WORCESTER – The 2023 Worcester municipal election is around the corner, and the Worcester Guardian has reached out to candidates in all contested races. Asking each a set of questions, the Guardian publishes these responses as voting day (Nov. 7) draws near.
Incumbent Laura Clancey is running for Worcester school committee member at-large.
Clancey is a lifelong Worcester resident who is also a current educator working with students involved in the juvenile justice system, as well as a parent with two children who attend school in the Worcester Public Schools.
The following are Clancey’s responses to the Guardian’s questionnaire:
What inspired you to run (again) and what makes you the right person for the job?
I am running for my third term on the Worcester School Committee because I am an educator and a parent. I have two children in the district—one a junior at Doherty High School and one who is in the first grade at Nelson Place Elementary School. I am also a current educator with more than 20 years in the education field. I add a unique perspective to the committee; one as a parent but also as a current educator.
What are, or should be, the top priorities at this time for the school committee?
My top priorities for the school department will be safety and welcoming schools. This past year we conducted a safety audit of the district, and I am looking forward to getting that back in November so we can dig in and prioritize the safety needs of our schools.
As a parent and PTO president at Nelson Place Elementary School, I know how important parent involvement is in our children’s lives. I want to make sure that we have schools where our families feel welcomed and part of the learning environment.
Where do you think the school committee has been failing, or coming up short?
I can honestly say we have a strong committee at this point. We have some members who are truly committed to this district and want to see it thrive. I would say one area we have been coming up short would be with the reading levels of our students. This is an area of focus for the superintendent this year and I am happy to see that she has taken this on for one of her goals. Along with the new ELA curriculum, I know we will see improvements in this area as we move forward.
How would you describe the Worcester Public Schools to an out-of-towner?
In my career, I get to work with numerous districts across Central Massachusetts and I have always said we have some of the best educational experiences for our students. From the unique programs we offer, to the incredible educators we have, and the diverse student population. We are hands down one of the best districts around. Like many people, I could have chosen to move out of Worcester, but I chose to stay here so my children could be educated in this district.
Who was your favorite teacher, and what made this person so inspiring to you?
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Baxter at Nelson Place. She was one of my sixth-grade teacher and she was tough, but fair. She always pushed us to do more, and I just remember thinking I always wanted to make her smile and I can picture her smile in my head.
What’s the best piece of advice a relative (mom, dad, grandparent, etc.) ever gave you?
I live by my grandfather’s famous line: “There’s an old sock for every old shoe.” I recently went through some personal changes in my life and this always makes me smile. I think for me it’s more about the person than the actual advice I was receiving.
What are you currently reading?
“The House Maid” by Frieda McFadden.
What would you tell the 15-year-old you?
Don’t try so hard to fit in. Be true to you.
Contact Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
