1.

Letter of Application
Mrs. Maureen Binienda

February 29, 2016

To Worcester School Committee,
Enclosed please find my resume for the position of Superintendent of Schools. I am a resident of the
City of Worcester and a past student of the Worcester Public Schools through grade 8. My academic
preparation has been extensive. In June 1992, I received my second Master's of Education with a
concentration in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University Graduate School
of Education as a Jacob Hiatt Scholar. While attending Harvard University, I participated in educational
courses which focused on school reform, curriculum design, school law, human relations, community
education, and the organizational characteristics of schools, and strategies for institutional change.
I have been the Principal at South High Community School for the last 8 years and was previously the
Assistant Principal for twelve years working with an urban school population of over 1300 students. In
these roles, I have demonstrated the ability to manage complex roles and responsibilities. I have been
responsible for the consistent and continual orientation of all South High personnel and students to the
school mission, learning expectations and standards, and school safety. Since South High is the 3rd most
diverse high school in MA, I have demonstrated experience in working with various cultural, ethnic and
racial backgrounds and appreciate the value of diversity. My writing skills, administrative and
organizational skills have been developed over the last 40 years I have worked in various roles in the
Worcester Public Schools: Principal, Assistant Principal and Dean of the Academy of Education,
Service and Government, Teacher of Moderate Special Needs, Workshop Coordinator, Job Placement
Specialist, Curriculum Coordinator, Site Administrator for Community School and Nite Life Programs,
and MCAS After School Administrator.
Even with budget cuts, I have been able to manage limited resources to support goal attainment. I have
demonstrated success leading school improvement initiatives that work to close student achievement
gaps as evidenced by South High's improvement in AP enrollment and scores for all students including
minority and low income groups. Under my leadership, South High is regularly featured in the MA
Insight AP Presentation Program and is featured in several local newspaper articles and news features.
During the 2014-15 school year, South High AP students achieved the highest number of 4 and 5's than
any of the other AP students in the Worcester Public Schools! South High MCAS Accountability Score
has consistently increased over the past 3 years demonstrating we are closing the achievement gap.
I also currently serve on eight community boards of directors/ advisory councils and am often the "face
of the Worcester Public Schools" in many community events. It is through my community contacts that
South High has received many resources including its corporate partnership with UNUM!! I have
established contacts with media, including print, radio and television.
I look forward to more communication with you about this position.
Sincerely,

~r.~l
Maureen Binienda

2. Current Resume

Maureen F. Binienda
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SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

8 years experience as Principal at South High Community School

12 years experience as an Assistant Principal at South High Community School

40 years as an educator in the Wqrcester Public Schools

Extensive experience as a director or advisor on community boards and councils

,
Strong interpersonal skills with staff, students, parents and community

Highly organized and efficient at grant writing and reporting.

Strong advocate for community service learning in the Worcester Community.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2008-present Principal, South High Community School, Worcester, MA.
Responsible for exercising vision and providing leadership that appropriately involves staff,
parents, students, business partners and community in the identification and accomplishment of the
school's mission and goals; responsible for the knowledge and use of interpersonal skills such as
oral and written communication, public relations and group dynamics; for exploring, assessing and
implementing educational concepts that enhance teaching and learning under the framework of the
Massachusetts Common Core of Learning; for promoting a school climate that fosters high student
expectations and employs appropriate strategies that adclress multiple learning styles; for
coordinating the School Council and serving as Co-chair, including the development and
implementation of a School Accountability Plan, consistent with state law and School Committee
Policy. Responsible for developing and sustaining a building and grounds maintenance program;
with the Human Resource Office, responsible for developing and executing a system of personnel
selection, assignments, supervision, support and evaluation which encourage professional growth in
staff performance; for developing a program for personal and professional growth of staff that
highlights cooperation and self-renewal with an emphasis on creativity and innovation; for
implementing and executing a system of budget planning, record keeping and report-making that
serves the needs of the school and community; for supervising the daily use of school facilities in
the area of both academic and non-academic activities, including usage of school facilities by
community groups and for implementing, supervising and evaluating student standardized testing
programs as prescribed.
1996-2008 Assistant Principal I Dean of the Academy of Education, Service and Government,
South High Community School, Worcester, MA.
Contribute to the optimum attendance of all students through close communications with parents,

teachers, students and counselors; follow a sound discipline process and reinforce procedures

