10 Questions with School Committee Candidate Molly McCullough

Email to a friend Permalink

Monday, April 13, 2015

Patrick Sargent, GoLocal Worcester Contributor

Molly McCullough of Worcester is currently the Chair of the Planting the Seed Foundation. She is the daughter of retired Forest Grove Principal Maureen McCullough. McCullough is running for Worcester School Committee.

GoLocal caught up with Molly and asked her these ten questions:

1. What do you think is the most important issue for Worcester's School Committee today?

Appropriating the budget for the Worcester Public Schools is the critical assignment for members of the Worcester School Committee. Committee members must make decisions regarding school safety and discipline, curriculum, professional development, physical plants, personnel, transportation and material resources that would provide optimum learning experiences for all of the students in our system.  There is never enough funding to address all of the needs and wishes of our school system so it is necessary to think critically to provide what is necessary for our students to be prepared for the demands of higher education and the workplace upon graduation.  In addition, I believe the School Committee members must work collaboratively with the members of the Worcester City Council and our State Legislators to secure adequate funding to accomplish our mission.  It is the obligation of the members of the Worcester School Committee to present compelling evidence of the efficacy of our agenda to these officials if we are to gain their support.

2. Why did you decide to run for school committee?

I think it has something to do with my DNA.  I am a 4th generation Worcesterite and education and politics have helped to shape my views on the importance of education in the lives of young people and the success of a community.  Worcester is teeming with institutions of higher learning and our public schools continue to be a source of pride for Worcester.  The School Committee is obligated to continue to research and implement those initiatives that will guarantee a strong and capable workforce and to insure that our public schools will deliver the highest caliber of instruction for readiness in all areas of human endeavor.  As a member of the School Committee, I will do my homework and advocate for the best educational opportunities for all of our students.

3. What challenges do you expect to face in your first campaign?

 I believe my greatest challenge in the race for the Worcester School Committee will be to gain the trust of all of the stakeholders involved in this important endeavor.  I need to show the people of Worcester that I have been a contributor to a number of successful outcomes in organizations in Worcester and beyond which have prepared me for such an important role.  Communication and Collaboration are my proven strengths and I believe are necessary qualities to serve on the committee.  Also, I need to show concretely how I can make things better as we face the challenges of a limited budget.

4. What part of Worcester are you from and what do you remember most about going to school in Worcester?

I grew up in the Newton Square/Tatnuck Square area of Worcester.  My parents grew up in Main South and my grandparents lived on Grafton Hill and the “Island” and in Main South. I have great memories of attending school in Worcester including things that I learned, activities in which I participated in and lifelong friendships that I made.

5. If elected, what is the one thing you hope to accomplish in your first term?

I am committed to developing an environment that fosters communication and collaboration among the members of the school committee, the administration, parents, students and staff members. My questions and comments will be directed to problem solving by way of mutual respect for the opinions of others, clarity in my commentary, and a multi-perspective approach to discussion.  The success of the committee depends on its ability to come to consensus based on the thorough exploration of ideas and the impetus to ultimately do what is best for our students. 

6. What role has Worcester played in your life and what has the city provided you?

Worcester is my home and has always been for me a place of opportunity and access. Returning home upon my college graduation, I made a conscious decision to stay in Worcester.  While others of my generation have left the City to pursue careers or move for a variety of reasons, I have been fortunate to find employment which I enjoy while being surrounded by family and friends.  Growing up, I felt safe and happy.  I liked school, I had the opportunity to play sports and attend summer camps, visit museums, attend performances and be an active member in the community. I would have to say that Worcester provided almost every opportunity I could envision. I would like all of Worcester’s young people to have a similar experience.

7. What are some of your favorite restaurants/hangouts in the city of Worcester?

One of the wonderful things about Worcester is there is no shortage of places to go. I enjoy checking out new places but I am also a creature of habit. Some of my favorite places to hangout and/or grab a great meal are Piccolo’s, Smitty’s, The Banner, Worcester Fitness/MacDonald’s Tavern, Funky Murphy’s,  Mezcal and Wachusett Country Club-I love to golf. 

8. What is your opinion of Superintendent Melinda Boone's tenure thus far in Worcester?

My opinion of Dr. Boone’s performance is based largely on watching the televised school committee meetings. I do not have personal experience with Dr. Boone and my only observations are through the meetings and articles that I have read. Dr. Boone appears to have a thorough knowledge of all facets of the system and is prepared to answer most all questions posed to her. She has been clear in articulating her positions.  I look forward to talking with Dr. Boone and getting to know her and her approaches to being superintendent.

9. What is your take on the situation at North High?

I believe we need to focus on the critical issue at North High:  the chronic and inappropriate/dangerous behavior of a small number of students.  Negative disruption of the teaching/learning process is not an option.  We need to look at the causes for this behavior and the decisions of these few students to carry out their neighborhood disagreements in the school setting.  Prevention is the key dynamic in eradicating this debilitating problem.  I would recommend that all of Worcester’s secondary administrators and teachers come together in committee and in formal sessions to share those strategies which have been effective in preventing this violence.  Proven approaches are in place in all of our schools and many of our staff members can share effective practice just as they do in the areas of curriculum and instruction.  Our high school populations are large and getting to know each student individually is a challenge.  The problem cannot be solved without the input and consistent cooperation of all staff members.  

10. If you could give one piece of advice to Worcester kids enrolled in public schools what would it be?

I would tell them that education, along with the support of their families and community, is the vehicle which can guide them to a future of endless possibilities.  I would suggest that they get involved in all of the offerings in our school system which can develop skills beyond those required in the classroom and which would enrich their lives through the arts, music, and sports, technology, etc. Because we must consider ourselves citizens of the world, I would encourage all students to become involved in the political process at some level so that they would know they have a voice in what happens not only in our community but in the world at-large.  In summary, my advice would be:   “Open your eyes and take advantage of all that Worcester has to offer, especially in school.”

---

Related Slideshow: 10 Worcester School Committee Candidates

Related Articles

• 10 Questions with Worcester School Committee Candidate Nick D’Andrea
• Will Worcester’s School Committee See Overhaul this Fall?
• Worcester School Committee Divided on Standardized Testing Debate
• Worcester School Committee Reacts to School Budget
• Boone’s Action Plan Criticized By North Teachers and School Committee Members
• North High Principal’s Email Not on School Committee Meeting Agenda
• Gun Bill Blasted by School Committee Member for Police in Schools
• John Monfredo: School Committee Evaluates Superintendent Boone
• Monfredo: The Election Is Over, Time For The School Committee To Move Forward
• Why Is Voter Turnout Low in Worcester School Committee Elections?
• School Committee Grades Superintendent Boone
• Worcester School Committee Criticizes Budget
• NEW: Wachusett School Committee Reduces Town Assessments
• School Committee Demands Answers in Massive Unemployment Costs

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.

Email to a friend Permalink