Worcester Candidate Profile: Laura Clancey For School Committee

WORCESTER, MA — Laura Clancey is one of 11 people running for a seat on the Worcester School Committee. Four incumbents are running to keep their seats — minus a fifth, Brian O'Connell, who died earlier this month.

Clancey, 41, is running because she wants parents more involved in school affairs. She's the parent of a Worcester middle school student, has a master's degree in educational psychology, and worked as a counselor for the Collaborative for Educational Services. In the Worcester area, she's served on DA Joseph Early's opioid task force and as a PTO president.

Here's how she answered the Patch candidate questionnaire.

The single most pressing issue facing our district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

My biggest concern is parent involvement. I plan to set policy that will foster parents involvement in our schools.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am an experienced parent, I have 1 daughter who is a student at Forest Grove Middle School and a younger one who will be entering the school system in a couple of years. I am an educator who advocates daily for the education rights and services for a group of our most at risk youth from Worcester.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community?

We just need to make sure we are having open communication with families and the community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have been an education advocate fro over 14 years and the success of the students I have worked with is evidence that I can handle this position and that I can do it well.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Be true to your beliefs.