Challenge 1

Returning Calm

In the past two years, the Worcester school sytem was hammered by controversy after controvery. Staff being dismissed for child porn, violence in the high schools, and a malise of disenchantment with the system by faculty, staff, parents and students.

Binienda enters the office of superintendent with tremendous good will and great controversies throughout the system.

Challenge 2

Transparency and Communications

One of the biggest problems in the Worcester schools has been the lack of internal and external communications. Too often, the then-Superintendent Melinda Boone was reacting to issues rather than being in the forefront and managing the issues.

Often, Boone was perceived to be covering up issues rather than being in the forefront identifying problems and offering solutions. 

Issues relating to violence at the high schools and the implementation of security program were often poorly communicated and sometimes the public was mislead as to the state of the remedies - systems were not being installed despite promises that they were.

Challenge 3

Budget

One of the tremendous positives of Binienda's selection is her knowledge of the system at the school level. She knows how to squeeze each nickel.

As Binienda wrote in her cover letter for the position, she knows how to manage a budget even during a period of cuts. She wrote:

"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."

Challenge 4

Managing Up

One of the biggest challenges will be managing the Worcester School Board and the City administration. While the former Superintendent Melinda Boone had her challenges, the area which was not entirely her fault was members of the school committee using their position to articulate broader political stances.

Most of the school committee members are no longer on the Board, but others could arise. In general, elected school committees can often be manipulated by politiicans using the position as a stepping stone to other positions. 

Binienda has the opportunity to create a new culture. 

Challenge 5

Creating a New Vision

Does Worcester schools want to be the best urban school system in America? It is not a goal articulated.

Binienda has the credibility, good will and gravitas to take Worcester to a higher level of aspiration.

Worcester can't possibly be the best urban school system unless the goal is set forth and the pathway is laid out. GoLocal described Binienda in 2013 when she was named Woman of the Year in Central MA, as: 

Binienda is called the “Angel of the Battlefield" for the work that she does in Worcester’s poorest school district. In a city where 10% of the kids are homeless, she teaches at the school where the homeless rate for her school is 20% higher.

Binienda and Worcester has a rare opportunity to make profound improvement in the school system, the only obstacle is self-imposed.