Leaders across the Worcester Public Schools came together for the 2026 Leadership Convening at Doherty Memorial High School, officially kicking off the 2026–27 school year.

The day featured professional development activities and info tables for staff, a keynote address from Niro Feliciano, LCSW, a powerful poem by Worcester Youth Poet Laureate and Doherty sophomore Samira Tang Rainwater, and a special duet by South High Community School music teacher Daniel Gay and his daughter, Burncoat High School senior Imogene Gay.

Superintendent Brian E. Allen welcomed leaders back and celebrated the district’s accomplishments from the past year, including gains in STAR Reading and Math benchmarks, record Early College enrollment, continued growth of the Grow Your Own Future Teacher Pipeline, and other district highlights.

Reaffirming our district mission, Vision to Action, Superintendent Allen encouraged WPS leaders to build on last year’s momentum, stay the course, and turn our shared vision into meaningful action across our schools.

Worcester Public Schools Stands Against Racism ✊🏾

At the 2026 Leadership Convening, Worcester Public Schools launched its Stand Against Racism Campaign, bringing together Superintendent Brian E. Allen, student-athletes from across the district, and community partners from the NAACP Worcester Branch and Worcester YWCA.

Together, our students and Superintendent Allen made a powerful pledge to stand against racism, bias, bullying, and discrimination in our classrooms, hallways, courts, fields, and throughout our community.

This commitment is about more than words. Throughout the 2026–27 school year, WPS will work with our community partners to educate, speak up, hold one another accountable, and create safe and welcoming environments where every student is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

We will call out hate. We will educate. We will stand up. We will speak out.

Worcester Public Schools stands against racism.