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8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
1/27
1 Letter
o
pplication
Mrs. Maureen Binienda
8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
2/27
February 29, 2016
To Worcester School Committee,
Enclosed please find my resume for the position
of
Superintendent of Schools. I am a resident
of
the
City
of
Worcester and a past student of the Worcester Public Schools through grade 8. My academic
preparation has been extensive. In June 1992, I received my second Master's
of
Education with a
concentration in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University Graduate School
ofEducation as a Jacob Hiatt Scholar. While attending Harvard University, I participated in educational
courses which focused on school reform, curriculum design, school law, human relations, community
education, and the organizational characteristics of schools, and strategies for institutional change.
I have been the Principal at South High Community School for the last 8 years and was previously the
Assistant Principal for twelve years working with
an
urban school population of over 1300 students. In
these roles, I have demonstrated the ability to manage complex roles and responsibilities. I have been
responsible for the consistent and continual orientation of all South High personnel and students to the
school mission, learning expectations and standards, and school safety. Since South High
is
the
rd
most
diverse high school in MA, I have demonstrated experience in working with various cultural, ethnic and
racial backgrounds and appreciate the value of diversity. My writing skills, administrative and
organizational skills have been developed over the last 40 years I have worked in various roles in the
Worcester Public Schools: Principal, Assistant Principal and Dean
of
he Academy
of
Education,
Service and Government, Teacher of Moderate Special Needs, Workshop Coordinator, Job Placement
Specialist, Curriculum Coordinator, Site Administrator for Community School and Nite Life Programs,
and MCAS After School Administrator.
Even with budget cuts, I have been able to manage limited resources to support goal attainment. I have
demonstrated success leading school improvement initiatives that work to close student achievement
gaps as evidenced by South
High s
improvement in AP enrollment and scores for all students including
minority and low income groups. Under my leadership, South High is regularly featured in the
MA
Insight
AP
Presentation Program and is featured in several local newspaper articles and news features.
During the 2014-15 school year, South High AP students achieved the highest number of 4 and 5 s than
any of the other AP students in the Worcester Public Schools South High MCAS Accountability Score
has consistently increased over the past 3 years demonstrating we are closing the achievement gap.
I also currently serve on eight community boards
of
directors/ advisory councils and am often the "face
of
the Worcester Public Schools"
in
many community events. It is through
my
community contacts that
South High has received many resources including its corporate partnership with UNUM I have
established contacts with media, including print, radio and television.
I look forward to more communication with you about this position.
Sincerely,
~ r ~ l
Maureen Binienda
8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
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2 urrent Resume
8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
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Maureen F. Binienda
' utMYZMlfl IV M Eke
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SUMMARY OF QU LIFIC TIONS
• 8 years experience as Principal at South High Community School
•
12
years experience as an Assistant Principal at South High Community School
• 40 years as an educator in the Wqrcester Public Schools
• Extensive experience as a director
or
advisor on community boards and councils
·
• Strong interpersonal skills with staff, students, parents and community
• Highly organized and efficient
at
grant writing and reporting.
• Strong advocate for community service learning in the Worcester Community.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2008-present Principal, South High Community School, Worcester, MA.
Responsible for exercising vision and providing leadership that appropriately involves staff,
parents, students, business partners and community in the identification and accomplishment of he
school s mission
and
goals; responsible for the knowledge
and
use of interpersonal skills such as
oral and written communication, public relations and group dynamics; for exploring, assessing and
implementing educational concepts that enhance teaching and learning under the framework of the
Massachusetts Common Core of Learning; for promoting a school climate that fosters high student
expectations
and
employs appropriate strategies that adclress multiple learning styles; for
coordinating the School Council and serving as Co-chair, including the development and
implementation
of
a School Accountability Plan, consistent with state law
and
School Committee
Policy. Responsible for developing and sustaining a building and grounds maintenance program;
with the Human Resource Office, responsible for developing and executing a system of personnel
selection, assignments, supervision, support and evaluation
which
encourage professional growth
in
staff performance; for developing a program for personal and professional growth
of
staff that
highlights cooperation and self-renewal with an emphasis on creativity and innovation; for
implementing and executing a system of budget planning, record keeping and report-making that
serves the needs of the school and community; for supervising the daily use of school facilities
in
the area
of both
academic and non-academic activities, including usage of school facilities by
community groups and for implementing supervising and evaluating
student standardized
testing
programs as prescribed.
1996-2008 Assistant Principal Dean of the Academy of Education, Service and Government,
South
High
Community School, Worcester, M .