defined by the policy statement of the Worcester Public Schools on student behavior; effectively
supervise staff consistent with the Worcester Public School's policy and collective bargaining
agreements; conduct effective public relations through continual positive promotion of the school and
its students at all opportunities; assist the building principal in promoting a school climate that
fosters high student expectations and employs appropriate strategies that address multiple learning
styles; maintain effective coordination of day-to-day functions and activities through close
communications with all departments and administrators; supervise the daily use of school facilities
in the area of both academic and non-academic activities, including usage of school facilities by
community groups.
2007 - 2008 Principal of Evening High School, Burn.coat High School, Worcester, MA.
Supervise all aspects of Evening High School: teaching and learning, attendance, teacher support,
student discipline, credit documentation and required forms.
2000-2008 Site Administrator for Mter School MCAS Programs, South High Community School,
Worcester, MA.
Supervise day to day management of the after school programs; recruitment of eligible students;
write monthly reports on services provided; implement grant requirements, procedures, and
documentation. Implement, monitor and evaluate the goals, objectives and outcomes cited in the
academic support services.
1998-2007 Site Administrator for Community School Mter School and Evening Programs, South
High Community School, Worcester, MA.
Supervise day to day management of after school and evening programs; Identify available
community resources and promote collaborative efforts that link resources to school; Raise funds to
support Community functions and activities; Write reports on services provided at South High.
1994- 1996 Special Education Curriculum Specialist, South High Community School,
Worcester, MA.
Develop, monitor and evaluate curriculum; Identify program needs and establish procedures to meet
special education student needs; Coordinate and attend IEP meetings; Initiate and maintain contact
with parents and community support agencies.
1976-1994 Teacher of Moderate Special Needs, Bloomington School ( 1976-78); South High Community
School ( 1978-1994), Worcester Public Schools
Adapt and instruct special needs students in all curriculum subjects; Write Individual Education
Plans; Participate as a contributing member in Team Meetings; Work cooperatively with community
agencies; Establish and maintain trusting relationships with parents/guardians.
EDUCATION
Master of Education, Harvard University, Administration, Planning and Social Policy, Cambridge, MA 1992.
Master of Education, Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg, MA 1981.
Bachelor of Science in Special Ed. and Elementary Ed., Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg, MA 1976.

Continued- Resume Maureen F. Binienda

CERTIFICATIONS
Superintendent/ Assistant Superintendent
Assistant Principal/Principal
Special Education
Supervisor/Director- All Levels

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION

National Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development

Massachusetts Teacher's Association, Education Association of Worcester, NEA
Phi Delta Kappa

CURRENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Committee Member of the DESE Civic Learning and Engagement Task Force, 2015-present
Presenter at the National Advance Placement Conference, Philadelphia, July 2014
Presenter at the National Advance Placement Conference, Las Vegas, July 2013
Presenter at the National Fulbright Conference, Cambridge, MA, October 2011
Presenter at First MA Civic Engagement Conference, DCU Center, Worcester, November 2007.
Presenter at MA Department of Education Annual State Conference, Holy Cross College, May 2007.
Presenter at ASCD Conference: Community Service Learning, Chicago, April 2006.
Presenter /Showcase Academy CSL for MA, National Youth Conference, Philadelphia, March 2006.
Presenter at the DOE Community Service Leaming State Conference, Holy Cross, September 2005.
Presenter at ASCD Conference: Small Learning Communities, Orlando, March 2005.

Schools for a New Society, Carnegie Foundation Conference, San Francisco, CA, March 2005

RELATED EXPERIENCES(* current)

Webster Square Business Association Board of Directors, Vice President*
Seven Hills Foundation Board of Directors*
Audubon Society Broad Meadow Brook Advisory Council*
Girl's Inc Advisory Council*
Work 4 Worcester Advisory Board*
Incorporator Worcester Art Museum*
lncorporator YWCA*
Hanover Theatre- Head Usher*

First Night Worcester Committee*

NEASC Chairperson for 2000 Accreditation; Co-Chair 2010
Leadership Team for school reform and restructuring, Worcester Public Schools, Worcester, MA

Continued- Resume Maureen F. Binienda

AWARDS

MA Insight Partners in Excellence Principal Award 2015; Worcester State Community Service
Award 2015; Adventist Community Service Award 2015; Worcester Public Schools, Female
Administrator of the Year Award 2014; Rotary Club, Service Before Self Award, 2014;
Broadway League Educator of the Year Award 2014; Lois Greene Award, United Way, 2013;
Go Local Worcester Woman of the Year in Central MA Award 2013; Central MA Housing
Alliance Janice Nadeau Memorial Award 2010; Katharine F. Erskine Award 2009; Thomas S.
Green Public Service Award 2008; UNUM Starting Five Award 2008; Salsa Of Life Award,
Latino Institute 2008; Worcester State University Community Service Award 2007; and the
Webster Square Business Association Educator of the Year Award 2006.

