By What’s Up Worcester Staff
The Worcester Public Schools Standing Committee on Teaching, Learning, and Student Success is scheduled to hold a meeting on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The session will take place in Room 410 of the Durkin Administration Building, located at 20 Irving Street. This meeting is organized as a hybrid event, allowing for both in person attendance and remote participation via Zoom or telephone.
The committee, chaired by Alex Guardiola and vice chaired by Maureen Binienda, will address several items concerning student data privacy and the role of technology in local classrooms.
Classroom Technology and AI Privacy
One of the primary items on the agenda is a motion to evaluate the frequency of technology use in schools. The committee will review a response from the administration regarding how often Chromebooks are used for learning compared to hands on instructional methods.
The committee is also scheduled to discuss two petitions regarding student data privacy. These requests ask the Worcester School Committee to update district policies to require explicit consent from parents or guardians before third party services can collect student information. One petition specifically addresses data used to train or develop artificial intelligence technologies. The second petition focuses on the collection of biometric identifiers, including audio recordings, photographs, and video. Both items currently carry an administrative recommendation to be filed.
Future Course Additions and Union Agreements
The agenda also includes a review of proposed course additions for the 2026 through 2027 school year. Members will consider these additions alongside a motion regarding articulation agreements between students and local unions. The administration has recommended that the committee approve and file these items.
Public Participation
The Worcester Public Schools allows for public comment at the beginning of each meeting. Residents may address the committee for up to two minutes on any item listed on the agenda. Individuals may speak in person or via remote participation. Those requiring an interpreter are asked to notify the Clerk of the School Committee in advance of the meeting.
For residents unable to attend in person, the meeting is accessible by dialing +1 301-715-8592 or +1 305-224-1968. Additional information and backup materials for the agenda items are available through the School Committee Clerk’s Office.
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