Sue Coghlin Mailman On 2021 Run For Worcester School Committee

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester School Committee race may be one of the most pivotal in Worcester this year.

Four incumbents — Tracy Novick, Laura Clancey, Dianna Biancheria and Molly McCullogh — are all seeking another term in 2021. Meanwhile, committee members John Monfredo and John Foley are not seeking reelection, and four challengers — Sue Goghlin Mailman, Jermoh Kamara, Jermaine Johnson and Shanel Soucy — have stepped into the race.

Any combination of candidates could emerge after the Nov. 2. election. But there's no question the new School Committee will have a lot of work to do.

Worcester has begun the process of searching for a new superintendent after the committee voted in September not to renew Maureen Binienda's contract when it ends in June. The committee will also have a role in spending the district's American Rescue Plan Act, and could see a transition from at-large representation to a district system.

Worcester Patch asked each of the eight candidates to answer a questionnaire to tell voters why they're running, and what they plan to do as a School Committee member. Here's what challenger Sue Coghlin Mailman said.

Why did you choose to run in 2021?

Over the years, I have supported a lot of young candidates because I appreciate their energy, fresh thinking and perspectives. Last Christmas, my husband Jim suggested that I should consider running myself because my resume was pretty strong. After some thought, it seemed like the right thing to do. Worcester’s young people are the lifeblood of our city, the schools are the lifeblood of their futures and we should all commit to making our public school system the best it can possibly be.

Can you tell voters a little about your personal background? Where did you go to school?

I graduated from Shrewsbury High School, moved to Worcester, and went to work as a bank teller when I was 18. I came to work in the family business when I was 23. After becoming a Mom, I went back to school, taking night classes at QCC, Worcester State and Assumption. In 2003, I was awarded my MBA from Northeastern. I’ve worked at Coghlin Electrical Contractors for 36 years.

Besides leading the company, I’ve been active on a number of community boards and local organizations, including serving as chair of the Board of Trustees at Quinsigamond Community College and chair of the advisory board at Worcester Technical High School.

The school committee approved a new sex-ed curriculum last spring, but a small movement has come out against it. Can you tell voters your view of this curriculum and what it does for students?

I am supportive of the curricula approved by the Worcester School Committee members that voters chose at the last municipal election. Parents can opt their children out if they choose, but the school committee’s role is to continue to follow the progress of the implementation of the program and to the best of its ability continue to respond to any concerns about the curricula. I’ve participated in programs presented by the Worcester Public Schools and others that have really reinforced the timeliness of this particular program. In addition, I have great confidence in the health professionals that have been part of the decision-making process — their support carries a lot of weight in my mind, and I will be looking for their continued endorsement of the program. We know that many of our students that struggle with mental health issues are struggling with gender identity issues. I firmly believe that knowledge is power and that informs my support of this program.

Like many districts, Worcester had to put a remote learning system in place during the pandemic. How do you think the district succeeded and failed at that, and what improvements still need to be made?

As a co-chair of the technology subcommittee during the district’s last strategic planning process, I know that the district was behind similar districts in terms of technology. Many of the goals of the strategic plan were achieved but only because of the funding that was enabled due to the pandemic — one-to-one Chromebooks for example. The schools were not prepared and it was messy, but WPS is now at one-to-one and needs to keep up with the latest in technology, ensure fair access to all families, and adapt and grow its use of technology for staff and students.

The school committee will help pick a new superintendent in the next term. What are you looking for in a candidate?

A nationwide search will be so valuable. We will learn new ideas and strategies from each candidate. I know that the current school committee’s subcommittee is working to build a broad, representative group of stakeholders to be closely involved with the search. I’m looking for a candidate with strategic thinking and a record of student achievement in a district that is similarly sized. I would also look for a candidate with a track record of success building a diverse workforce, a community collaborator and a candidate that embraces technology.