School Committee

AGENDA #5​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 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, February 26, 2026 At:​ 5:00 p.m., Executive Session; 5:30 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 between 2023 and 2026. To discuss strategy with respect to litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares – Worker Compensation Settlement - Cafeteria Worker. To discuss strategy with respect to litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares – Worker Compensation Settlement - Teacher. B.​ Call to Order C.​ Pledge of Allegiance/National Anthem: The Burncoat Middle School Chorus will perform the National Anthem. D.​ Roll Call​  AGENDA #5​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Page 2 M. ​ Student Advisory Committee Items ​ E.​ Consent Agenda i. ​ Approval of Minutes Approval of the Minutes of the February 3, 2026 Standing Committee meeting For Teaching, Learning, and Student Success Approval of Minutes of the February 5, 2026 School Committee Meeting. Approval of Minutes of the February 9, 2026 Standing Committee meeting for Operations and Governance. ​ ii. ​ Approval of Donations To consider approval of a donation from Operation Warm of 288 new winter coats to benefit Belmont Street Community School. To consider approval of a donation in the amount of $350 from T. Camarra Jr & Son Truck & Equipment to benefit the South High Diesel program. To consider approval of a donation from the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's School SAVOR program of 200 performance tickets for 5/26/26, along with transportation costs to be paid directly to AA Transportation by the CSC, for the benefit of North High School. To consider approval of a donation in the amount of $1203 from Worcester Art Magnet parents from Krispy Kreme fundraiser to benefit Worcester Art Magnet's special chorus. To consider approval of a donation from Amazon Sort Center in Northborough of 150 book bags for First Readers to benefit the Worcester Public School District to support literacy programs and reading promotion activities. To consider approval of a donation from Todd & Caroline Jackson in the amount of $50 to benefit Nelson Place School. To consider approval of a donation in the amount of $1,558 from Gates Lane PTO to benefit Gates Lane School. To consider approval of a donation in the amount of $500 from Special Olympics Massachusetts Inc to benefit Gates Lane Elementary School. To consider approval of a donation in the amount of $68.20 from Polar beverages to benefit Gates Lane Elementary School. To consider a donation in the amount of $500 from Global Partners "Coffee for Educators" charitable initiative to benefit South High School. To consider approval of a donation from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts AGENDA #5​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Page 3 of 14 - Bausch & Lomb KHS 400327 monocular 100x magnification, 14 - Bausch & Lomb ASZ30L3 binocular dissecting 30x magnification, 6 - Olympus CH-2 binocular 1000x magnification with oil immersion to benefit Worcester Public School's Secondary Science Program. iii. ​ Notification of Personnel Records a.​ New Hire Non-Instructional Staff b.​ Resignations/Retirements ​ iv. ​ Initial filing of Recognition ​ McCullough ​ ​ (February 26, 2026) To recognize Andrea Cook for being named Central Mass Music Educators Association Middle School Educator of the Year. McCullough ​ (February 26, 2026) To recognize the Burncoat High School Spirit Team on their National Championship win in the Spirit Program Game Day Live Division at the National School Spirit Championships in Orlando, Florida. This is the teams third time competing, and their first national championship together. McCullough ​ (February 26, 2026) To recognize the Burncoat Pep Band for coming in 3rd in the National School Band competition. McCullough ​ (February 26, 2026) To send letters of congratulations to the BMS students who participated in the CDMMEA Jr. Districts and who have been selected to participate in the festival in April. McCullough ​ (February 26, 2026) To send letters to the winners of this year’s Museum of Worcester Be Our Valentine Contest Winners. McCullough ​ (February 26, 2026) To send a letter to Burncoat Boys Basketball player Jaiden Johnston for reaching the 1,000 point mark in his high school basketball career. McCullough ​ (February 26, 2026) To congratulate South High Girls Basketball Coach Diago McClain on reaching 100 career wins. Over the past five years leading the South High girls basketball team, Coach McClain has guided the program to four Inter-High  AGENDA #5​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Page 4 Conference Championships, back-to-back State Championship appearances, and a three-peat as CMAC Conference Champions. The team has also built an extraordinary 49–0 undefeated record at home during this time. This milestone reflects Coach McClain’s exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence both on and off the court. McCullough ​ (February 26, 2026) To congratulate the Worcester Tech/North High 4x200 Relay team for winning the MIAA Division 3 State Championship. v. ​ Notices of Interest to the District or to the Public F.