WORCESTER – The city missed an opportunity to engage the community during the selection of a new Worcester Public Schools superintendent and also lost out by limiting the candidate search to internal applicants only, School Committee member John Foley said Monday.

WORCESTER – When it comes to drinking water, Worcester and other New England cities have an edge that helps keep the resource clean and clear, according to local and federal officials: Good sources.

The largest single transportation facility in Worcester, and arguably that with the most potential, Worcester Regional Airport (airport code ORH) is a critical element in Greater Worcester's transportation tripod of road, rail, and air.

Worcester Schools have been under criticism for a range of shortfalls including in school crime, poor test score, and lack of leadership.

Now, the Worcester Research Bureau has published a major report calling for immediate action to improve the Worcester Schools -- titled, "The Urgency of Excellence."

The members of the new School Committee were sworn in on Jan. 4 and have their first meeting scheduled for Jan. 21 (http://worcesterschools.org/school­committee/meeting­dates).

WORCESTER – The Worcester Regional Research Bureau and Worcester Education Collaborative are scheduled to present on Wednesday a joint report on the district’s upcoming superintendent search.

WORCESTER – Members of an expert panel on Wednesday suggested the city’s upcoming superintendent search should be preceded by a thorough investigation of what residents want from the district and its new leader.