Worcester Public Schools
Worcester Public Schools (WPS) is a school district serving the city of Worcester, Massachusetts, United States. It is the second-largest school district in the state behind Boston Public Schools.
Leadership
On October 8, 2015, Dr. Melinda Boone gave her notice to resign as head of the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) effective November 30. She began as Superintendent of Norfolk, Virginia in December 2015. The move left a vacancy in Worcester that was expected to be filled either by Marcos Rodrigues, South High Principal Maureen Binienda, Mary Meade Montague, or Sheila Harrity (who eventually left the district to become a superintendent of a regional school district). It was rumored that this vacancy would bring political divisions among key city leaders. The mayor (Joseph Petty), for example, who is also chair of the school committee wanted to fill the vacancy with someone of his choice. He did not consult any other school committee member, and angered many as a result.[citation needed]
The district is now led by a Superintendent, hired by the seven-member Worcester School Committee. Mrs. Maureen Binienda has served as Superintendent since June 2016.[6] The district also hired a Chief Academic Officer, Marcos Rodrigues who has led the creation of innovation schools in the city, and has supported the principals in bringing rigor and relevance to all classrooms. Dr. Rodrigues started as a substitute teacher, followed by a stint as a paraprofessional and after earning a Doctorate joined Dr. Boone's leadership team.
Elected School Committee
2020 School Committee
Seven member elected School Committee (2 year terms) made up of City Council Mayor Joe Petty, and elected at-large: Dianna Biancheria, Laura Clancey, Jack Foley, Molly McCullough, John Monfredo, and Tracy O'Connell Novick.
2022 School Committee
New members of the School Committee include Jermoh Kamara, Susan Mailman, and Jermaine Johnson.[7]
