In 1985, Dr. James Garvey got approval from the Worcester School Committee and Superintendent John Durkin to create the Burncoat Arts Magnet. Dr. Garvey went on to become the Worcester Schools Superintendent from 1993 until 1999. During that period, there were 38 elementary schools, four middle schools and six high schools in the city. He still believes that integrating arts into the school curriculum is the best way to make public education work for students and the community at large.
The opportunity to create and perform engages not only students but all stakeholders in the community — parents, businesses, colleges, civic organizations and local government. When the community supports arts education, students graduate ready to participate and engage. They enter the workforce in the most positive ways. And they are ready to contribute to and participate in a thriving civic culture that constantly improves the life of the community from generation to generation.
