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Worcester school committee approves routine items, refers policies for review and asks for program updates
Summary
The Worcester Public Schools committee carried multiple routine approvals by roll call, referred updates on bullying and physical-restraint policies to Operations and Governance, and asked administration to report back on an aviation career program and a districtwide digital hall pass pilot.
The Worcester Public Schools School Committee on a unanimous roll call carried a package of routine agenda items, approved an easement and formal referrals, and asked administration for several program reports.
The committee voted to hold consideration of the fiscal 2027 district budget pending further review and approved a slate of consent-agenda and finance items in a block roll-call vote. Members recorded their votes in favor during the meeting roll call (Member Alvarez, Member Biancia, Member Bernenda, Member Guardiola, Member Johnson, Member Mailman, Vice Chair McCulla, Member Roy and Mayor Penny).
The committee approved an easement for National Grid covering property on the southerly side of Thawn Dyke Road. It also voted to reschedule the June 17 meeting to June 25, 2026, based on room availability and a state holiday.
Members referred several items to staff for follow-up. The administration was asked to provide an update exploring an aviation career program—covering current enrollment, maximum capacity, associated schools and options to expand the program. The committee also requested an update on plans to move the transition program out of the Fanning building by next September.
On technology and operations, the committee asked administration to study districtwide implementation of a digital hall pass system modeled on a Worcester Tech pilot and to include Worcester Tech’s feedback in the report. Member McCulla specifically requested that Worcester Tech’s pilot data be included.
On policy matters, the committee referred a motion to review and adopt a physical-restraint policy to align with state regulations; the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requires a policy and procedures by Aug. 17, 2026. The committee also voted to refer review and any needed updates to the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan (BPIP) to Operations and Governance in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Section 37O (the statute requiring biennial review).
The meeting concluded with routine announcements of upcoming committee meeting dates and adjournment.
The committee indicated further details and formal reports will be provided by administration in follow-up sessions.
