WORCESTER—City Manager Eric D. Batista announced that Worcester is allocating $10 million in unspent fiscal year 2024 funds to benefit the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) and $2.2 million for residential tax relief.
Of the $10 million, $7.59 million is earmarked to address operating and capital expenses for the Worcester Public Schools. The allocation comes in response to challenges stemming from an increase in student enrollment and rising costs, according to the announcement. Additionally, $2.45 million will get funneled into the New High School Fund to support anticipated debt service for the proposed replacement of Burncoat High and Middle schools.
Batista emphasized the significance of these investments, saying in the announcement, “We are happy to allocate funds to the Worcester Public Schools to help with operating and capital expenses and provide funding for the development of new schools. Investing in our youth is investing in the future of Worcester.”
Although the replacement project has not yet been approved, a loan order for $3 million was recently authorized by the city council to fund a feasibility study for the estimated $500 million project. The New High School Fund aims to mitigate future debt service costs and reduce the impact of these capital expenses on future budgets.
In addition to supporting education, the city has allocated $2.2 million in tax relief for residents this year, bringing the two-year total to $3.2 million. Worcester has also maintained an unused tax levy capacity of approximately $25 million, reflecting its commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Superintendent Dr. Rachel Monárrez has been collaborating with Batista to ensure current school facilities are maintained while planning for future projects, according to the release. The initiatives align with the city’s recently released Strategic Plan, which prioritizes investment in quality education.
“This funding,” Batista said, “will ensure that we are maintaining the school stock we have now and that we are able to fund the building of new schools to serve our students well into the future.”