​ Item for Reconsideration ​ gb 6-11 (Mailman) ​ ​​ (February 5, 2026) ​ Reconsideration filing by Member Biancheria To unanimously support legislation filed by Sen Robyn Kennedy S390 - to create a commission to study MSBA to look at the funding process and the award process. Support for such a commission is especially important as we work on plans for a new Burncoat High School and explore the possibility of an indoor track facility. G.​ Held Items ​ H.​ Recognitions ​ McCullough ​ ​​ (December 4, 2025) ​ To recognize the Burncoat Dance Team on MSAA 2025 Fall State Championship wins with 2nd place in Jazz and 1st place in Hip Hop. 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 K.​ Report of the Superintendent ​ ros 6-4 (Administration) Vision to Action…Instructional Framework (Culturally Responsive Pedagogy[CRP] Enhanced) ​ Recommendation: Approve and file  AGENDA #5​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Page 5 L.​ Reports of the Standing Committees ​ Teaching Learning and Student Success February 3, 2026- ​ ​​ gb 3-269 (Motion from Member Johnson) ​ ​​ ​ (April 28, 2025) Response from Administration Examples from Administration Member Johnson made a motion to gauge how often Chromebooks are used for learning in school, versus hands-on learning. Results: Item filed on 2–1 (Alvarez dissent) roll call vote. The following two (2) items were considered together: Response from Administration c & p 5-5 (Doyle) ​ (July 10, 2025) Request that the school committee update district policy to require explicit consent from parents/guardians when a third party service wants to use personal information collected from students to train or otherwise develop artificial intelligence technologies. c & p 5-6 (Doyle) ​ (July 10, 2025) Request the school committee to update district policies to require explicit consent from parents/guardians before a third party service collects any data that could be a biometric identifier, such as audio recordings, photographs, and/or video. Results: Items filed on 2–1 (Alvarez dissent) roll call vote. The following two (2) items were considered together: Proposed Course Additions Response from Administration to gb 6-10A gb 6-10 (Administration) ​ (January 22, 2026) To approve the proposed course additions for the 2026-2027 school year. gb 6-10A (Motion from Member Biancheria) (January 22, 2026) Member Biancheria made a motion in regard to the articulation agreement we have with our students and any unions that are inphrased​​ Results: Courses approved with the exception of Pre AP English I and II (removed at request of Administration) and item filed on 3-0 roll call vote. Operations and Governance February 9, 2026 ​ ​​ gb 2-92.15 – Clancey/McCullough/Johnson/Kamara/Mailman (March 8, 2022) ​ Facilities Report February 2026 ​ ​ Request that the Administration provide quarterly reports regarding building ​ ​ maintenance to include timeframes on when work will begin and be ​ ​ ​ concluded. Results: The report was approved on a 3-0 roll call vote and the item was  AGENDA #5​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Page 6 held. c & p 4-13 (Frederick Rushton)​ ​​ (November 14, 2024) Response from Administration To request the School Committee work with the Superintendent in developing a plan to integrate the fastest growing sport in America, pickleball, into after school programming. Pickleball is a lifetime sport that can be played by boys and girls of all athletic abilities. Many surrounding communities already have incorporated pickleball into their school systems and our children deserve the same. As part of the plan, I would request establishing a minimum of two pickleball courts at or next to the four middle schools. Additionally, I request that the Committee and School District prepare for the eventuality that the MIAA will be establishing it as a high school sport, which is being talked about in the next two years. ​ ​ Results: This item was filed on a 3-0 roll call vote. N.