Worcester Public Schools Named Declarant in Federal Lawsuit to Stop Dismantling of U.S. Department of Education
Growing List of Districts and Organizations Ask Courts to Preserve DOE
Dear Worcester Public Schools Community,
Since January, we have watched in dismay as the federal government has taken steps to undermine and defund high-quality public education. Today, the Worcester Public Schools announces that it has joined a federal lawsuit, as a declarant, to stop the ongoing attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.
On Friday, March 28, the Worcester School Committee voted 6-2 in favor of taking this action. The lawsuit was filed March 24 in the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts by the organization Democracy Forward on behalf of the Somerville and Easthampton public school districts. As a declarant, Worcester acts as a witness to the plaintiffs to support their position that the Department of Education needs to be preserved.
The Department provides invaluable resources and technical assistance that have a direct impact on educational outcomes of students. From instructional assistance to wraparound supports to working with students with special needs — this work is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Additionally, the Department’s Office of Civil Rights investigates school discrimination claims. It also provides technical assistance to districts to ensure compliance with federal accessibility and civil rights laws.
In addition to the items mentioned, federal funding supports early childhood education, school meals, and Perkins grant funding and technical assistance for career technical education, among other areas.
Worcester Public Schools receives about $53 million from federal sources, which is 9% of the annual budget. Unfortunately, Worcester recently received a $180,000 reduction from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support purchasing locally-sourced food for school meals. We do not know what the federal government might cut next.
By becoming a declarant to this lawsuit, Worcester is taking a stand. Dismantling the Department of Education is not only unjust, but illegal. In the City of Worcester and in Worcester Public Schools, we will always support our scholars, staff, families and residents of all backgrounds. By putting pressure on the federal government, we can aim to collectively stop the chaos and keep children at the forefront.
We welcome your feedback about the federal funding issues.
Sincerely,
Mayor Joseph M. Petty
City of Worcester
Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD
Worcester Public Schools