REFERENCES
See attached letters of recommendation and application fonn

4. Four Letters of Reference

(One of the four shall be written by
a former student of the applicant,
or of the applicant's school or
school district, as applicable)

Mass Insight
EDUCATION

February 23, 2016

To Whom It May Concern,

It is an honor to recommend Principal Maureen Binienda for the position of Superintendent of
Worcester Public Schools. I have had the pleasure of working with Principal Binienda since 2009,
when Mass Insight Education launched a partnership with Worcester's South High Community
School to provide support to both teachers and students around Advanced Placement courses.
Since day one, I have witnessed Principal Binienda's extraordinary leadership skills in action. Mass
Insight works with nearly 80 schools across Massachusetts, and I can say without reservation that
Principal Binienda is the best there is. She is South High. In fact, she seems to be everywhere at
once, supporting, nurturing, and coaching the entire community, especially her students.
Since we began our partnership in 2009, South High has excelled in our AP program largely due to
the high expectations Principal Binienda has set for teachers and students. South High has increased
enrollment in Math, Science and English AP classes from 166 to 397 students, and increased the
number of qualifying scores on AP Math, Science and English exams from 68 to 135.
Thanks to Principal Binienda's innovative approach to expanding AP participation - one example is
through LEAP (Latinos Excelling in AP) - South High not only doubled its qualifying scores on the
AP Science exam in 2015, but also earned the most scores of four or higher in all of Worcester. Asa
result, forty-one percent of Worcester's minority student STEM AP qualifying scores were earned at
South High, more than double any other Worcester high school. Due to these impressive resuhs, -the
school has become a model for our program. When we were in the early stages of developing a
relationship with New Orleans Public Schools, we brought the superintendent to South High to learn
about best practices for the program's implementation, and we've brought leaders from other
Massachusetts school districts to South High as well.

I'

To acknowledge Principal Binienda's commitment to the AP program and honor her successes, we
presented her with one of two principal awards at our Partners in Excellence Award Celebration last
spring. I feel fortunate to know an educator as skilled and passionate as Principal Binienda, and I'm
confident she will continue to be a tremendous asset to Worcester Public Schools as Superintendent.
She receives my highest recommendation without reservation.
If you are in need of any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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William H. Guenther :::__)

President, CEO and Founder
Mass Insight Education

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The Selection Committee for Superintendent

Worcester Public Schools
February 22, 2016

To Whom It May Concern:

Letter of Recommendation
The Worcester Public Schools deserve the best servant leader as Superintendent; Mrs. Maureen
Benienda embodies and exemplifies what it takes to be that leader.
In our six years of being South High parents and knowing her, Mrs. Benienda has proven time and time
again not only to be a humble and tireless servant leader, but a humane administrator whose care goes
beyond the four walls of the school. She not only welcome students of diverse ethnicities into South
High community, she has helped them and their families to become a welcome and an intergra part of
the larger Worcester community.

Mrs. Benienda's responsibility towards each child -we discovered - is not constrained by the school
bells; hers goes beyond even the graduation day. She fights for each child in her care and she never
backs down. She does not believe any obstacle is unsurmountable even if she has to rally the entire
community for the sake of that singular child. Such is the case of her rallying and raising college support
for her brilliant and needy students. Our daughter, Elizabeth at Bryant University, is a practical example
of her fight for each child in her care.
Now, that is the kind of Superintendent to move Worcester Public Schools forward and onto greater
heights!
Mrs. Benienda's vision, hard work, tenacity, and care are evident in all her students' (both present and
past) achievements. As parents of two alumnus and one current senior, we cannot but nominate and
recommend Mrs. Maureen Benienda for this honorable position. She will make an indelible impact and
difference (all positive) in not just the Worcester Public School system but also in the lives of the
children and families that make up the entire Worcester community and New England at large!
Thank you.

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Yours sine~. ly,

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Oluokun

Parents:

Mary Oluokun '12 (Bucknell University '16)

Elizabeth Oluokun '14 (Bryant University '18)
Esther Oluokun '16 (Senior - South High Community School)

February 22, 2016

Worcester Public School Hiring Committee:

It is with great pleasure and honor that I write a letter of recommendation on behalf of Mrs. Maureen
Binienda. I am writing this letter in the capacity of a colleague and a supervisee. I worked at South High
Community School from 2004 until last year after moving to another state. My last role at the school
was of the Guidance Department Head and AP Coordinator.
Under her leadership, Mrs. Binienda supported important initiatives that addressed the needs of our
underrepresented youths, particularly the Latino population. One of those initiatives was a parent
outreach program (PODER- Parents Obtaining Direction, Education and Resources). PODER included
monthly school-based and community-based meetings with our Latino families. Even though the
meetings were always in Spanish, Mrs. Binienda always stopped by and would say a few words to the
families. It is important to her for the parents to not only see her, but to hear from her how important
their student's education is and that she needs their help in the process. I also coordinated Saturday
parent outreaches and workshops with community organizations like the YMCA and Centro De Vida
Church. Mrs. Binienda not only funded these events, but also attended every one of them. She also
visited the Centro De Vida Church on her own, and spoke to the congregants during the homily about
the importance of education. What a way to send a loud message to the families by being visible and

present at these events.

