Searching For Excellence
This forum is the first in a series of conversations that will discuss our city's history, as we build our city's future.
Live recording of our community forum. Closed captions are available in English.
On December 1st, Worcester Education Collaborative and Worcester Regional Research Bureau hosted a community event, “Searching For Excellence,” to discuss the school superintendent search. At this event we brought in external experts to help us consider additional priorities. In addition to our panelists, Worcester residents added critical remarks. Here is what former and current residents have to say…
ON Equity-infused education
"The voices of parents and community are critical in this process in ensuring that we have an equity-infused educational recovery after the pandemic," said Rodrigues. "I am hopeful that the community in Worcester remains an active participant and their concerns and their priorities are taken very seriously."
Other Worcester residents said:
ON Attracting qualified candidates
"Communities should start by thinking about how they will attract qualified candidates to a district they may not have considered otherwise, especially since people are not necessarily going to be jumping on this opportunity as they are moving away from these types of jobs.”
On Developing partnerships and setting priorities
"Make a sale why this community, which I think is second to none in the kind of opportunity it offers to a superintendent," said Paul Reville. "A strong leader can get things done in Worcester, can know everybody in the overall ecosystem around education, and can develop partnerships and can set priorities, and things can be accomplished."
Key takeaways include:
From Keri Rodrigues: Once a Superintendent is selected, the community must come together to provide the resources, support, and engagement to assure success.
From Glenn Koocher: The contract, along with the expectations laid out in it, are as important as the search and selection process.
From Paul Reville: The ability to communicate with all stakeholders and to balance the need to be champion and cheerleader for the district while understanding its challenges are critical.
Featured in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Written by Jeff A. Chamber.
