Copyright MassLive
Violent incidents in Worcester Public Schools (WPS) have increased from the past school year, according to data the school district provided to the Worcester School Committee. The data showed a significant increase in incidents involving physical assault of employees, rising to 158 in the 2024-2025 school year from 92 in the 2023-2024 school year — a 72% jump. Incidents of fighting rose from 199 to 222, while incidents of damage or theft of school property increased from 17 incidents to 41. There was also an increase in incidents involving the possession or use of marijuana, with 83 incidents reported in the 2024-2025 school year, up from 51 in the 2023-2024 school year The data, however, did show decreases in incidents involving the possession of weapons. During the 2024-2025 school year, there were 17 incidents of students possessing knives with large blades and 18 incidents of students possessing knives with small blades, according to the data. In comparison, there were 37 incidents of students possessing large-bladed knives and 38 incidents of possessing small-bladed knives during the 2023-2024 school year. Incidents involving the possession of handguns and explosives also dropped, both decreasing from two in the 2023-2024 school year to zero in the following year, according to the data. A spokesperson for the school notes that the data given to the school committee was not broken down by elementary, middle school, or high school. The spokesperson added that in some of these cases, there are instances where children with special education needs may exhibit behavior that can lead to these incidents. These behaviors are sometimes part of their disabilities, the spokesperson said. “We take any incident involving harm to students and staff seriously,” a statement from the district reads. “In addition to reviewing data entry practices to ensure accuracy and consistency across all schools, WPS is taking several steps to reduce physical incidents from occurring. These steps include increased and consistent training for staff on physical and emotional de-escalation techniques, behavioral supports, and trauma-informed practices. Additionally, WPS will continue to strengthen communication, training and support systems for both staff safety and student well-being.” During the committee’s Finance, Operations and Governance subcommittee meeting on Nov. 10, District C School Committee member Dianna Biancheria expressed concern about the data. Biancheira was the one who requested the data from the administration. “We need to figure out as a district what we need to be doing because what we are doing right now does not appear to be working and I have some real concerns with this,” Biancheria said. In total, there were 2,267 suspendible incidents in the 2024-2025 school year, an increase from 1,861 during the previous year. District F School Committee member Jermaine Johnson acknowledged the increase in incidents during the Nov. 10 meeting but also noted that the number is small compared to the 25,000 students who attend Worcester Public Schools. He also noted that the data could also be reflecting repeat offenders as well. “I think we need to look at that and break that down as well and keep that in mind,” Johnson said.