Contribute to the optimum attendance of all students through c lose communications with parents,
teachers students
and
counselors; follow a sound discipline process
and
reinforce procedures
8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
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8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
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Continued- Resume Maureen F. Binienda
CERTIFICATIONS
Superintendent/ Assistant Superintendent
Assistant Principal/Principal
Special Education
Supervisor/Director- All Levels
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
National Association
for
Supervision
and
Curriculum Development
Massachusetts Teacher s Association, Education Association of Worcester, NEA
Phi Delta
Kappa
CURRENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Committee
Member
of he DESE Civic Learning and Engagement Task Force, 2015-present
Presenter at the National Advance Placement Conference, Philadelphia, July 2014
Presenter at the National Advance Placement Conference, Las Vegas, July 2013
Presenter
at
the National Fulbright Conference, Cambridge, MA, October 2011
Presenter at First
MA
Civic Engagement Conference, DCU Center, Worcester, November 2007.
Presenter at MA Department ofEducation Annual State Conference, Holy Cross College, May 2007.
Presenter at ASCD Conference: Community Service Learning Chicago, April 2006.
Presenter /Showcase Academy CSL for MA, National Youth Conference, Philadelphia,
March
2006.
Presenter at the DOE Community Service eaming State Conference, Holy Cross, September 2005.
Presenter at
ASCD
Conference: Small earning Communities Orlando, March 2005.
Schools for a
New
Society Carnegie Foundation Conference, San Francisco, CA, March 2005
RELATED
EXPERIENCES(*
current
Webster Square Business Association Board
of
Directors, Vice President*
Seven Hills Foundation Board
of
Directors*
Audubon Society Broad Meadow Brook Advisory Council*
Girl s Inc Advisory Council*
Work 4 Worces ter Advisory Board*
Incorporator Worcester Art Museum*
lncorporator YWCA*
Hanover Theatre-
Head
Usher*
First
Night Worcester
Committee
NEASC Chairperson for 2000 Accreditation; Co-Chair 2010
Leadership
Team
for school reform and restructuring, Worcester Public Schools, Worcester,
MA
8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
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Continued- Resume Maureen F Binienda
AWARDS
MA Insight Partners in Excellence Principal Award 2015; Worcester State Community Service
Award 2015; Adventist Community Service Award 2015; Worcester Public Schools Female
Administrator
of
he Year Award 2014; Rotary Club Service Before SelfAward 2014;
Broadway League Educator of the Year Award 2014; Lois Greene Award United Way 2013;
Go
Local Worcester Woman
of
the Year
in
Central
MA
Award 2013; Central MA Housing
Alliance Janice Nadeau Memorial Award 2010; Katharine F. Erskine Award 2009; Thomas
S
Green Public Service Award 2008; UNU Starting Five Award 2008; Salsa
Of
Life Award
Latino Institute 2008; Worcester State University Community Service Award 2007; and the
Webster Square Business Association Educator of the Year Award 2006.
REFERENCES
See attached
letters
of recommendation and application fonn
8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
8/27
4 Four Letters o Reference
(One
o
the four shall be written by
a former student o the applicant,
or o the applicant s school or
school district, as applicable)
8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
9/27
Mass Insight
EDUC TION
February 23, 2016
To Whom It May Concern,
It
is
an honor to recommend Principal Maureen Binienda for the position
of
Superintendent
of
Worcester Public Schools. I have had the pleasure
of
working with Principal Binienda since 2009,
when Mass Insight Education launched a partnership with Worcester s South High Community
School to provide support to both teachers and students around Advanced Placement
courses.
Since day one, I have witnessed Principal Binienda s extraordinary leadership skills in action. Mass
Insight works with nearly 8 schools across Massachusetts, and I can say without reservation that
Principal Binienda is the best there is. She
s
South High. n fact, she seems to be everywhere at
once, supporting, nurturing, and coaching the entire community, especially her students.
Since
we
began our partnership in 2009, South High has excelled in our
AP
program largely due to
the high expectations Principal Binienda has set for teachers and students. South High has increased
enrollment in Math, Science and English AP classes from 166 to 397 students, and increased the
number ofqualifying scores on
AP
Math, Science and English exams from 68 to 135.
Thanks to Principal Binienda s innovative approach to expanding
AP
participation - one example is
through LEAP (Latinos Excelling in AP) - South High not only doubled its qualifying scores on the
AP Science exam
in
2015, but also earned the most scores
of
four or higher
in
all of Worcester.
Asa I
result, forty-one percent of Worcester s minority student STEM
AP
qualifying scores were earned at
South High, more than double any other Worcester high school. Due to these impressive resuhs,
-he
school has become a model for our program. When
we
were in the early stages of developing a
relationship with New Orleans Public Schools,
we
brought the superintendent to South High to learn
about best practices for the program s implementation, and we ve brought leaders from other
Massachusetts school districts to South High as well.