Another huge initiative Mrs. Binienda and I worked on, and in my opinion, the biggest intervention to
support our Latino students, was the LEAP initiative. LEAP stands for Latinos Excelling in Advanced
Placement. For an entire year we met with parents, teachers, and district administrators to strategize
on how to improve our Latino students' academic performance and improve their college going rate. We
knew that if we worked on addressing the needs of our biggest school group, the efforts would
permeate into the rest of the school population and impact our school culture as a whole. Mrs. Binienda
took immediate action on the recommendations that came out of those meetings. For example, she
created a new AP course, AP Spanish Literature to increase accessibility to AP courses. She also made
AP Spanish Language available to all students and not just 12th graders as it was traditionally. She
provided additional support to the AP teachers that would allow them to work with underrepresented
youths in Advanced Placement courses. She also launched our first AP bootcamp to support 1st time AP
students. Within the year of the LEAP implementation, we doubled our AP participation among Latino
students and tripled the participation among English Language Learners from different ethnic groups,
not just Latino students. That year, South High became #1 in the state in AP Spanish scores and #3 in
the state in the Latino AP Participation and Performance for all the subjects, and #1 in minority
representation in many of the current AP courses. There was an immediate trickle effect that impacted
our whole school's culture as we had anticipated. Our growth in AP participation and performance
caught the attention of the Collegeboard, and Mrs. Binienda had the opportunity to present twice at the
CollegeBoard National Conferences in Las Vegas and Texas. In addition, both Mrs. Binienda and I, were
brought as consultants to districts in New York City and New Orleans to share our expertise in working
with non-traditional AP students.

As a Latina myself, I always admired Mrs. Binienda's efforts to be personable by speaking "Spanish" with
recently arrived Latino students and families, to ensuring our Latino students had access to the most
rigorous curriculum available to them. She is committed to creating a college going culture atmosphere
and inspiring our students to achieve success.
In addition, Mrs. Binienda believes in the montra - "it takes a village". She is at every award ceremony
and community event that supports our students. She is the only known principal to have attended and
financially supported the Worcester Latino Dollars for Scholars awards every single year. Her presence
in our community as an advocate for our student is at the heart of who Mrs. Binienda is as a leader. Her
passion is REAL and GENIUNE.
It is undeniable that Mrs. Binienda is an innovator, a risk-taker and a problem-solver. Undoubtedly,
Mrs. Binienda's strength is that she is a woman of actions not just words. She makes things happen!
Her dynamic spirit and tremendous drive is admirable and worthy to be emulated. Not only does she
have a heart of "gold" that comes forth as she works with our student population, but she has a hand of
"steel" to make difficult decisions, keeping a steady "pulse" in the moments of crisis and will remain
calm under pressure.
In conclusion, Mrs. Binienda will be a tremendous asset to the Worcester Public Schools. I have seen
firsthand how she has unified South High's staff and students and instilled a sense of belonging and
community from day one of her office as principal. Mrs. Binienda has the capacity to unify and "gel"
people with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. She has a unique ability to transcend
barriers our students face so no one would have an excuse to be educated. I truly admire that Mrs.
Binienda advocates for students of all diverse backgrounds and truly understands the struggles and
challenges of our community.
I know Mrs. Binienda will drive the Worcester Public Schools far and will bring about the change the
district so desperately needs. As superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools, Mrs. Binienda will
ensure our children are safe, learn, achieve and succeed.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have further questions. I may be reached by email at

emtlc::dt\!Bb

P*i n p j ; I

Truly yours,
Carmen J. Melendez-Quintero

I (II IE

18.

RUBBY AKUA WUABU

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LETTER IN SUPPORT OF MAUREEN BINIENDA FOR SUPERINTENDENT
Dear School Committee,
I am writing to support Maureen Binienda as Superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools. I am
writing this letter because every student in the Worcester Public School system should have the
benefit of having her fight in their comer. You will not find a more dedicated and strong advocate for
students than Maureen Binienda. Her extensive experience and holistic approach to the wellbeing of
all her students, makes her the right candidate for this position. She is one of the most determined,
tenacious and inexhaustible force when it comes to supporting and pushing her students to aim
higher, dream bigger and achieve a lot more than we thought possible. She saw the potential in each
and every one of us and always went to bat for us. She was our biggest fan, supporter and motivator
in everything that we did, in and out of class.
What makes Mrs. B., as we lovingly call her, well suited for this position is her unadulterated love
for her students. For it is only such love and devotion that explains the endless hours she spends in
and out of a school always working to improve the wellbeing of her students, physically and
intellectually. She has been in the trenches as a teacher, academy director, and principal. She
understands all aspects of education, and is well versed in the issues that students, teachers and
parents face. She has a broad perspective that takes into account the student, parents, and the
community at large. During her tenure, she has moldered South High School into one of the top high
schools in the state, and produced highly motivated, hardworking, community conscious graduates
who have gone on to achieve incredible things.
Mrs. B. is adept at cultivating relationships, uniting differing voices and creating solutions where
there are none. She never saw problems, only opportunities to turn those problems into more
opportunities for her students. She is optimistic, forward thinking and pragmatic in problem solving.
She brings to life her vision for her students, and her community, through hard work and cultivating
strong support systems made up of teachers, community members and community stakeholders. She
always knew exactly what was at stake for her students and never let her focus waiver. The worst
thing anyone could do around Mrs. B. was to have an idea. Because that meant she would support,
challenge and do everything in her power to provide resources that will help bring that idea to life.
During my tenure at South High School and beyond, Mrs. B. was our principal, our mentor, our
greatest supporter and all round go to person. Her view of her job and responsibilities extended well
beyond the fine print of her employment contract. She taught us discipline and the value of hard
work through extensive community service. This gave us structure and cultivated in us a strong
sense of community. She not only opened our minds to a broader perspective, but also always
reminded us to think beyond our individual needs, to the wellbeing of our community as a whole.
The discipline that we learned through these experiences also made us better students, more
inquisitive, and highly aware of the opportunities available to us if we were willing to work hard for
them.
She empowered us to see our own potential by giving us the skills, the resources and room to try our
best. For instance, we wrote grants for causes we believed in, developed youth run tour programs,
presented at national conferences, mentored fellow students, volunteered at soup kitchens, etc. We

