Worcester Public Schools to Close Specialized Programs Amid Budget Cuts
Worcester Schools To Close 2 Programs, Relocate Another Amid Budget Constraints
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Worcester Public Schools in Worcester, Massachusetts, will close two specialized programs and relocate another by the end of the 2025-26 school year due to budget constraints. The changes aim to streamline services and strengthen educational outcomes for students requiring significant support.
- 01Two specialized programs will close, impacting 95 students with individualized education plans (IEPs).
- 02The Academic Center for Transition (ACT) and Worcester Alternative School will cease operations.
- 03Students from these programs will be referred to the Central Massachusetts Collaborative's facilities.
- 04The New Citizens Center Secondary Program will relocate to Worcester middle and high schools.
- 05Families will receive support during the transition process from the district's Special Education Department.
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Worcester Public Schools, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, has announced the closure of two specialized programs and the relocation of a third by the end of the 2025-26 school year due to ongoing budget constraints. Superintendent Brian Allen stated that these changes are designed to ensure fiscal responsibility while enhancing educational outcomes for students needing the highest levels of support. The Academic Center for Transition (ACT), which serves 59 elementary students with individualized education plans (IEPs), will close in June, with students being referred to the Hartwell Learning Center operated by the Central Massachusetts Collaborative. Similarly, the Worcester Alternative School, which supports 36 high school students with IEPs, will also close, with students transitioning to the Central Massachusetts Academy. Meanwhile, the New Citizens Center Secondary Program, serving 37 English learners aged 12 to 17, will not close but will move to Worcester middle and high schools. District officials emphasized that the changes will provide students with more opportunities, including access to academic courses and extracurricular activities, while maintaining necessary language support services. Families will be informed about the transition process, and staff affected by the closures will have opportunities to transfer to other positions within the district.
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The closure and relocation of these programs will affect students requiring specialized support, potentially impacting their educational experience and access to resources.
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