In a recent Worcester School Committee meeting, significant discussions centered around the renaming of two schools, reflecting the community's values and historical significance. The committee addressed a public petition to rename Chandler Magnet La Familia School to Nuestra Dual Language Magnet School, alongside a proposal to honor civil rights leader Betty Price by naming a school after her.

School board member Jermaine initiated a motion to file the petition for Betty Price Magnet Elementary School, highlighting Price's contributions as a civil rights advocate and her role in the Worcester School Committee during the 1970s. The motion received unanimous support from the committee, indicating a strong desire to recognize Price's legacy within the educational community.

The discussion then shifted to the renaming of La Familia Chandler Magnet School. Superintendent Dr. Rachel Monares detailed the extensive community engagement process that included multiple surveys to gauge preferences for the new name. The surveys revealed a divided opinion among stakeholders, with Nuestra Dual Language Magnet School receiving the most support, closely followed by Worcester Dual Language Magnet School.

Despite the survey results, some committee members expressed concerns about the implications of the name change, emphasizing the importance of fostering a unified identity for the newly merged school community. Member McCullough advocated for the name that garnered the most votes, while others supported the administration's recommendation for Nuestra, arguing it better reflects the school's dual language mission.

Ultimately, the committee voted in favor of renaming the school Nuestra Dual Language Magnet School, with the decision underscoring the importance of community input and the desire to create a name that resonates with the school's identity and values. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing student achievement and ensuring that the diverse backgrounds of Worcester's student population are acknowledged and supported.