Worcester United speaker urges county commissioners to fully fund schools despite local surplus

Rose Zollinger, a parent, educator and member of Worcester United, addressed the board during public comment to urge residents to press county commissioners to fully fund the school district’s budget. Zollinger thanked the board for producing a “thorough, transparent budget that prioritizes the needs of every child” and noted the board approved that budget unanimously last month.

“We must insist that [county commissioners] fully fund our schools, especially because unlike in years past, the money to fund our budget is available,” Zollinger said, asking community members to contact commissioners through letters, phone calls or advocacy. She argued underfunding harms classroom staffing, resources and teacher pay, and she called for collective pressure to secure necessary funding.

Superintendent Louis H. Taylor later reminded the board that the district’s FY26 budget presentation to the county commissioners is scheduled for April, and he said district staff and budget presenters have worked to prepare clear materials for that meeting.