel Monárrez, who resigns in July for a new job in California.
Members of the public voiced support for Allen before the committee’s discussion began. Many saw his promotion as a way to maintain momentum under Monárrez and continue the district’s priorities.
“I just want to say I, with the team behind me, am fully committed to seeing through the strategic plan,” Allen said. “The family and community engagement, school safety, and safe and well-maintained buildings. That is our commitment. That has been our work. We assure you, I assure you, that is what we will see through to the end of the strategic plan. That is my commitment to everybody. I want to thank the school committee for all of the comments tonight, for the vote, and I look forward to the work ahead.”
Mayor Joseph Petty recommended Allen’s appointment before the formal discussion began.
“I believe this vote is really about the wellness — where we’re going as a district,” Petty said. “It’s what you think is right and how you’re going to bring the community forward.”
Petty said the move preserves systems built under Monárrez, especially those supporting students. “The people we’ve hired, the changes in the organization to support the scholars, have made a big difference in the Worcester Public Schools,” he said.
Committee member Maureen Binienda, a former superintendent, opposed the process and Allen’s qualifications. She called him a capable administrator but raised concerns about his lack of classroom experience.
“The role of a superintendent is to be in charge of teaching and learning. It’s not something you read about. It’s something you do,” Binienda said. “You’re able to guide teachers and other administrations because you did the work.”
She also questioned the lack of a search process: “Why not a process for the second largest school district in Massachusetts? Our students, families and staff deserve this.”
Binienda proposed a year-long internal search and named Assistant Superintendent Marie Morse as interim leader. Her motions, along with another to delay the decision, were voted down. She was the only committee member to vote against Allen’s appointment.
Other members backed Allen for continuity and leadership.
“I believe it is extremely important that we maintain continuity,” said member Molly McCullough. “He has proven himself to be a leader in our district. While his role at times has been more behind the scenes, particularly on the fiscal side, he has overseen numerous departments and helped develop strong leaders across the system. In recent years he’s also expanded his involvement in the academic side of our work.”
Following the vote, Monárrez endorsed the decision.
“I fully support Brian Allen to become the next superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools,” she said. “His commitment, dedication, and knowledge of the district is unmatched and I am fully confident he will carry forward the district’s current positive trajectory.”
Allen currently oversees finance, accounts payable, grants management, facilities, transportation, safety, nutrition and information technology. He also chairs the district’s Strategic Planning and Safety committees, and developed its first equity-based budget process.
He began his career with the city in 1994 as a budget analyst and joined Worcester Public Schools in 1999. He became deputy superintendent in 2022.
Though Allen lacks K-12 classroom experience, he has taught graduate-level courses in school finance and operations at Worcester State University since 2002. He is a past president of the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials and has been recognized for his work in school operations.
He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Suffolk University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Clark University.
Jason Bleau can be reached at bleau.jason@yahoo.com