RUDDY AKUA WUABU

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couldn't have done all those things and so much more if it wasn't for Mrs. B.' s strong belief in us,
and her tireless efforts to get resources to South High School. I speak for those of us who took
advantage of all these opportunities when I say, I left high school with a broader perspective, a strong
sense of self and community, and an awareness of my capabilities as an individual and as a student.
Of all the accomplishments she has achieved, Mrs. B. is always thinking bigger and better things for
her students and the school. Mrs. B. is willing to go above and beyond, to see the potential in every
situation, and to have the forethought and ability to cultivate relationships in order to bring those
dreams into reality. It takes such an individual to improve the Worcester Public Schools. I
wholeheartedly support any and every opportunity to give a broader range of student's exposure to
the force that is Mrs. B.
Sincerely,
Rubby Wuabu.

5. Verification of Eligibility for

Certification as a Superintendent
of Schools in Massachusetts (if
any)

Page 1 of2

UNOFFICIAL LICENSE INFORMATION

l11fJ1ssachusetts

Department of

Elementary & Secondary Education

,
UNOFFICIAL LICENSE INFORMATION
This license information was generated by
the educator from the Department's
electronic licensure file, ELAR. It should not
be taken as proof of current licensure or as
an official record. The Department advises
that verification of this information via
ELAR is always necessary.

Maureen Binienda
l i 1raJmWPnM 1:c

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Educator: Maureen F Binienda

License#:

MEPID: !ii U _llHl9

FIELD( LEVEL)

Elementary (K-8)
Elementary (K-6)
Middle School (5-9)
Special Needs (Level
depends on teaching
license)

****@257 TIO:-,. ..

Original Certification Date: 06/23/1976

CATEGORY

ACADEMIC
ACADEMIC
ACADEMIC

ACADEMIC

*Principal/Assistant
Principal (9-12)

ACADEMIC

Principal/Assistant Principa I
(N-6)

ACADEMIC

Supervisor/Director (All
Levels)

ACADEMIC

Superintendent/Assistant
Superintendent (All Levels)

ACADEMIC

SEI-Admin (Level depends

on prereq license)

ACADEMIC

APPLICATION
TYPE

ISSUE
DATE

Professional
Professional
Professional

06/17/09
05/21/99
05/21/99

Professional
Professional
Professional
Professional

Professional

Endorsement

EXPIRATION
DATE

06/17/04
05/23/19

05/23/19
06/02/94
09/19/95
05/21/99
08/02/10

10/03/14

06/15/19
06/15/19
06/15/19

07/30/20

***

* Primary Area
*** Due to varying requirements, please pay attention to the specific
requirements for the potential of renewing an endorsement.
Please contact the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education customer service at 781-338-6600,
if your license information above is incorrect or incomplete.

https://gateway.edu.state.ma.us/elar/viewlicenseNiewLicensePageControl.ser

2/16/2016

6. A Completed Application form

with typed responses to a-c

APPLICATION FORM FOR

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS

"Please read before completing the following application: The Worcester Public Schools does not
discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, gender,
sexual orientation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military status or status as a disabled
Vietnam era veteran, except where age or sex is a bona fide occupational qualification as allowed by the
Civil Rights Act of 1964. No question on this employment application is intended to secure information
to be used for such discrimination. This employment application will be given every consideration, but its
receipt does not imply that the applicant will be employed."

PERSONAL DATA
Binienda
Last Name

n 11

Iii .... I!

Date of Application 02/29/16

tartnng.

Maureen
First Name

Frances
Middle Name

ee1 ease

Present Home Address (street, city, state & zip)

1M

1.

