WORCESTER — Wednesday, August 26, 2026 — Worcester Public Schools leaders, alongside local, state and federal elected officials, celebrated a major window replacement project nearing completion at Worcester East Middle School in an event on Monday, August 24.

The facility improvement initiative replaced all 375 original windows across the school building, improving insulation, building security, and indoor air quality.

Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were used to support the Commonwealth’s Improving Ventilation and Air Quality (IVAQ) Grant Program to fund the window replacements. In addition to new window units, the grant funded hazardous material abatement, new window roller shades, and replacements to the school’s exterior doors.

“Investing in our schools is one of the best things we can do to uplift our children and improve our communities,” said Congressman Jim McGovern. “I’m proud that federal, state, and local leaders came together to make these renovations possible, because our kids deserve nothing less than a safe, healthy place to learn and every opportunity to reach their full potential.”

“Investing in our school infrastructure is an investment in the health, safety, and academic success of Worcester’s children,” said Mayor Joseph M. Petty. “The completion of all 375 window replacements at Worcester East Middle School, alongside extensive accessibility upgrades, safety improvements, and modernization across our district this summer, shows what strong partnerships can achieve. Through our champions like Congressman McGovern and by leveraging the state’s IVAQ grant and federal ARPA funds alongside local resources, we are ensuring our students and educators return to safer, more energy-efficient, and comfortable learning environment this school year.”

“Improving the safety and energy efficiency of our school facilities is fundamental to our commitment of providing modernized and safe facilities for students and staff.These summer projects reflect our continued commitment to every school community in Worcester. We thank our state and federal partners for their continuous support,” said Superintendent Brian E. Allen.

The ceremony brought together community stakeholders, including Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Brian E. Allen, Worcester City Manager Eric D. Batista, State Representatives Mary S. Keefe and Daniel M. Donahue, and District 3 City Councilor John A. Fresolo.

Summer Facilities Projects

As the school year nears, additional maintenance and facility updates were carried out at numerous schools across the district.

Accessibility Upgrades at Thorndyke Road and Lincoln Street Schools

Thorndyke Road School and Lincoln Street School received Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements to enhance accessibility.

Construction of the new elevator housing at Thorndyke Road School.

New electrical generators have been installed at Thorndyke to power the school's new elevators.

Vernon Hill School Hydroponic Farm Repairs

At Vernon Hill School, repairs were completed on the Hydroponic Garden container.

Additional Summer Projects

The following schools also underwent facilities upgrades:

• Burncoat High School

  • Installation of hallway door

  • Replaced windows in shared music room with Burncoat Middle School

• City View Discovery Academy

  • Demolition of walls

• Clark Street Community School

  • Abatements of asbestos insulation on pipes in steam tunnels

• Columbus Park Preparatory Academy

  • Abatements of insulation on pipes in basement

• Goddard School of Science & Technology

  • Lead paint remediation to address peeling and damaged paint.

• Lincoln Street School

  • ADA Upgrades

• Midland Street School

  • Removal of built-in shelving in the “new” cafeteria area

  • Lead paint remediation to address peeling and damaged paint.

• Mill Swan Head Start

  • Demolition of Mill Swan Modulars

• Transitions Program 

  • Preparation of new programming

  • Demolition of built-ins

  • Bathroom repairs

• University Park Campus School

  • Repair of roof

• Thorndyke Road School

  • Abatements of floor tiles

  • ADA Upgrades

• South High Community School

  • Repair of Fire Panel

• Vernon Hill School

  • Abatements of floor tiles from old cafeterias on the third floor

  • Repair Hydroponic Garden container

• Worcester Dual Language Magnet School

  • Regrade and expansion of athletic field access

  • Abatements of floor tiles, asbestos insulation on pipes in steam tunnels

• Worcester East Middle School

  • Replacement of 375 inoperable, outdated windows. Two-year project; first phase completed summer 2025.

• Worcester Technical High School

  • Repair of dust collector

• District-Wide

  • Electrical upgrades and connections in 12 buildings to accommodate new equipment in kitchens

  • Performed district-wide tour with certified Arborist to identify hazardous trees/limbs around play areas, buildings and neighboring properties. Eight sites have been addressed and 10 more have purchase orders issued.

  • Service of district generators

  • Cleaning of district boilers

  • Maintenance of masonry 

  • Painting in school buildings

  • Universal waste removal of old, expired and unused chemicals