Photo Caption: Employees in the WPS Nutrition Department. (By Anca Tughin, WPS Communications Specialist)
WORCESTER – Thursday, March 6, 2025 – Increasing percentages of staff in the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) reported feeling safe, supported, and welcomed in district schools and operational departments this school year, according to the 2025 Midyear Staff Pulse Check Survey. These positive responses occurred despite the large-scale budget reductions that occurred in fiscal year 2025.
The district’s survey was sent to all WPS staff members, about 5,300, and garnered responses from 1,247, or about 24% of all staff. The annual WPS Culture and Climate Survey for families is now open until March 22.
“The data continue to reflect the continuous improvement work that our staff do each and every day to ensure a welcoming and safe environment in our schools,” said Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez, WPS Superintendent. “Our proactive approach of implementing restorative practices and climate and culture teams to support school connectedness, along with increased safety training, is yielding a positive impact.”
The 2025 Midyear Pulse Check Survey results show:
When asked if their school or work site is safe and orderly, 85% of respondents said they “strongly agree,” “agree,” or “somewhat agree.”
When asked if their school or work site is welcoming, 93% of respondents said they “strongly agree,” “agree,” or “somewhat agree.”
When asked if their school or work site leadership team provides opportunities for professional growth, 90% of respondents said they “strongly agree,” “agree,” or “somewhat agree.”
When asked if they feel supported and respected at their school or work sites, 90% of respondents said they “strongly agree,” “agree,” or “somewhat agree.”
Increases in Positive Responses
The WPS Human Resources Department has conducted the survey for three years. The Pulse Check results are measured on a five-point scale, which showed increases in positive responses across all four categories.
My school or job site is a welcoming place to be: 4.2 out of 5, representing a 2.4% increase over last year.
I feel supported and respected at my school or job site: 4.1 out of 5, representing a 2.5% increase over last year.
My school or work site is safe and orderly: 3.9 out of 5, representing a 5.4% increase over last year.
My leadership team provides opportunities for me to learn and grow: 4.1 out of 5, representing a 5.1% increase over last year.
Summary of Qualitative Responses
This year’s survey contained five quantitative and five qualitative questions. The HR team read all responses. Given the high volume, they then used an artificial intelligence platform to aggregate the open-ended responses into key feedback themes, which are outlined below.
Question 1: What are some things going well at your school or site?
Response Themes for Question 1: Staff collaboration and morale; student support and engagement; leadership improvements; focus on skill development; supportive environment.
Question 2: What are some things you would like to see changed at your school or site?
Response Themes for Question 2: Behavior management improvements, such as a need for consistent and effective strategies; increased support for staff, such as resource allocation and training; culture and structural enhancements, such as more unity in school culture; administrative responsiveness; and improved safety and facilities.
Question 3: What can your school- or site-based leadership team do to better support you?
Response Themes for Question 3: Foster open communication; provide clear expectations; increase professional development; manage workloads effectively; and recognize staff contributions.
Question 4: What can the district leadership team do to better support you?
Response Themes for Question 4: Address resource needs to include adequate funding for diverse needs; enhance communication between district leadership goals and schools; support teachers equitably; better classroom conditions and class sizes; and encourage innovation and flexibility.
Question 5: Any other comments or information that is important for continuous improvement?
Response Themes for Question 5: Prioritize student well-being including mental health resources; acknowledge staff efforts; enhance school infrastructure/facilities; promote equity and inclusion; and sustain staff collaboration.
###