School Committee

AGENDA #13 Page 1 CLERK OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE WORCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS 20 IRVING STREET WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS 01609 The School Committee will hold an in-person meeting with a virtual option*: on: Thursday, June 25, 2026 At: 4:00 p.m. Budget 6:00 p.m. Executive Session 6:30 p.m. Open Session Esther Howland Chamber, Worcester City Hall or virtually with link below https://worcesterschools.zoom.us/j/82746440670?pwd=dmp4TnIxYThBd nhkZWQ1bm1hMjFFZz09 Also accessible by telephone, to dial in call: +1 301-715-8592 or +1 305-224-1968; Webinar ID: 827 4644 0670 *This meeting/hearing of the Worcester School Committee will be held in-person at the location provided on this notice. Members of the public are welcome to attend this in-person meeting. Please note that while an option for remote attendance and /or participation is being provided as a courtesy to the public, the meeting/hearing will not be suspended or terminated if technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast, unless otherwise required by law. Members of the public with particular interest in any specific item on this agenda should make plans for in-person vs. virtual attendance accordingly. ORDER OF BUSINESS A. General Business Items taken in Executive Session Executive Session pursuant to Mass. G.L. c. 30A, Section 21(a), Purpose 7 to comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law, including the Massachusetts Public Records Law, Mass. G.L. c. 66, Section 10, and the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, Mass. G.L. c. 30A, Sections 22(f) and (g), relating to review of executive session minutes for meetings that occurred in 2024, 2025, and June 4, 2026. B. Call to Order C. Pledge of Allegiance/National Anthem D. Roll Call M. Student Advisory Committee Items E. Consent Agenda i. Approval of Minutes Approval of Minutes of the June 4, 2026 School Committee (Budget Deliberation) Meeting. Approval of Minutes of the June 4, 2026 School Committee (Regular) Meeting. Approval of Minutes of the June 8, 2026 Standing Committee on Operations  AGENDA #13 Page 2 and Governance. Approval of Minutes of the June 11, 2026 Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning, and Student Success. ii. Approval of Donations To consider approval of a donation from the UMass Chan Medical School in the amount of $21,629.04 to support enrichment programs for students in the North Quadrant. To consider approval of a donation from Shutterfly Inc in the amount of $288.60 to benefit Worcester Dual Language Magnet School. To consider approval of a donation from Shutterfly Inc in the amount of $506.36 to benefit Worcester Dual Language Magnet School. To consider approval of a donation from Box Tops in the amount of $28.20 to benefit Midland Street School. To consider approval of a donation from Shutterfly, LLC in the amount of $124.60 to benefit Midland Street School. To consider approval of a donation from Claudia Cullen of 48 hats for Coats for students at WPS Elementary schools. To accept a donation of $15,000 from District Attorney Joseph Early to expand elementary after-school opportunities. Funds will support after-school baseball clinics for sixth-grade students at Worcester East Middle School, Union Hill School, Belmont Street Community School, Grafton Street School and Clark Street School. To accept a donation of uniforms and equipment from District Attorney Joseph Early to support the sixth-grade baseball clinics. To consider approval of a donation in the amount of $4,800 from MA Audubon Society support the educators and students at Worcester East Middle School. iii. Notification of Personnel Records a. New Hire Non-Instructional Staff b. Resignations/Retirements iv. Initial filing of Recognition v. Notices of Interest to the District or to the Public F. Item for Reconsideration G. Held Items  AGENDA #13 Page 3 gb 6-59 (Administration) (May 21, 2026) Budget Book Sequence of Accounts To consider approval of the Worcester Public Schools FY27 budget. Recommendation: Approve and file H. Recognitions I. Public Comment-Any member of the public may address the Committee regarding any item before them for two (2) minutes. Those speaking will state their name, their residence, and the item on which they wish to speak for the record. Those speaking may do so in person or via remote participation. Those wishing to address the Committee in a language other than English are asked to notify the Clerk of the Committee in advance, so the Committee may be provided with an interpreter. Members of the Committee may not respond to the comments of the public at the meeting. Click to view Policy BEDH-Public Comment J. Public Petition c & p 6-9 (Noelia Chafoya) (June 25, 2026) Request that the Worcester School Committee revise the district’s One-to-One (1:1) Device Program to remove student individual internet-connected devices from Pre-K through 2nd Grade classrooms and prioritize developmentally appropriate, hands-on, teacher-led learning experiences that support attention, language, social development, and foundational academic skills. This change shall not affect students who require assistive technology or accommodations through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan, who shall continue to receive all necessary supports and services. This change shall also not apply to technology enrichment class or restrict an educators ability to use technology to support teaching and learning. Recommendation: Refer to Administration K. Report of the Superintendent L. Reports of the Standing Committees Operations and Governance - June 8, 2026 gb 5-3 McCullough (January 9, 2025) Response from Administration To explore expanding middle school sports, with high demand, into 7th and 8th grade teams in order to give more students the opportunity to participate. Results: By a margin of 3-0, the item was approved and filed. gb 6-70 (Clerk) (June 4, 2026) Policy JKAA To review and adopt policy JKAA to to align with new state regulations. DESE  AGENDA #13 Page 4 requires this policy and the accompanying procedures to be in place by August 17, 2026. Results: By a margin of 3-0, the item was approved and filed. Dr. Tammy Murray to send a list of schools with SAIL and STEP classes in a Friday Letter. gb 6-71 (Clerk) (June 4, 2026) Policy JICFB Policy Recommendations To review and update, if necessary, Policy JICFB (Bullying Prevention), in