Worcester Candidate Profile: Mariah Martinez For School Committee

WORCESTER, MA — The 2019 race for Worcester School Committee is crowded. There are now 11 people running for six seats. One of those is open after the death on Oct. 18 of incumbent Brian O'Connell.

One of the people running is first-time candidate Mariah Martinez, 22. Martinez is a graduate of Worcester schools, and a student at Becker College and Post University. The top issue for her is how Worcester handles discipline, in particular suspensions of elementary-age children. She cites her age as an advantage to help her connect with students in school right now.

As with all candidates in the race, we asked Martinez to answer the Patch candidate questionnaire to give voters a better idea of where she stands on key issues.

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

Suspension rates is the most pressing issue our schools our facing. I would like to see Worcester follow in the footsteps of California who banned “willful defiance” suspensions in grades K-3 back in 2013. Non violent, non drug related cases should not result in suspensions. They are now moving forward to banning these suspensions in grades 4-8 as well. Following this would decrease our suspensions rates and ultimately decrease drop out rates. Children can still be removed from their classrooms for disruptive behavior but they are sent to a guidance councilors rather than home. Children belong in school!

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

As a recent graduate, I can relate to the students and effectively communicate to them. I have experienced the strengths and weaknesses of our current school system first hand.

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

Children are standing up for what they believe in and are being ignored. You do not need to agree with their platform but it is your responsibility to listen, work together, and find a solution that meets the needs of our community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Real world curriculum is missing from our education. Children need to learn financial literacy, current events, sexual education, and communication skills. We also need to move forward with the strategic plan. Regular meetings to engage our community needs to be held. It should welcome feedback. Students should have a leadership role in these meetings where they can speak on relative issues regarding the school system and collect classroom data to present.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Always work hard towards what you believe in and don’t let anyone or anything stand in your way.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As a community we can make change. We need to expand our ESL programs and ensure children with an IEP have the proper support system. Every child deserves to succeed within our WPS regardless of setbacks they may withhold.