To acknowledge Principal Binienda s commitment to the AP program and honor her successes,
we
presented her with one of wo principal awards at our Partners in Excellence Award Celebration last
spring. feel fortunate to know an educator as skilled and passionate as Principal Binienda, and I m
confident she will continue
to
be a tremendous asset to Worcester Public Schools as Superintendent.
She receives
y
highest recommendation without reservation.
If you are in need of any further information, please
do
not hesitate to contact me.
u; k
\
William H Guenther : : :__)
1
President, CEO and Founder
Mass Insight Education
- H • . . t t QI U I
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1511
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massinsight.org
8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
10/27
The Selection Committee for Superintendent
Worcester Public Schools
February 22 2016
To
Whom
It
May Concern:
Letter of Recommendation
The
Worcester Public Schools deserve
the
best servant leader
as
Superintendent; Mrs. Maureen
Benienda embodies and exemplifies wha t
it
takes
to be that
leader.
In our
six years
of
being South High parents and knowing her, Mrs. Benienda
has
proven
time
and time
again not only to be a humble and tireless servant leader, but a humane administrator whose care goes
beyond the four walls
of
the school.
She not
only welcome students
of
diverse ethnicities
into
South
High community, she has helped them and their families to become a welcome and an intergra part
of
the larger Worcester community.
Mrs. Benienda's responsibility towards each child
we
discovered - is
not
constrained by
the
school
bells; hers goes beyond even
the
graduation day.
She
fights
for
each child in her care and she never
backs down. She does not believe any obstacle
is
unsurmountable even i f she has to rally the entire
community
for
the
sake of that
singular child.
Such is
the case
of
her rallying and raising college support
for
her brill iant and needy students. Our daughter, Elizabeth
at
Bryant University,
is
a practical example
of
her fight for each child in her care.
Now, that is the kind of Superintendent to move Worcester Public Schools forward and onto greater
heights
Mrs. Benienda's vision, hard work, tenacity, and care are evident in all her students' (both present and
past) achievements.
As
parents
of
two
alumnus and one current senior, we cannot
but nominate
and
recommend Mrs. Maureen Benienda
for
this honorable position.
She
will make
an
indelible
impact
and
difference (all positive) in not just the Worcester Public School system but also in the lives of
the
children and families
that
make up the entire Worcester community and New England at large
Thank you.
Yours
s n ~ · ly, c ?\.11
b d ~ v ~ V C D r t v J t
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Oluokun
Parents: Mary Oluokun '12 (Bucknell University '16)
Elizabeth Oluokun
14
(Bryant University '18)
Esther Oluokun '16 (Senior - South High Community School)
8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
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February 22, 2016
Worcester Public School Hiring Committee:
It is with
great pleasure and honor that I write a letter
of
recommendation on behalf of Mrs. Maureen
Binienda. I am wri ting this letter in the capacity of a colleague and a supervisee. I worked at South High
Community School from 2004 unt il last year after moving
to
another state. My last role
at the
school
was of
the Guidance Department Head and AP Coordinator.
Under her leadership, Mrs. Binienda supported important initiatives
that
addressed the needs
of
our
underrepresented youths, particularly the Latino populat ion. One
of
those initiatives was a parent
outreach program PODER- Parents Obtaining Direction, Education and Resources). PODER included
monthly school-based and community-based meetings
with
our Latino families.
Even
though the
meetings were always in Spanish, Mrs. Binienda always stopped by and would say a few words
to
the
families. It
is
important to her for the parents to not only
see
her, but to hear from her how important
their
student s education
is
and
that
she needs
their
help in
the
process. I also coordinated Saturday
parent outreaches and workshops with community organizations like the YMCA and Centro De Vida
Church. Mrs. Binienda not only funded these events, but also attended
every
one o them. She also
visited the Centro
De
Vida Church on her own, and spoke to the congregants during the homily about
the importance of education. What a way to send a loud message to the families by being visi le and
pr s nt t these events.
Another huge initiative Mrs. Binienda and I worked on, and in my opinion, the biggest intervention to
support our Latino students, was the LEAP initiative. LEAP stands for Latinos Excelling in Advanced
Placement. For an entire year we met with parents, teachers, and district administrators to strategize
on how
to
improve our Latino students academic performance and improve their college going rate. We
knew that i f we worked on addressing the needs
of
our biggest school group, the efforts would
permeate into the rest of the school population and impact
our
school culture
as
a whole. Mrs. Binienda
took immediate
action
on the recommendations that came out
of
those meetings. For example, she
created a new AP course,
AP
Spanish Literature to increase accessibility
to AP
courses.