accordance with M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O), requiring biennial review of such. Results: By a margin of 3-0, the item was approved and filed. Member Biancheria made a motion to hold assemblies in all schools to educate students on bullying (notice of completion to be communicated through a Friday Letter). Member McCullough made a motion to receive information in a Friday Letter on restorative mediation professional development. Teaching, Learning and Student Success - June 11, 2026 2-94.3 Johnson/Clancey/Mailman/Kamara/McCullough (March 9, 2022) Response from Administration Request that the Administration provide an update on the Worcester Public Schools opt-in and opt-out options regarding the sex education curriculum and provide the full scope of program per grade level and information regarding the hiring of staff. Results: By a margin of 3-0, this report was approved and the item was held for further updates. gb 6-42 (McCullough) (April 16, 2026) Response from Administration For the administration to provide an update on the supports and services currently offered in Worcester Public Schools for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities, including any recent improvements or planned enhancements. Results: By a margin of 3-0, the report was approved and the item was filed. N. Approval of Grants and other Finance Items To consider approval of a grant in the amount of $3,000 from the Memorial Foundation for the Blind. To consider approval of a grant in the amount of $2,104 from MassCUE for The Ubuntu Hub: A Collaborative Makerspace for Main South. O. General Business gb 6-24 (Mailman) (February 26, 2026) AGENDA #13 Page 5 Response from Administration To provide a report showing line item improvements for Worcester Technical High School from pre-SOA (Student Opportunity Act) until the end of SOA, showing how we ended up closing the gap between WTHS (Worcester Technical High School) and the regional schools. Recommendation: Approve and file gb 6-29 (McCullough) (March 19, 2026) Response from Administration To explore the possibility of creating a Guidance Liaison or Guidance Q team position(s) in order to fully support district Guidance Counselors and College/Career Readiness (CCR) efforts. Recommendation: Approve and file gb 6-36 (Roy) (April 2, 2026) Response from Administration Request administration provide a report on the projected students for enrollment of the 26-27 school year for K-6 with the comparison of the 25-26 school year including any thoughts of funding issues. Recommendation: Approve and file gb 6-43 (Guardiola) (April 16, 2026) Response from Administration Request that the administration provide a detailed report on the current custodial and grounds staffing at Foley Stadium. Specifically, the report should include: The total number of custodial staff assigned to Foley Stadium; the total number of grounds crew staff assigned to the facility; a breakdown of full-time, part-time, and contracted personnel (if applicable); a clear outline of the roles and responsibilities for both custodial and grounds staff; the supervisory and reporting structure for these positions, including who is responsible for oversight and day-to-day management; and any coordination with external vendors or partners related to maintenance and upkeep. Recommendation: Approve and file gb 6-46 (Alvarez) (April 16, 2026) Response from Administration Request data on enrollment and participation of Hispanic/Latinx students in advanced coursework and recommend actions to increase access and support as needed. Recommendation: Approve and file The following public petitions will be considered together: Response from Administration c&p 6-4 (Nelly Medina) (May 21, 2026) AGENDA #13 Page 6 Requests information on Worcester Public Schools' plan to educate and provide individualized social-emotional and health supports, as well as specific learning disabilities and behavioral interventions, for students impacted by the two closing alternative programs. c&p 6-7 (Marlenny Rodriguez) (May 21, 2026) Specifically, what resources, specialized programs, and staffing will be provided to help truant and disengaged students re-engage with their education and address their unique social-emotional and academic needs are planned for Worcester Alternative students transitioning to the Central Mass Collaborative. Recommendation: Approve and file (both) gb 6-56 (Motion from Member Mailman) (May 21, 2026) Response from Administration Motion to receive a report on the potential savings by eliminating software & hardware at the K-2 grade level. (original item): To authorize the Administration to enter into a five-year lease agreement to replace 6,000 Chromebooks in accordance with the district's technology replacement schedule. Recommendation: Approve and file gb 6-63 (Administration) (May 21, 2026) Response from Administration (Slides) To formally recognize and honor the retirees of the Worcester Public Schools for their years of dedicated service, commitment, and contributions. Recommendation: Approve and file gb 6-72 (Administration) (June 25, 2026) Response from Administration To consider the recommendations of the district boundary and realignment report. Recommendation: Refer to Operations and Governance gb 6-73 (Administration) (June 25, 2026) Proposed Calendars To request that the School Committee approve the proposed 5-year school calendars for school years 2027–2032 and that the 2026–2027 school calendar be modified to reflect the changes made to the 2027–2032 calendars. Recommendation: Approve and file gb 6-74 (Biancheria) (Jun 25, 2026) To receive a report on the feasibility of expanding after school and athletics Transportation services, including pricing and funding sources. Recommendation: Refer to Administration  AGENDA #13 Page 7 gb 6-75 (Mailman) (June 25, 2026) To review common assessments (district created) and statewide assessments (DESE created) currently by grade. Recommendation: Refer to TLSS gb 6-76 (Administration) (June 25, 2026) To consider the recommendation of the Superintendent to appoint Amy Grniet as Director of Nursing, subject to contract negotiations, to be effective on July 1, 2026 or thereafter upon completion of contract negotiations, and to take such votes as are required. Recommendation: Approve and file P. Announcements Meeting Dates: -July 16, 2026, School Committee Meeting, 4:00 p.m., City Hall, Esther Howland Chamber Q. Adjournment Kristi Turgeon, Clerk of the School Committee