This year, the Westborough Public School system welcomed a new superintendent, Allison Borchers. With a 27-year-long career in the education system, Ms. Borchers has decided to continue that in Westborough.
Growing up in Washington State, Ms. Borchers didn’t know she wanted to pursue education. She attended Harvard University, obtaining her bachelor’s degree in philosophy. However, Ms. Borchers’ passion for working in the educational sphere began when she worked at The Steppingstone Foundation. The nonprofit, located in Boston, recruits city kids interested in attending independent schools in the area such as Milton Academy, Buckingham Brown, and Windsor School. Their goal is to help students, primarily those of color, prepare for the entrance exam to get into these schools. The work she did here eventually inspired her to pursue teaching as a career.
She began teaching small sections of eighth-grade English and social studies at Thurston Middle School in Westwood. While working, she received her master’s degree in education at Lesley University. She continued her journey and became the assistant principal of the middle school, then principal, and eventually the assistant superintendent of Westwood.
Ms. Borchers explains that as an assistant superintendent, she was able to “get to work on the fundamentals, and see what high-quality learning looks like.”
For some time, Ms. Borchers was intimidated by the work of the superintendent as it was geared more toward the public. She realized that “It’s important that people step up and do that job, especially people who feel really passionately about education and who really care that it’s done well and done right.” Ms. Borchers knew that it was time to give the role a shot. After having heard about how great Westborough is, she was excited to apply for the job.
Stepping into the role of superintendent definitely can be intimidating. To ease herself into the new environment, Ms. Borchers is continuing what is already being done. She states, “I’m not coming in with any big new initiative that suggests that I have all of the answers. I think I need to really learn the place, and understand from people where they see opportunities for growth.”
Through her transition, Ms. Borchers pulled closely from lessons she gained from her mentors. Her primary role model was the superintendent of Westwood Public Schools. She explains that he was an excellent leader, who had a great sense of organization, especially when it came to financing. Without a doubt, she is proud to have her past mentors just a call away.
Ms. Borchers recognizes the excellent leadership team in the Westborough Public School system, such as the principal and directors. “There’s a lot of stability,” she adds, “they have a lot of institutional knowledge about what this place is, what is good, and what needs help. I have a team to rely on and pull from. They’ve been great.”
Along with a leadership role, comes a lot of input from the community. Ms. Borchers views this as a good thing. She explains that it is a gift when parents and guardians take an interest in their children’s education. Ultimately, they care about their kids and they want them to be successful. “If people are raising a concern, and they’re raising it over and over again, and you’re not acknowledging it seriously, then it is going to keep coming back anyway,” Ms. Borchers adds.
Outside of the job, Ms. Borchers loves to exercise. Activities such as yoga, Pilates, and even rowing, help her clear her mind. In addition to moving her body, Ms. Borchers also loves to cook. She finds the process of focusing on a recipe very therapeutic, especially when it comes to making something for her family. Although she claims that her reading has fallen off in the past years, Ms. Borchers tries her best to turn to a book instead of her TV or phone. One thing that she loves about Boston is how easy it is to get out and see music. As somebody who sang a cappella in college, she appreciates the variety of performing arts that the city has to offer.
One of the many, and arguably most important responsibilities that Ms. Borchers has to manage, is the declaration of snow days. Ultimately, Ms. Borchers’ top priority is keeping the community safe. In addition to communicating with other superintendents in surrounding areas, Ms. Borchers will verify the road conditions with the Department of Public Works, “Generally speaking, if I think we can safely open school, even if it is a little bit late, then we will probably do that.”
WHS is certainly honored to have Ms. Borchers as a new leader. With her dedication to supporting both the students and administrators throughout the town, there is no doubt that she will have an incredible impact on the Westborough Public School System.
To any students reading this article, Ms. Borchers wants to remind you that what you are doing now is just as valuable as your future plans. “The things you learn here are foundational. They’re going to help you have opportunities. It’s important to pay attention to what’s happening right now and sink into what you’re doing at the moment. That’s why I stay in schools, they’re a kind of cool and hopeful place.”