She
also made
AP Spanish Language available to all students and not just
2th
graders as it was traditionally. She
provided additional support
to
the AP teachers that would allow them to work with underrepresented
youths in Advanced Placement courses. She also launched our first AP bootcamp to support
st
time AP
students. Within the year of the
LEAP
implementation, we doubled our
AP
participation among Latino
students and tripled the part icipation among English Language Learners from d ifferent ethnic groups,
not just Latino students. That year, South High became
1
in the state in AP Spanish scores and 3 in
the state in the Latino
AP
Participation and Performance
for
all the subjects, and 1 in minority
representation in many of the current
AP
courses. There was an immediate trickle effect that impacted
our whole school s culture
as
we had anticipated. Our growth in
AP
participation and performance
caught
the
attention of the Collegeboard and Mrs. Binienda had the opportunity to present twice at the
CollegeBoard National Conferences in Las Vegas and Texas.
In
addition, both Mrs. Binienda and I were
brought
as
consultants
to
districts in New York City and New Orleans
to
share our expertise in working
with non-traditional AP students.
8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
12/27
As a Latina myself, I always admired Mrs. Binienda's efforts
to
be personable by speaking Spanish with
recently arrived Latino students and families, to ensuring our Latino students had
access
to the most
rigorous curriculum available to them. She is committed to creating a college going culture atmosphere
and inspiring our students
to
achieve success
In addition, Mrs. Binienda believes in the montra - it takes a village . She is at every award ceremony
and community event that supports our students. She is the only known principal
to
have attended and
financially supported the Worcester Latino Dollars for Scholars awards every single year. Her presence
in our community as an advocate for our student
is at
the heart
of
who Mrs. Binienda
is
as a leader. Her
passion is REAL and GENIUNE
It is
undeniable that Mrs. Binienda
is an
innovator, a risk-taker and a problem-solver. Undoubtedly,
Mrs. Binienda's strength is that she is a woman of actions not just words. She makes things happen
Her dynamic spirit and tremendous drive is admirable and worthy to be emulated. Not only does she
have a heart of gold
that
comes forth as she works with our student population, but she has a hand of
steel to make dif ficult decisions, keeping a steady pulse in the moments of crisis and will remain
calm under pressure.
In conclusion, Mrs. Binienda wil l
be
a tremendous asset
to
the Worcester Public Schools. I have seen
firsthand how she
has
unified South High's st ff and students and instilled a sense of belonging and
community from day one of her office as principal. Mrs. Binienda has the capacity to unify and gel
people with a wide range
of
experiences and backgrounds.
She has
a unique abili ty to tr nscend
b rriers our students face so no one would have an excuse
to
be educated. I truly admire that Mrs.
Binienda advocates for students of all diverse backgrounds and truly understands the struggles and
challenges of our community.
I know Mrs. Binienda wil l drive the Worcester Public Schools far and will bring about the change the
district so desperately needs. As superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools, Mrs. Binienda wi ll
ensure our children are safe, learn, achieve and succeed.
Please
do
not
hesitate to contact me if you have further questions. I may be reached by email at
emtlc::dt\ Bb •P i• npj
(II I
f
••18
Truly yours,
Carmen
J.
Melendez-Quintero
8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
13/27
RUBBY AKUA WUABU
R I • h J U ell IJJ cttltlt
Mnt l a
an
101 n r o p w ~ J I M J l l t . u h t
LETTER IN SUPPORT
OF MAUREEN BINIENDA FOR
SUPERINTEN ENT
Dear School Committee,
I am writing to support Maureen Binienda as Superintendent of he Worcester Public Schools. I am
writing this letter because every student in the Worcester Public School system should
have
the
benefit of having her fight
in
their comer. You will not find a more dedicated and strong advocate for
students than Maureen Binienda. Her extensive experience and holistic approach to the wellbeing of
all her students, makes her the right candidate for this position. She is one
of
he most determined,
tenacious and inexhaustible force when it comes to supporting and pushing her students to aim
higher, dream bigger and achieve a lot more than we thought possible. She saw the potential in each
and every one of us and always went to bat for us. She was our biggest fan, supporter and motivator
in everything that we did,
in
and out of class.
What makes Mrs. B., as we lovingly call her, well suited for this position is her unadulterated love
for her students. For it is only such love and devotion that explains the endless hours she spends in
and out
of
a school always working to improve the wellbeing
of
her students, physically
and
intellectually. She has been in the trenches as a teacher, academy director, and principal.
