Worcester Public Schools Ready for Day One: Superintendent Brian Allen on Buses, Staffing, and Student Support

By-Hank Stolz

Photo-submitted

WORCESTER, MA-With a 32-year history in the Worcester Public Schools, the “new” Superintendent is no stranger to how things run. Brian Allen was elevated from his role as Chief Financial Officer and with the challenges facing the school system that financial experience will come in handy.

Over his time in the system Allen has worked with seven different superintendents and is a graduate of the Worcester Public Schools himself.
Worcester Public Schools has a long history of Superintendents with teaching and classroom experience. Allen argues that his extensive background as the district’s CFO provides him with crucial skills in resource management, strategic planning, and data-informed decision-making, which are essential for a superintendent. “The magic happens in the classroom. It doesn’t happen on Irving Street, right? Our job is to provide the resources and supports to the principals who can provide those supports to the classroom teachers.” He does have concerns over the future of federal and state funding, particularly with the phasing out of the Student Opportunity Act funds, and told the Talk of the Commonwealth his financial experience will be critical in navigating potential budget reductions.

Former Superintendent Rachel Monarrez left the District earlier this year. The District is still in the early years of a five-year strategic plan she helped develop and Allen says he plans to stay the course. To “go deeper” with the existing strategic plan, focusing on enhancing instruction and student achievement.