Telephone

~l!l!BeL_______~B~~~m~
-~~:n~R!!!~iz!;Jll~~~.-~l~l!!i~&!!!B~iM~i'

'moat; "'r uM:&J

Present Business Address (street, city, state & zip)

Telephone

Fax

Regarding current position:

Number of employees district/school _ _ _1"'"""7-'3_ _ _District/school enrollment

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

1310 students

(beginning with present)

District/State

Title

From/To Dates

PrinciQal

2008-Qresent

Worcester Public Schools- South High

1310

Assistant Principal
SQecial Ed. I Curriculu
Site Administrator for C

1996-2008
1994-1996
1994-2008

Worcester Public Schools- South High

Worcester Public Schools- South High
Worcester Public School- South High

1310
260-300
varied

S12ecial Education Tea

1978-1994

Worcester Public Schools- South High

90'-125

1976-1978

Worcester Public Schools- Bloomingdale School

18-20

SQecial Education Tea

PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION

(beginning with earliest degree)

Institution

Concentration

Fitchburg State University

Special Education (3-21 )/ Elementary Education

Special Education
Administration. Planning and Social Policy

Fitchburg State University

Harvard Graduate School of Ed.

Enrollment

Degree
B.S. in Educatic
MA in Educatio
MA in Educatio

RELATED CERTIFICATION
State

Certificate Number

Superintendent/ Assistant Superintendent

MA

207269

Principal/ Assistant Principal

MA

207269

Field

REFERENCES
Please list three people whom we might call who are knowledgeable about your professional competence and
who have NOT written letters of reference for your file.
Name
Elizabeth Bacon
Deb Carey
Diane Lynch

Position
: Community Coordinator, Tt 64 ir

Address

Telephone

I -.1 , 97 PO 1 Ff I @116-
Director of Central Sanctuari 41 I ftbss&JJll R BrMDlSf'-fMt 0 6 I A
W'ioal:atw2wW EJ!'8'1584 11
7 5
Assistant Principal
I

ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

From/To Dates

Position

Employer

Location

1980-1993

Field Hockey and Cheerleading

Worcester Public Schools

South High

1979-1984

Nightlife Instructor

Worcester Public Schools

South High

APPLICATION PROCESS
The following material should be submitted by FEBRUARY 29, 2016.

1. A letter of application indicating suitability for the position.

2. A current resume.
3. College/university placement papers and academic transcripts indicating degrees.
4. Four letters of reference, one of which shall be written by a former student of the applicant, or of the
applicant's school or school district, as applicable.
5. Verification of eligibility for certification as a Superintendent of Schools in Massachusetts (if any).
6. A completed application form with a typed response to each of the following:

a.

How do your experiences and education best qualify you to serve as Superintendent of the
Worcester Public Schools?
b. What is your philosophy of education, and how do you envision carrying out that philosophy
as Superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools?
c. What do you anticipate your preliminary or initial goals will be as Superintendent of the
Worcester Public Schools?

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates are advised not to contact individual School Committee members unless
requested to do so.

Materials should be mailed to:

Helen A. Friel, Ed.D.

Assistant to the Superintendent/
Clerk of the School Committee
Worcester Public Schools
20 Irving Street - Room 108
Worcester, MA 01609-2467
508-799-3032 TELEPHONE; 508-799-3190 FAX
Friel@worc.k12.ma.us

rs

..

As a candidate, J understand that at some point in the seJection process the law may require that the
information contained in this application be made available to the public, and that the facts set forth
herein will be subject to verification.
I certify under the pains and penalty of perjury that all statements made by me on this application (and
accompanying resume, and other documents, if any) are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and
that I have withheld nothing, which, if disclosed, would affect application unfavorably. I understand that any
false statements or material omission of fact on the application (and accompanying resume and other
documents, if any) shall be grounds for rejection of this application or for immediate discharge if I am
employed, regardless of the time elapsed before discovery.

/hu.fLJ
Signature

Equal Opportunity Employer.

Date

6a. How do your experiences and

education best qualify you to
serve as Superintendent of the
Worcester Public Schools?