​ Approval of Grants and other Finance Items ​ To consider approval of the Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant in the amount of $6,900. ​ To consider approval of the 718 Supporting Arts & Cultural Vitality Teams Grant in the amount of $10,225. ​ To consider approval of a prior year payment to Aramsco in the amount of $198.32. O.​ General Business gb 6-8 (Roy) ​​ (January 22, 2026) Response from Administration To request a report on what firewalls and precautions are in place to prevent students from connecting to internet sites that are outside the educational uses of chromebooks/ipads. Recommendation: Approve and file gb 6-15 (McCullough) ​ ​​ (February 26, 2026) ​ To have administration review game day staffing levels and pay for game day staff. ​ Recommendation: Refer to Administration ​ gb 6-16 (McCullough) ​ ​​ (February 26, 2026) ​ That the Worcester School Committee hereby recognizes and celebrates Black History Month, honoring the history, achievements, resilience, and lasting contributions of Black Americans and members of the Worcester community, and reaffirms its commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive education while continuing to foster school environments where every student feels valued, represented, and supported.  AGENDA #5​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Page 7 ​ Recommendation: Approve and File ​ gb 6-17 (McCullough) ​ ​​ (February 26, 2026) ​ To recognize March as Women’s History Month, the Worcester School Committee honors the achievements, leadership, and lasting contributions of women throughout our nation’s history and within our Worcester community. Established through school-based celebrations and later designated by Congress as a month-long observance, this recognition encourages reflection, learning, and equity in our schools. ​ Recommendation: Approve and File ​ gb 6-18 (McCullough) ​ ​​ (February 26, 2026) ​ To explore funding options to maintain and expand the Bryt program. ​ Recommendation: Refer to Finance ​ gb 6-19 (Mailman) ​ ​​ (February 26, 2026) ​ To consider amending rule 13 of the School Committee rules to include “At no time will the school committee delay the start of the public meeting beyond 15 minutes of the published start time.” ​ Recommendation: Approve and File ​ gb 6-20 (Administration) ​ ​​ (February 26, 2026) ​ Proposed Revisions to COPPA To update the COPPA(Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) policy and make updates to the handbook as necessary. Recommendation: Refer to Operations and Governance gb 6-21 (Clerk) ​ (February 26, 2026) Policy EFBA Policy Updates: BHE, ECAB, EFBA, GBEDC, IKF, IKFE, JJE, KBE, KBG, KI To request approval of updates to these MASC policies in order to update Worcester School Committee policy manual. Recommendation: Refer to Operations and Governance gb 6-22 (McCullough) ​ (February 26, 2026) To get an update on the implementation of girls flag football at WPS. Recommendation: Refer to TLSS ​ gb 6-23 (Mailman) ​ ​​ (February 26, 2026) To get an update on the current structure at Claremont/Woodland St and any proposed changes.  AGENDA #5​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Page 8 ​ Recommendation: Refer to Administration ​ gb 6-24 (Mailman) ​ ​​ (February 26, 2026) ​ To provide report showing line item improvements for Worcester Technical High School from pre-SOA (Student Opportunity Act) til the end of SOA, showing how we ended up closing the gap between WTHS (Worcester Technical High School) and the regional schools. ​ Recommendation: Refer to Administration ​ gb 6-25 (Johnson) ​ ​​ (February 26, 2026) ​ To provide an update on the new electric buses for the district. ​ Recommendation: Refer to Operations and Governance ​ gb 6-26 (Johnson) ​ ​​ (February 26, 2026) ​ To look at changing the distance for bus transportation from 2 miles to 1.5 miles. In attempt to address traffic at pick up and drop off at schools moving forward, and with the new school district lines. ​ Recommendation: Refer to Operations and Governance gb 6-27 (Biancheria) ​​ (February 26, 2026) To request that the clerk work with the state delegation to schedule a legislative breakfast. Recommendation: Approve and File P. Announcements Meeting Dates: -March 5, 2206, School Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m., City Hall, Esther Howland Chamber -March 9, 2026, Standing Committee for Operations and Governance, 5:00 p.m., 20 Irving Street, Room 410. . Q.​ Adjournment Kristi Turgeon, Clerk of the School Committee