She
understands all aspects of education, and is well versed in the issues that students, teachers and
parents face. She has a broad perspective that takes into account the student, parents, and the
community at large. During her tenure, she has moldered South High School into one of he top high
schools in the state, and produced highly motivated, hardworking, community conscious graduates
who have gone on to achieve incredible things.
Mrs. B. is adept at cultivating relationships, uniting differing voices and creating solutions where
there are none. She never saw problems, only opportunities to turn those problems into more
opportunities for her students. She is optimistic, forward thinking and pragmatic in problem solving.
She brings to life her vision for her students, and her community, through hard work and cultivating
strong support systems made up
of
teachers, community members and community stakeholders. She
always knew exactly what was
at
stake for her students and never let her focus waiver. The worst
thing anyone could do around Mrs. B. was to have an idea. Because that meant she would support,
challenge and do everything in her power to provide resources that will help bring that idea to life.
During my tenure at
South High School and beyond, Mrs. B. was our principal, our mentor, our
greatest supporter and all round go to person. Her view of her
job
and responsibilities extended well
beyond the fine print of her employment contract. She taught us discipline and the value of hard
work through extensive community service. This gave us structure and cultivated n us a strong
sense
of
community. She not only opened our minds to a broader perspective, but also always
reminded us to think beyond our individual needs, to the wellbeing of our community as a whole.
The discipline that we learned through these experiences also made us better students, more
inquisitive and highly aware of the opportunities available to us ifwe were
willing to work
hard for
them.
She empowered us to see our own potential by giving us the skills, the resources and room to
try
our
best. For instance, we wrote grants for causes we believed in, developed youth run tour programs,
presented at national conferences, mentored fellow students, volunteered
at
soup kitchens, etc. We
8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
14/27
RUDDY KU WU BU
JM
I
ElLZSC 2145
OH II
3j2
R Jt§b U itd
couldn t have
done
all those things and
so
much more if it wasn t for Mrs. B. s strong belief in us,
and her tireless efforts to get resources to South High School. I speak for those ofus who took
advantage
of
all these opportunities when I say, I left high school with a broader perspective, a strong
sense
of
self and community, and
an
awareness
of
my capabilities as an individual and as a student.
Of
all the accomplishments she has achieved,
Mrs B is
always thinking bigger and better things for
her students and the school. Mrs.
B is
willing to
go
above and beyond, to see the potential
in
every
situation, and to have the forethought and ability to cultivate relationships in order to bring those
dreams
into
reality.
t
takes such
an
individual to improve the Worcester Public Schools. I
wholeheartedly support any and every opportunity to give a broader range
of
student s exposure to
the force that is Mrs
B
Sincerely,
Rubby
Wuabu
2
8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
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5
Verification
of
Eligibility for
Certification as a Superintendent
of
Schools
in
Massachusetts if
any
8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
16/27
UNOFFICI L
LICENSE
INFORM TION
Page 1of
l fJ ssachusetts
epartment o
lementary
Secondary
ducation
,
UNOFFICIAL LICENSE INFORMATION
Maureen
Binienda
l i · raJmWPnM1•:c
\lroJl@ll -YfJT}il
19Q.
Educator: Maureen F Binienda
MEPID: ii
U _lHl9
FIELD LEVEL
Elementary (K-8)
Elementary (K-6)
Middle School (5-9)
Special Needs (Level
depends on teaching
license)
*Principal/Assistant
Principal
(9-12)
Principal/Assistant Principa
I
(N-6)
Supervisor/Director (All
Levels)
Superintendent/Assistant
Superintendent (All Levels)
SEI-Admin (Level depends
on prereq license)
CATEGORY
ACADEMIC
ACADEMIC
ACADEMIC
ACADEMIC
ACADEMIC
ACADEMIC
ACADEMIC
ACADEMIC
ACADEMIC
This license information was generated by
the educator from the Department's
electronic licensure file, ELAR
I t
should
not
be taken as proof
of
current licensure or as
an official record. The
Department
advises
that verification
of
this information via
ELAR is always necessary.
License :
****@257 TIO: - .
..
Original Certification Date:
06/23/1976
APPLICATION ISSUE EXPIRATION
TYPE DATE DATE
Professional
06/17/09
Professional
05/21/99
06/17/04
Professional
05/21/99
05/23/19
Professional
05/23/19
Professional
06/02/94 06/15/19
Professional
09/19/95
06/15/19
Professional
05/21/99
06/15/19
Professional
08/02/10
07/30/20
Endorsement
10/03/14
* Primary Area
***
Due to varying
requirements,
please
pay
attention to the specific
requirements
for the
potential
of
renewing an endorsement.
