June 18, 2025
Dear Worcester Public Schools Family,
It is with a mix of emotions that I address you today, the last day of the 2024-25 school year.
As you know, after three incredible years as your Superintendent, I am stepping down and returning to my home state of California, where I will serve as Superintendent of the Orange Unified School District.
My time here in Worcester has been one of the most rewarding of my professional life. In fact, if I were to name my two favorite jobs that I have ever held, they would be classroom teacher and superintendent.
Why? Because in both roles, you have the most direct impact on the lives of our scholars. As a teacher, I created systems and structures in my unique learning environment, and as a superintendent, I’ve had the privilege to create systems and structures for the entire district to serve adults and children. And serving children is truly what drives me.
When I arrived in Worcester, the School Committee charged me with focusing on a commitment to build systems, support adults and students to reach high standards, and focus on robust family engagement, ensuring that every member of our wonderfully diverse population feels seen, heard, and valued.
We have experienced much progress together.
We launched the five-year strategic plan, “Our Promise to the Future,” on the premise that we believe in the possibility of every child.
Our “Vision of a Learner” now outlines future-ready skills our scholars need to succeed in this rapidly changing world.
While continuously improving, due to the dedication and commitment of our educators, we are seeing academic gains on STAR, DIBELS, and ACCESS scores in reading, math, and English language proficiency. Pedagogical practices in WPS classrooms are top notch.
More high school students are completing Advanced Placement courses than ever before, while alternative schools are graduating a major increase in scholars. Meanwhile, record numbers of students are attending the Early College Program and earning the Seal of Biliteracy.
We continue to improve our facilities with the opening of the new Doherty Memorial High School and the selection of Burncoat into the state pipeline for a new building. We’ve moved transportation operations in-house, dramatically improving service, and we’ve enhanced safety training, protocols, and conducted facility upgrades.
Importantly, we’ve created dedicated spaces for the voices of our scholars, staff, and families through a variety of advisory councils and expanded communication. And, our dedicated Culture and Climate Teams have had a major impact on increasing a sense of belonging in schools.
And finally, our relationships with our labor unions are stronger than ever, built on intentional collaboration and problem-solving. When we see each other as partners we can focus on our mission — educating our youth.
Worcester holds a very special place in my heart and I will miss this community dearly. And yet I know the district is on a clear trajectory toward excellence because you have embodied the tenants of the Vision of a Learner: You’ve been collaborative, communicative critical thinkers, creative problem solvers, and engaged learners and leaders. You see, the Vision of a Learner is how people engage in WPS — the big people and the little ones.
I have every confidence that this positive momentum will continue under the leadership of Brian Allen, whose dedication and vision will serve our scholars and staff incredibly well.
Thank you, Worcester. Thank you for your trust, your collaboration, and your unwavering commitment to our scholars.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you.
Sincerely,
Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD
Superintendent (2022-2025)
Worcester Public Schools