The Worcester School Committee voted unanimously on January 9 to approve an increase of $7.6 million to the Worcester Public Schools fiscal year 2025 budget after being allocated unspent funds from FY24 from the City of Worcester.
The allocation will offset the district’s operating and capital expenses, pay for additional instructional materials, and fund the salaries of some school-based positions for the current school year.
“Thank you to the City Manager, City Council and School Committee for approving the use of these funds to benefit our scholars, families, and staff,” said Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD. “While this short-term budget increase does not make up for all the reductions the district endured this year due to state inflation rate factors, the additional funding will have a real, positive impact on improving facilities, teaching and learning, safety, and other priority areas.”
In addition to the operating and capital support, the City of Worcester has allocated $2,448,439 to the New High School Fund to fund a potential new building for Burncoat High School and Burncoat Middle School. The construction project was accepted into the Mass. School Building Authority eligibility pipeline. The funds will help cover anticipated debt service costs for the project.
Here is a summary of how some of the new funds will be used:
$4 million in elementary science and middle- and high-school math textbooks
$815,000 for school safety upgrades, including conducting the second phase of interior door lock replacements; and full intercom replacements at Chandler Elementary and Grafton Street Elementary
$810,000 in facility maintenance improvements at various schools, including control upgrades, steam pipe repairs, heat pump installation, and project management software
$609,000 for the restoration of $25 per pupil to the Instructional Supply Funds budget
$500,000 in building substitute teacher positions
$300,000 in professional development opportunities for educators and staff
$298,000 in information technology infrastructure upgrades, including server and backup storage, along with school safety cameras
$154,000 for virtual tutoring services for elementary students
$100,000 for a housing system navigator through Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance
$70,000 in additional mental health supports