WORCESTER—Worcester School Committee member Jermaine Johnson is seeking a third term representing District F, running unopposed in the 2025 municipal election. A lifelong Worcester resident, Johnson first made city history in 2021 as the first Black man elected to the School Committee, earning the most votes of any candidate that year.
Born and raised in Worcester, Johnson is a South High School graduate and holds a degree in criminal justice from Becker College. He has worked in human services for more than 25 years, currently serving as a social worker for the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services. Outside his professional role, he volunteers as a youth baseball and high school basketball coach, describing his work with young people as central to his public service philosophy.
In an interview with the Worcester Guardian, Johnson said he’s proud of several key accomplishments from his most recent term, including the appointment of Superintendent Brian Allen following the departure of Rachel Monárrez and the school committee’s approval of an equity-based budget aimed at directing resources more effectively to schools and programs across the district.
Johnson said his priorities for the next two years include improving special education services and English language learner support, increasing academic growth across all student populations, and raising academic standards for high-achieving students.
“Our biggest challenge is the academic achievement gap,” he said. “We need to allocate funds to support students who aren’t meeting benchmarks, and sustain that attention over the next two years.”
Johnson’s background as a social worker informs much of his approach to policy. “I hear from youth, children, and families all day,” he said. “I take what I learn from those interactions and bring that perspective into my work on the School Committee.”
Describing Worcester’s families as “the backbone” of the district’s success, he added that community involvement is important. “I’m not doing this work based on my own interests,” Johnson said. “It’s about what’s important to the families and community we serve.”
A union member and former chief steward with SEIU Local 509, Johnson has been an advocate for educator and staff support, including safer working conditions, professional development, and staff retention.
As a Worcester native, he said his local roots remain a major motivation for his continued service. “I’m all about Worcester,” Johnson said. “I want people to see our public schools as leaders in technology, academics, and engagement — where all families are welcome and treated fairly.”
This article is part of the Worcester Guardian’s 2025 election coverage. As part of our ongoing series, we are publishing individual candidate profiles and stories related to key issues facing the city ahead of the Nov. 4 municipal election. We have reached out to every candidate running for Worcester City Council and School Committee. If you are a certified candidate and would like to ensure you are included, please contact us at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org.
