WORCESTER—After five terms on the Worcester School Committee, Molly McCullough says what keeps her motivated is simple: helping students and families succeed, one decision at a time.
“I’m proud of leading the superintendent search that brought Dr. Rachel Monárrez to Worcester,” McCullough told The Worcester Guardian. “Her leadership helped us take meaningful steps forward such as strengthening family engagement, deepening our equity work, and making sure that every student had more opportunities to succeed. That hire was a turning point for the district.”
McCullough, who now represents District A after years as an at-large member, has spent much of her tenure focused on practical, often overlooked challenges inside the schools. “Something as simple as having enough bus drivers, substitute teachers, and paraprofessionals in the classroom doesn’t always get the headlines, but it impacts families every single day,” she said. She also pointed to the rise of vaping among middle and high school students as an ongoing health and learning concern, calling for both education and support for those struggling with addiction.
A lifelong Worcester resident, McCullough comes from a family steeped in public service. Her grandfather, James D. O’Brien, served as mayor in the 1950s and ’60s, and her uncle, Thomas P. White, served as a state representative, senator, and city councilor. Another uncle, James D. O’Brien Jr., served on the Governor’s Council. Her mother, a retired Worcester Public Schools educator, remains a strong influence.
“I still meet former students of hers who tell me that, regardless of how they behaved in school, she always treated them with respect,” McCullough said. “That reminds me that how we treat students, especially when they’re facing challenges, leaves lasting impacts.”
That sense of service, she added, shapes both her public and private life. “I grew up in a house where we were taught to value the importance of giving back,” she said. “That sense of service is something my husband and I now strive to instill in our own children. It grounds me in the belief that public service is about listening, showing up, and earning trust through your actions.”
McCullough recently supported the appointment of Brian Allen as superintendent without a formal search, a move that drew mixed reactions. She described it as a practical choice that prioritized stability. “I believe he is the right person at the right time,” she said. “Worcester is in the middle of implementing a new strategic plan, and Brian has the knowledge, experience, and relationships to keep that momentum going without disruption.”
As Worcester’s student population becomes increasingly diverse, McCullough said the district must do more to ensure immigrant and multilingual families feel welcomed. “We need to meet families where they are,” she said. “That means providing information in multiple languages, expanding translation services, hiring qualified educators who reflect the diversity of our students, and building strong partnerships with community organizations that serve immigrant and refugee families.”
She’s also open to creative financial solutions, suggesting the district explore shared service models and partnerships to stretch limited resources. “For example, coordinating on purchasing or facilities maintenance to take advantage of economies of scale,” she said.
Among the more controversial votes of her tenure was her support for comprehensive sex education. “It was not universally popular,” McCullough acknowledged, “but I believed then, and still believe, that giving students accurate, age-appropriate information is essential for their health and well-being.”
McCullough said she navigated disagreements by staying focused on the facts and the students. “I listened respectfully, explained the evidence behind the policy, and kept the focus on what was best for students.”
Asked what she would change about decision-making in Worcester government, she called for more inclusive engagement. “We need to do a better job of hearing from the majority of voices, not just those that are the loudest or already have our ears,” she said.
Student mental health, she added, is one of the biggest issues facing Worcester and schools nationwide. “Students can’t learn if their basic emotional and mental health needs aren’t being met,” she said. “We need to invest in more counselors, social workers, and partnerships with community providers.”
Outside of City Hall, McCullough’s work with the nonprofit Planting the Seed Foundation gives her a direct view of families’ everyday struggles. “Through Planting the Seed, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges families face — whether it’s food insecurity, lack of housing stability, or limited access to basic necessities,” she said. “Schools are more than just classrooms; they are often the most consistent and trusted institutions in a child’s life.”
As she looks toward the next term, McCullough said she’s guided by that same perspective — one grounded in service, stability, and connection. “Every child should feel like they belong in our schools,” she said, “and every parent should feel like they have a voice in their child’s education.”
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.