Please contact the Departmentof Elementary and Secondary Education customer service at 781-338-6600
i f
your license information above is incorrect
or
incomplete.
https://gateway.edu.state.ma.us/elar/viewlicenseNiewLicensePageControl.ser
2/16/2016
8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
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6 A Completed Application form
with typed responses to a c
8/20/2019 Application materials of Maureen Binienda for the position of Worcester Public Schools Superintendent
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APPLICATION FORM FOR
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
Please
read
before completing the following application: The Worcester Public Schools does not
discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, gender,
sexual orientation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military status or status as a disabled
Vietnam era veteran, except where age or sex is a bona fide occupational qualification as allowed by the
Civil Rights Act
of
1964. No question on this employment application is intended to secure information
to be used for such discrimination. This employment application will be given every consideration, but its
receipt does not imply that the applicant will be employed.
PERSONAL
DATA
Date ofApplication 02 29 16
Binienda
Maureen
Frances
Last Name First Name Middle Name
· Iii· · I t•a••r•tnn•g. •
ee e se
Present Home Address (street, city, state & zip) Telephone
M
0
1 moat; ' r uM: J
~ l l B e L B ~ · ~ · ~ m ~
n ~ R • ~ i z ; J l l ~ ~ ~ . - ~ l ~ l i ~ & B ~ i M ~ i '
Present Business Address (street, city, state & zip) Telephone Fax
Regarding current position:
Number
of
employees district/school
' 7-'3
istrict/school enrollment 1310
students
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
(beginning with present)
Title
From/To Dates
District/State
PrinciQal
2008-Qresent
Worcester Public Schools- South High
Assistant Principal 1996-2008
Worcester Public Schools- South High
SQecial Ed. Curriculu 1994-1996
Worcester Public Schools- South High
Site Administrator for
C
1994-2008
Worcester Public School- South High
S 2ecial Education Tea
1978-1994
Worcester Public Schools- South High
SQecial Education Tea 1976-1978
Worcester Public Schools- Bloomingdale School
PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION
(beginning with earliest degree)
Institution
Concentration
Fitchburg State University Special Education (3-21 )/ Elementary Education
Fitchburg State University
Special Education
Harvard Graduate School of Ed.
Administration. Planning and Social Policy
Enrollment
1310
1310
260-300
varied
90'-125
18-20
Degree
B.S. in Educatic
MA in Educatio
MA in Educatio
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RELATED CERTIFICATION
Field State
Superintendent/ Assistant Superintendent MA
Principal/ Assistant Principal MA
REFERENCES
Certificate Number
207269
207269
Please list three people whom we might call who are knowledgeable about your professional competence and
who have OT written letters
of
reference for your file.
Name
Position Address Telephone
Elizabeth Bacon
Deb Carey
: Community Coordinator, Tt 64
ir I .1 9
·
PO 1 Ff
I
@ -•
Director of Central Sanctuari
41
I ftbss JJll R
BrM•DlSf• -fMt
0 6
I
A
Diane Lynch Assistant Principal
W ioal:atw2w•W
E•J '8'1584
11
I
7
5
s
ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
From/To Dates Position
1980-1993 Field Hockey and Cheerleading
1979-1984 Nightlife Instructor
APPLICATION PROCESS
Employer
Worcester
Public Schools
Worcester Public Schools
The following material should be submitted by FEBRUARY 29 2016.
1 A letter
of
application indicating suitability for the position.
2. A current resume.
3
College/university placement papers and academic transcripts indicating degrees.
Location
South High
South High
4
Four letters
of
reference, one
of
which shall be written by a former student
of
the applicant, or
of
the
applicant s school or school district, as applicable.
5 Verification of eligibility for certification as a Superintendent of Schools in Massachusetts (if any).
6
A completed application form with a typed response to each
of
the following:
a
How do your experiences and education best qualify you to serve as Superintendent of the
Worcester Public Schools?
b What is your philosophy of education, and how do you envision carrying out that philosophy
as Superintendent of the Worcester Public Schools?
c What do you anticipate your preliminary or initial goals will be as Superintendent of the
Worcester Public Schools?
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates are advised not to contact individual School Committee members unless
requested to do so.
Materials should
e
mailed to: Helen A. Friel, Ed.D.
Assistant to the Superintendent/
Clerk of the School Committee
Worcester Public Schools
2 Irving Street - Room 108
Worcester,
MA
01609-2467
508 799 3032
TELEPHONE;
508 799 3190
FAX
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s
a candidate,
J
understand that at some point in
th
seJection process the law m y require that
the
information contained
in
this application be made available to the public, and that the facts set forth
herein will be subject to verification.
