WORCESTER—Racist online attacks targeting South High athletes, parent concerns over state testing transparency and a proposed overhaul of elementary math instruction all surfaced during a wide-ranging Worcester School Committee meeting on March 19.
While no single issue dominated the night, the discussion reflected a mix of immediate concerns and longer-term policy questions affecting students and families across the district.
Response to racism targeting South High athletes
Although not listed on the formal agenda, the meeting was overshadowed at times by recent reports of racist language directed at members of the South High School girls basketball team following a tournament game against Andover earlier this month.
According to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, a video circulated on social media after the March 6 game, drawing derogatory and racist comments aimed at South High players. The Worcester Guardian was unable to independently access the original post, as many links were no longer publicly available or were restricted to private groups. Screen shots of some of the commentary was shared with the Guardian.
City and school leaders addressed the issue through a joint statement released outside the meeting.
“Hate and discrimination have no place in our society and certainly not toward our youth,” the statement read. “All human beings deserve to be treated with respect and decency. We emphasize that adults must serve as role models for kindness, respect, and appropriate behavior. School staff continue to offer support and hold ongoing discussions with affected students, while serving as role models.”
During public comment, Barbara Mudd, education chair for the Worcester NAACP, denounced the attacks and urged the community to support students. City Council Vice Chair Khrystian King also spoke, framing the incident within a broader historical context.
“There are those that have experienced this sort of vitriol, hate, and derision of Worcester Public Schools folks for decades going back to the 80s and beyond. I’m asking not to treat this as a one-off. It has to stop. We have to come up with a plan,” King said.
The YMCA of Central Massachusetts also issued a statement in support of the players.
The School committee took no formal action, which is typical for matters not included on the agenda.
Parents push for clearer testing communication
A separate issue brought forward through public petition focused on how the district communicates with families about state testing.
Parent Nelly Medina requested that Worcester Public Schools publish a comprehensive K–12 calendar of all district and state assessments and provide at least one week’s notice before testing begins.
“We want to know how many days our students spend at their desks or on devices preparing for standardized tests like MCAS and ACCESS and when the curriculum focuses solely on preparing students for these tests,” Medina said. “We want to know whether our students’ educators are allowed to teach or are held back by test prep.”
Medina said greater transparency would help families better support students during what can be a stressful period.
The petition was referred to the Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning, and Student Success for further review.
Math curriculum proposal moves to committee
The school committee also discussed a proposed $3.2 million investment in a new elementary math curriculum, ultimately opting to send the plan to committee for further consideration.
District Math Specialist Heather Farrington said the proposed Reveal Elementary Math curriculum would improve alignment across grade levels and build continuity in instruction.
“As the students transition through our schools and through the courses, it’s always been a little bit of a gap between elementary and middle and then middle and high school so having the one curriculum going across will ensure they transition well,” Farrington said. “Math is ruthlessly cumulative and being able to build each year on the prior skills and knowing what the students are receiving is a very positive shift.”
The curriculum would replace the current SAVVAS enVision Math program, whose contract is set to expire.
Although the proposal was presented as a purchase request, committee members said the scope of the change warranted review through the district’s standard curriculum approval process.
The Teaching, Learning, and Student Success Committee is expected to bring a recommendation back to the full School Committee in April.
Jason Bleau, a seasoned reporter from Connecticut’s Quiet Corner, has more than 11 years of news media experience. He has worked as a news anchor for WINY 1350 AM, contributed to Stonebridge Press publications, and covered racing as a Press Box coordinator at Thompson Speedway. Outside journalism, he is a movie enthusiast, freelance film reviewer, banker and solo musician. He can be reached at bleau.jason@yahoo.com
