Worcester Announces $12.2M Allocation For Schools And Residents

WORCESTER, MA - City Manager Eric D. Batista announced Friday that $10 million in unspent 2024 funds will be allocated to Worcester Public Schools, and an additional $2.2 million of tax relief to residents.

$7.5 million out of that 10 will support capital and operating expenses. The increase in student population led to a difficult budget year, so the “free cash” will help alleviate some of that financial constraint.

The other $2.5 million will go to the New High School Fund, as Worcester aims to replace Burncoat High and Middle Schools in the future. The yet-to-be approved project saw one hurdle cleared when city council approved a new loan order of $3 million to fund its feasibility study. The New High School Fund will help Worcester prepare for future debt service costs and reduce the blow by capital expenses on future operating budgets.

Additionally, the city is helping its residents by providing $2.2 million in tax relief.

“We are happy to allocate funds to the Worcester Public Schools to help with operating and capital expenses,” said Batista. “Investing in our youth is investing in the future of Worcester.”