I certify under the pains
and
penalty o perjury that all statements made by me
on
this application
and
accompanying resume,
and
other documents,
i
any are true and complete to the best
o
my knowledge
and
that I have withheld nothing, which,
i
disclosed, would affect application unfavorably. I understand that any
false statements or material omission of fact on the application
and
accompanying resume and other
documents, i any shall be grounds for rejection o this application or for immediate discharge i I
am
employed, regardless
o
the
time elapsed before discovery.
/hu fLJ
Signature
Date
Equal Opportunity Employer.
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6a How do your experiences and
education best qualify you to
serve as Superintendent o the
Worcester Public Schools?
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A. How do your experiences and education best qualify you to serve as Superintendent of the
Worcester Public Schools?
My
experiences and education best qualify me to serve as Superintendent of he Worcester Public
Schools. I have worked 40 years in the Worcester Public Schools, beginning as a Special
Education Teacher in 1976 and rising to Special Education Department Head (1994) to Assistant
Principal (1996) and Principal (2008). I have a Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude, from
Fitchburg State University in Elementary Education and Special Education (1976); a Masters of
Education from Fitchburg State University (1981) and a Masters ofEducation from Harvard
Graduate School ofEducation ( 1992 ). The focus
of
my training at Harvard University was
Administration, Planning and Social Policy.
As Assistant Principal, I received extensive training on the Gates- Carnegie Small Schools
Initiative. I served as the Dean
of
the Academy ofEducation, Service and Government (ESG),
one
of
the three small learning communities at South High. My work focused on creating
community service learning opportunities, and whole school learning initiatives with a focus on
civic learning. The ESG teachers and I presented this work at several local, state and national
conferences. I presently serve on the Department ofElementary and Secondary Education Civic
Learning and Engagement Task Force where I am working with other invited members to
develop the civic objectives for MA.
I have supervised and managed the daily operations
of
South High in my roles as an Assistant
Principal for 2 years and as Principal for the last 8 years. I have provided a safe learning
environment for the students and st ffat South High by orienting staff and students to the rules
and policies of he Worcester Public Schools. As Assistant Principal and Principal, I have
followed a sound discipline process and reinforced procedures defined by the policy of he WPS
to
work with students and parents to create a positive learning environment.
South High is the third most diverse high school in Massachusetts. The current student population
of 1318 students consists
of
630 males, and 688 females, 15.3 Asian, 18.9 African American,
41.1 Hispanic, and 24.4 White students. 26 of the students are English Language Learners,
and 25 are Special Education students. Under my team's leadership, South High has become a
community of educators who set high expectations for all students and provides differentiated
learning experiences that allow all students to be successful to achieve their goals. In partnership
with South High staffand community agencies such as Mass Insight, student enrollment in AP
STEM classes increased from 166
to
397. 41 ofWorcester minority student STEM AP
qualifying scores were earned
at
South High, more than double th n any of the other Worcester
High Schools. South High MCAS scores in ELA and Math have continued to a steady increase
resulting in a closing of he achievement gap.
I have supported two initiatives that addressed the needs
of
the Latino population. One of these
initiatives is PODER (Parents Obtaining Directions, Education and Resources). PODER included
monthly school based and community based meetings with Latino families. The second initiative
is LEAP (Latinos Excelling In Advanced Placement). In LEAP, the head guidance counselor and
I met with parents and teachers to develop plans to improve Latinos student academic
performance. I have been recognized for my work with the Latino population by the awarding of
the Latino Institute Educator of he Year 2008 and the Adventist Community Service Award 2015.
I am trained in the M Teacher Evaluation System and have effectively used these procedures to
evaluate
95
South High staff. I have used observations and detailed feedback to improve teaching
and learning at South High. I have worked with the administrative team to deliver effective
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6b. What is your philosophy of
education and how do you
envision carrying out that
philosophy as Superintendent o
the Worcester Public Schools?
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B. What is your philosophy
of
education, and how do you envision canying out that philosophy
as Superintendent of he Worcester Public Schools?
I am referred by some partnering community agencies as an urban warrior. My philosophy is to
inspire every student to believe they are important and that they can make a positive contribution
in this world. I believe that poverty- looked at by some as a barrier to achievement- can become a
driving force
to
student success.
n
order
to
wrap services around students, I leave
no
stone
unturned in order to help students actualize their potential.