A. How do your experiences and education best qualify you to serve as Superintendent of the
Worcester Public Schools?
My experiences and education best qualify me to serve as Superintendent of the Worcester Public
Schools. I have worked 40 years in the Worcester Public Schools, beginning as a Special
Education Teacher in 1976 and rising to Special Education Department Head (1994) to Assistant
Principal (1996) and Principal (2008). I have a Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude, from
Fitchburg State University in Elementary Education and Special Education (1976); a Masters of
Education from Fitchburg State University (1981) and a Masters of Education from Harvard
Graduate School of Education ( 1992). The focus of my training at Harvard University was
Administration, Planning and Social Policy.
As Assistant Principal, I received extensive training on the Gates- Carnegie Small Schools
Initiative. I served as the Dean of the Academy of Education, Service and Government (ESG),
one of the three small learning communities at South High. My work focused on creating
community service learning opportunities, and whole school learning initiatives with a focus on
civic learning. The ESG teachers and I presented this work at several local, state and national
conferences. I presently serve on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Civic
Learning and Engagement Task Force where I am working with other invited members to
develop the civic objectives for MA.
I have supervised and managed the daily operations of South High in my roles as an Assistant
Principal for 12 years and as Principal for the last 8 years. I have provided a safe learning
environment for the students and staff at South High by orienting staff and students to the rules
and policies of the Worcester Public Schools. As Assistant Principal and Principal, I have
followed a sound discipline process and reinforced procedures defined by the policy of the WPS
to work with students and parents to create a positive learning environment.
South High is the third most diverse high school in Massachusetts. The current student population
of 1318 students consists of 630 males, and 688 females, 15.3% Asian, 18.9% African American,
41.1% Hispanic, and 24.4% White students. 26% of the students are English Language Learners,
and 25% are Special Education students. Under my team's leadership, South High has become a
community of educators who set high expectations for all students and provides differentiated
learning experiences that allow all students to be successful to achieve their goals. In partnership
with South High staff and community agencies such as Mass Insight, student enrollment in AP
STEM classes increased from 166 to 397. 41% of Worcester minority student STEM AP
qualifying scores were earned at South High, more than double than any of the other Worcester
High Schools. South High MCAS scores in ELA and Math have continued to a steady increase
resulting in a closing of the achievement gap.
I have supported two initiatives that addressed the needs of the Latino population. One of these
initiatives is PODER (Parents Obtaining Directions, Education and Resources). PODER included
monthly school based and community based meetings with Latino families. The second initiative
is LEAP (Latinos Excelling In Advanced Placement). In LEAP, the head guidance counselor and
I met with parents and teachers to develop plans to improve Latinos student academic
performance. I have been recognized for my work with the Latino population by the awarding of
the Latino Institute Educator of the Year 2008 and the Adventist Community Service Award 2015.
I am trained in the MA Teacher Evaluation System and have effectively used these procedures to
evaluate 95 South High staff. I have used observations and detailed feedback to improve teaching
and learning at South High. I have worked with the administrative team to deliver effective

professional development to all South High Staff. Through the professional development
provided, use of common practices, and support for teachers, many South High teachers have
been recognized for excellence by receiving awards and accolades. Twenty South High alumni
have returned to teach at South High because of the positive difference South High staff made in
their lives.

In response to the increasing needs of our student population due to poverty, in partnership with
the Family Health Center, I opened the first food pantry in the Worcester Public Schools, and
relocated a clothing pantry, Andy's Attic, to South High. I also was instrumental in setting up a
contract with the Optometry Department of the MA College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences,
where South High students receive free eye exams and glasses. During the 14-15 school year, 160
South High students received this service.
I have been responsible for managing a budget of $73 ,000 annually at South High. I have
provided resources for South High Staff from this budget and supplemented the budget with
community resources and funding from grants. I have used creative solutions to budget
challenges and demonstrated to staff that they are valued and have provided multiple
opportunities for staff to feel appreciated. I have worked with community agencies and
government officials to raise over $100,000 to support South High Initiatives, such as the South
High Band Performance trips to Washington D.C. and most recently Philadelphia. I have met
with University Presidents and Financial Directors and obtained additional financial aid for South
High graduates to attend colleges of their choice. In partnership with South High Staff and
community agencies such as UNUM and Greater Worcester Community Foundation, I developed
a successful Youth Philanthropy Program which has distributed over $100,000 to community
agencies to make positive community change. This Program has been recognized locally, as well
as presented at State and National Conferences. I am presently serving on a Youth Philanthropy
Initiative housed out of the Weller Center at Brandeis University.
I serve the Worcester community by my leadership roles on several community boards and
advisories. I have built long-term relationships with these community agencies and work
collaboratively daily with them to meet the needs of South High families and students. Through
our community partners, South High students and staff have experienced unique opportunities:
participation in three Broadway Shows at Hanover Theatre, planting and harvesting at the
Community Harvest Project, singing the Messiah with the Worcester Chorus through Music
Worcester at Mechanics Hall, representing MA in National Band Performances, weeklong
environmental research at UMASS Boston Research Center on Nantucket, Author in residence
series, Storytelling through StoriesLIVE, visits to the Worcester Art Museum and the Ecotarium,
and 100 Grade 10 students debating at the Senate Immersion Module at the Edward M. Kennedy
Institute for the United States Senate.
Through my forty years in the Worcester Public Schools, I have worked with thousands of
students, and hundreds of dedicated educators, parents and community partners. I bring all I have
learned to the position of Superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools.

6b. What is your philosophy of

education, and how do you
envision carrying out that
philosophy as Superintendent of
the Worcester Public Schools?

