An earlier version of this article incorrectly implied the mentorship program was related to principal burnout. The wording has been updated.
By What’s Up Worcester Staff
WORCESTER: Worcester Public Schools (WPS) is taking a proactive approach to supporting its school leaders with the launch of a new Principal Mentorship Group. The program officially began on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at Quinsigamond Elementary School and is designed to provide peer to peer guidance for principals and assistant principals, particularly those newer to leadership roles.
Back row, left to right: Drew Weymouth, Principal of Worcester Technical High School; Jennifer Keating, Principal of Belmont Street Community School; Tara Dexter, Principal of Midland Street Elementary School; Laura Cahill, Director of Human Resources and Payroll.
Front row, left to right: Lauren Racca, Principal of Quinsigamond Elementary School; Margaret Murphy, Principal of Chandler Elementary School; Amanda Martinez, Principal of Jacob Hiatt Magnet School; Dr. Yeu Kue, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel, Equity, and Engagement; Rachel Savage, Principal of Wawecus Elementary School; Megan Bourget, Principal of Gates Lane Elementary School; Maureen Power, Principal of Roosevelt Elementary School; Dr. Triada Frangou-Apostolou, Director of Human Resources, Personnel Support; and Olga Papadopolous, Acting Principal of South High Community School.
Supporting Leadership and Retention
The mentorship program pairs experienced administrators with colleagues who have less than two years of experience. Through regular monthly meetings, participants will explore leadership strategies, operational management, and the challenges of school administration.
Leading the initiative is Dr. Yeu Kue, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel, Equity, and Engagement. A former principal herself, Dr. Kue emphasized the importance of collaboration among leaders.
“Being a principal requires a unique set of skills from managing school operations to navigating complex community and parent relations. This mentorship network gives our leaders the support they need to succeed,” Dr. Kue stated.
The first session focused on topics including student attendance, budgeting processes, and professional collaboration, setting the stage for a year long effort to strengthen leadership across the district.
Expanding Opportunities for Students
In a parallel initiative, WPS is expanding its Evening Driver’s Education program in partnership with the Central Mass Safety Council (CMSC). By offering classes at multiple high schools, including South High and Doherty High, the district is helping students gain access to affordable driver training, which serves as an important resource for employment and independence.
Read the press release below:
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- Program Launch: Principal Mentorship Group, Jan. 16, 2026.
- Lead Organizer: Dr. Yeu Kue, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel, Equity, and Engagement.
- Purpose: Peer mentoring for school leaders to strengthen retention and leadership capacity.
- Student Initiative: Evening Driver’s Education program in partnership with CMSC.
- Source: Worcester Public Schools Official News.
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