Worcester Schools Releases New Analysis After Data Showed Violence Rose Last Year

WORCESTER, MA — After data showed an increase in violent incidents at Worcester Public Schools from the 2023-2024 school year to the 2024-2025 school year, the school district shared a second analysis on Friday, breaking down incidents by school level.

The recently released data showed that a large majority of staff assaults happened at elementary schools and often by the same students, with most incidents happening between kindergarten and third grade, the school district said.

• Related: Violence Rose In Worcester Public Schools Last Year, Data Shows

The analysis also found that less than 0.5 percent of students were involved in an incident coded as a staff assault. There was also a decrease in the number of staff assaults from the year prior at the secondary school level, which is grades seven through 12.

WPS administration will present a report on the new information to the Worcester School Committee on Thursday, Dec. 18.

Now, the school district said it is considering restoring programming that offers specialized approaches for students with high needs, increasing professional development for administrators and staff, expanding the scope of the early childhood task force and support team, and exploring the feasibility of additional staff supports.

“Above all, our priority is to do everything we can to make sure all staff and students are safe in school,” said Superintendent Brian E. Allen. “There are issues we are addressing at the elementary level, for both students and staff, to ensure everyone gets the necessary support, programming, and training. At the same time, I want to dispel any notion that our schools are unsafe."

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