B. What is your philosophy of education, and how do you envision canying out that philosophy
as Superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools?
I am referred by some partnering community agencies as "an urban warrior." My philosophy is to
inspire every student to believe they are important and that they can make a positive contribution
in this world. I believe that poverty- looked at by some as a barrier to achievement- can become a
driving force to student success. Jn order to wrap services around students, I leave "no stone
unturned" in order to help students actualize their potential.
I live the whole child philosophy- "Each child deserves to be healthy, safe, engaged, supported
and challenged." I believe it is important to preserve the dignity of every student and their family
by taking care of their most basic needs- food, clothing, and shelter. I recognize that the most
effective work happens when teams of caring and intelligent people come together to work for
common goals. Students need fair and consistent rules, support to take risks and confidence to
share their ideas with others. Students should take active participation in their learning and
receive constant feedback on their progress. I believe that education gives power to all individuals
to make a positive change in their life and their families.
I envision carrying out my philosophy of education through dynamic and robust communication
to all stakeholders through my conversations and actions. I will prioritize "on the ground floor"
visits to each school in the district and together with the help of my administrative team work to
provide the resources necessary for the staff, students and families to feel valued and supported.
This is work I can not do alone. As such, I will provide professional development to principals
and staff that focuses on working as effective teams to provide continuous cycles of curriculum.instruction and assessment. The starting point will be to have a clear set of standards and
expectations for what students should learn and a viable curriculum with appropriate resources
that teachers can implement. Staff development will familiarize school staff with the standards
and effective instructional strategies. Instruction and assessment will determine how well students
are meeting the standards so that necessary adjustments can take place. The cycle of teaching and
learning will ensure that all students will make continuous progress. This will be strengthened by
providing ample opportunities for teachers to analyze student data, to look at student work, to
collaborate on school improvement initiatives, and to celebrate positive growth.
Finally, I will empower stakeholders throughout the City of Worcester to contribute their
resources to the Worcester Public Schools. Specifically, I will establish strong connections with
colleges, universities and businesses to provide additional opportunities for Worcester Public
School students. It will be through identifying common ground with the Worcester School
Committee and developing and implementing essential policies that the Worcester Public School
will receive recognition as a model school system. As an "urban warrior", I will reinforce my
commitment to community organizational boards and will create further opportunities for our
students and staff. Through a continued outreach to media sources and public leaders, I will
positively brand the Worcester Public Schools so that the public at large will echo the pride of
each child and faculty member.

Thus, by working together as a cohesive team, we will be able to craft a future full of
diverse opportunity, thorough innovation and dynamic leadership.

6c. What do you anticipate your

preliminary or initial goals will be
as Superintendent of the
Worcester Public Schools?

C. What do you anticipate your preliminary or initial goals will be as Superintendent of the
Worcester Public Schools?
The overarching goal as Worcester Public Schools Superintendent is to make sure every child is
"healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged."
I anticipate my preliminary goals as Superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools will focus on
providing a safe learning environment, improving communication to all stakeholders, provide
professional development to WPS Principals and staff. These goals will first ensure that every
child has a rigorous education instructed through high quality teaching and learning strategies.
Additionally, each child's education will be enhanced through maintaining and expanding
partnerships with community resources and families.
My action plan to achieve these initial goals are as follows:
1. Conduct "on the ground floor" visits to every school in the district and together with the help
of my administrative team work to evaluate implementation of a continuous cycle of curriculum,
instruction and assessment. This cycle will be documented and pointed, specific and thorough
professional development will be offered to combat struggles. In addition, successes will be
highlighted and effective pedagogy will be modeled district-wide. My team will also identify the
resources necessary for the staff, students and families to feel valued and supported.
2. Meet with all WPS Principals, and the WPS Liaison to review the Safety Audit and implement
recommendations.
3. Develop and implement strong interagency coordination between the WPS and community
resources. This will include, but is not limited to: courts, immigration service agencies, health
agencies, community support groups, police, elected representatives. This coordination will be
transparent and fluid so that resources can be equally and thoughtfully allocated to the areas who
need them the most. As such, our students will be well-equipped to handle the rigors demands of
a 21 81 century career.
4. Expand academic opportunities for WPS students and staff through strengthened partnerships
with colleges, universities and community agencies. It is through exposing our students to the
opportunities that colleges and universities offer that they will take greater stake in their personal
education.
5. Collaborate with WPS Principals to create opportunities to increase family engagement in
every Worcester Public School.
6. Partner with the Worcester School Committee to develop and implement essential policies that
will support high quality teaching and learning, a safe learning environment, and expanded
community partnerships.
I have selected these initial goals as a starting point. Included in these goals are strategies to
increase language proficiency for ELL students, increase academic performance of special
education students, provide 21st Century skills for all students, and to improve reading
performance by Grade 3. I will continually monitor and communicate the progress towards these
goals to all stakeholders. Through this team-centered effort, our children will not only be college
and career ready, but will become model citizens for others to emulate.