Molly McCullough Returns In 2023 In Bid For New Worcester Schools Seat

WORCESTER, MA — In 2023, Worcester voters will elect school committee members in an entirely new fashion, picking representatives from new districts across the city along with a slate of at-large members.

The new election system is the result of a lawsuit filed against Worcester in 2021 by a coalition led by the Worcester NAACP over the city's all at-large school committee. Electing members at-large led to a school committee comprised of mostly white members who didn't represent the diversity of the second-largest school system in Massachusetts, the lawsuit charged.

After agreeing to settle the lawsuit in 2021, election expert have Worcester has cut the city up into six school committee district lettered A to F, plus four at-large seats. The new system will create a larger school committee, and one whose members will at least be the most geographically diverse in modern times.

The new district voting system isn't the only issue facing Worcester schools this year. The district is tackling issues like aging buildings, school safety, and issues outside the district like a possible ballot measure to eliminate MCAS and the incursion of a new charter school opposed unanimously by the committee earlier this year.

School Committee member Molly McCullough is a four-term incumbent, but is running unopposed for the District A (north Worcester) seat in 2023. Along with all other school committee candidates running opposed and unopposed in 2023, Worcester Patch asked McCullough to respond to a questionnaire to help inform voters on a host of school issues ahead of Election Day. Here's how McCullough responded:

What motivated you to run for Worcester School Committee this year?

I decided to run for re-election to the Worcester School Committee because of my deep commitment to our community and my unwavering dedication to education. Currently serving my 4th term on the Worcester School Committee, and now as the inaugural candidate for District A, I believe that my background, track record as a current member and my advocacy for education, uniquely qualify me to contribute to our school district's growth and success.

This is the first school committee election under the new district system, and four of the new district seats are uncontested. Do you think the voting public knows that the system has changed, and if not, what role does the school committee play in spreading awareness?

At this time, I believe there is still a lot of confusion about the new system. Ensuring that the voting public is aware of changes in the electoral system is crucial. The school committee can play a role in spreading awareness by actively engaging with the community through outreach, forums, and informational social media posts.

Worcester is now home to the first charter school to open in Massachusetts in five years, and the current school committee opposed the opening of the Worcester Cultural Academy. What’s your stance on charter schools in general and this one specifically?

Worcester is now home to the first charter school to open in Massachusetts in five years, and as the current school committee, we opposed the opening of the Worcester Cultural Academy. I am firmly opposed to the expansion of charter schools in our district. While charter schools can offer alternative educational options, they often divert resources away from traditional public schools, which can negatively impact the majority of students. I share the concerns of my colleagues regarding the opening of the Worcester Cultural Academy. It's important to prioritize the strength and improvement of our public school system to ensure that every student in Worcester has access to a high-quality education.

The Worcester Diocese has implemented a new policy in its local schools that many have called anti-LGBTQ+, and there’s been a larger movement across the nation to ban lessons and books in schools dealing with sex and gender issues. How do you feel about these issues?

I strongly believe in the importance of comprehensive health education and protecting the rights of all individuals, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. The recent policy implemented by the Worcester Diocese in its local schools, which some have characterized as anti-LGBTQ+, is not something that should be allowed in our public schools. Education should be inclusive, and it's crucial that students have access to accurate and age-appropriate information about sexual and gender issues.

I am also against any efforts to ban books in schools that address sex and gender issues. Banning such materials limits students' access to important knowledge and restricts their ability to learn about and understand diverse perspectives. It's essential that our educational system provides a safe and inclusive space for all students, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Inclusive and comprehensive health education is vital for promoting healthy relationships, understanding diversity, and fostering empathy and respect among students. I will continue to advocate for these principles and work to ensure that our schools provide a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, irrespective of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

If you could pick anything, what goals would you set for Superintendent Rachel Monárrez in the coming school committee term?

I am supportive of the Superintendent’s current goals. As a current member, I voted to approve them. Goals included areas of focus around improving academic performance, addressing equity issues, staff cultivation, increasing staff diversity, developing and maintaining community partnerships/relationships and ensuring the efficient operation of schools.

Worcester will soon open the new Doherty High School, but many other buildings in the district are either in need of repair or replacement. How should the district prioritize these projects?

Prioritizing school infrastructure projects should consider factors like safety, building condition, and educational impact. Worcester currently has a comprehensive facilities plan that is updated and reviewed on a regular basis. We need to continue to advocate at the state level for additional funds for MSBA projects in order to get a new Burncoat and additional replacements/ rehabs throughout the district. Additionally, we must continue to focus on preventative maintenance to reduce the occurrence of critical repair issues.

The Worcester School Committee has started a review of the district’s cell phone policy. What would you want that policy to look like?

Crafting a cell phone policy should balance the educational benefits of technology with minimizing distractions. An update of the policy needs to include authentic engagement and feedback from staff, students and families. The policy should include guidelines for appropriate use, restrictions during classes, and measures to ensure students' focus on learning.