I live the whole child philosophy- Eachchild deserves to
e
healthy, safe, engaged, supported
and challenged. I believe it is important to preserve the dignity of every student and their family
by taking care of heir most basic needs- food, clothing, and shelter. I recognize that the
most
effective work happens when teams
of
caring and intelligent people come together
to
work for
common goals. Students need fair and consistent rules, support to take risks and confidence to
share their ideas with others. Students should take active participation in their learning and
receive constant feedback on their progress. I believe that education gives power to all individuals
to make a positive change in their life and their families.
I envision carrying out my philosophy
of
education through dynamic and robust communication
to
all stakeholders through my conversations and actions. I will prioritize on the ground floor
visits to each school in the district and together with the help
of
my administrative team
work
to
provide the resources necessary for the staff, students and families to feel valued and supported.
This is work I can not do alone. As such, I will provide professional development to principals
and st ffthat focuses on working as effective teams to provide continuous cycles
of
curriculum.
instruction and assessment. The starting point will be to have a clear set
of
standards and
expectations for what students should learn and a viable curriculum with appropriate resources
that teachers can implement. Staff development will familiarize school staff with the standards
and effective instructional strategies. Instruction and assessment will determine how well students
are meeting the standards so that necessary adjustments can take place. The cycle of teaching and
learning will ensure that all students will make continuous progress. This will be strengthened by
providing ample opportunities for teachers to analyze student data, to look at student work, to
collaborate on school improvement initiatives, and to celebrate positive growth.
Finally, I will empower stakeholders throughout the City ofWorcester to contribute their
resources to the Worcester Public Schools. Specifically, I will establish strong connections with
colleges, universities and businesses to provide additional opportunities for Worcester Public
School students. It will be through identifying common ground with the Worcester School
Committee and developing and implementing essential policies that the Worcester Public School
will receive recognition as a model school system. As an urban warrior , I will reinforce
my
commitment
to
community organizational boards and will create further opportunities for our
students and staff. Through a continued outreach to media sources and public leaders, I will
positively brand the Worcester Public Schools so that the public a t large will echo the pride of
each child and faculty member.
Thus, by working together as a cohesive team, we will be able to craft a future full
of
diverse opportunity, thorough innovation and dynamic leadership.
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6c What do you anticipate your
preliminary or initial goals
will be
as Superintendent
o
the
Worcester Public Schools?
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C. What do you anticipate your preliminary or initial goals will be as Superintendent of he
Worcester Public Schools?
The overarching goal as Worcester Public Schools Superintendent is to make sure every chi ld is
healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged.
I anticipate my preliminary goals as Superintendent
of
he Worcester Public Schools
will
focus
on
providing a safe learning environment, improving communication to
ll
stakeholders, provide
professional development
to
WPS Principals and staff. These goals will first ensure that every
child has a rigorous education instructed through high quality teaching and learning strategies.
Additionally, each child's education will be enhanced through maintaining and expanding
partnerships with community resources and families.
My action plan to achieve these initial goals are as follows:
1 Conduct on the ground floor visits to every school n the district and together with
the
help
of my administrative team work
to
evaluate implementation of a continuous cycle of curriculum,
instruction and assessment. This cycle will be documented and pointed, specific and thorough
professional development will be offered to combat struggles. In addition, successes will
be
highlighted and effective pedagogy will be modeled district-wide. My team will also identify the
resources necessary for the staff, students and families to feel valued and supported.
2. Meet with
ll
WPS Principals, and the WPS Liaison
to
review the Safety Audit and implement
recommendations.
3. Develop and implement strong interagency coordination between the WPS and community
resources. This will include, but is not limited to: courts, immigration service agencies, health
agencies, community support groups, police, elected representatives. This coordination will
be
transparent and fluid so that resources can be equally and thoughtfully allocated to the areas who
need them the most. As such, our students will
be
well-equipped to handle the rigors demands
of
a 21
81
century career.
4. Expand academic opportunities for WPS students and staff through strengthened partnerships
with colleges, universities and community agencies. It is through exposing our students
to
the
opportunities that colleges and universities offer that they will take greater stake in their personal
education.
5. Collaborate with WPS Principals to create opportunities to increase family engagement
in
every Worcester Public School.
6. Partner with the Worcester School Committee to develop and implement essential policies that
will support high quality teaching and learning, a safe learning environment, and expanded
community partnerships.
I have selected these initial goals as a starting point. Included in these goals are strategies to
increase language proficiency for ELL students, increase academic performance
of
special
education students, provide 21st Century skills for all students, and to improve reading
performance by Grade 3. I will continually monitor and communicate the progress towards these
goals to all stakeholders. Through this team-centered effort, our children will not only be college
and career ready, but will become model citizens for others to emulate.