Worcester Public Schools has appointed longtime community leader Sean Rose as its new chief of access, opportunity and equity, putting him in a Cabinet-level role overseeing the district’s efforts to address opportunity and achievement gaps and expand engagement with students and families.
Rose, who currently serves as president and CEO of Thrive Support and Advocacy, brings more than two decades of experience spanning education, human services, youth development, municipal government and trauma-informed care, according to an announcement Friday from Worcester Public Schools.
The position carries a broad portfolio that includes oversight of the district’s Department of Family and Community Engagement, student and family advisory councils, the Parent Information Center and community outreach. Rose will also oversee recruitment initiatives, including the district’s Grow Your Own student-to-teacher pipeline program, and work across departments on culturally responsive practices and equity and discrimination compliance.
“Sean brings leadership, community experience and a deep commitment to Worcester,” Superintendent Brian E. Allen said in the district’s announcement. “He understands that equity means ensuring every student is seen, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive. His experience working with young people, families, educators and community organizations will be an important asset to our schools.”
The district said Rose is charged with reviewing and monitoring policies, practices and programs intended to foster inclusion and belonging across Worcester schools. His responsibilities also include efforts to narrow opportunity and achievement gaps and address racial disproportionality among students.
Rose has spent years in public service and volunteer roles in Worcester and previously held leadership positions with organizations providing trauma-informed services, including the Justice Resource Institute. He was selected following a multi-step review process that included parents and community members, according to the district.
“I am deeply honored to serve the Worcester Public Schools and the city I love,” Rose said in the announcement. “Every student deserves to know that they belong, that their voice matters and that their future is full of possibility.”
Rose said the work extends beyond district policies and programs to how students and families experience Worcester schools.
“Access, equity and opportunity are not just words,” he said. “They are reflected in the way we welcome students and families, the expectations we set for young people, the relationships we build and the systems we create around them.”
The district said the chief of access, opportunity and equity position is funded in the fiscal 2027 budget through a vacant administrative position.
