Brockton leaders ignored monthly warnings as school spending ran $18 million over budget
In a December 3, 2025 letter, Massachusetts Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro found Brockton Public Schools' roughly $18 million FY2023 deficit resulted from a failure of leadership. The OIG said the budget relied on unrealistic enrollment projections, finance staff warnings about rising costs went unaddressed, and emergency spending measures were not enforced. It found the School Committee and then-Mayor Robert Sullivan, who chaired it, received monthly reports showing overspending but did not discuss or act on the deficit, and said key leaders violated their fiduciary duty. The deficit was covered with reserves and free cash. Former superintendent Michael Thomas resigned in 2024; Sullivan did not seek re-election in 2025. The city and district said they were reviewing the report and would submit a response; the OIG made seven recommendations and gave officials 45 days to respond.
The OIG says the Brockton School Committee and Mayor Sullivan, who chairs the committee, failed to act despite receiving monthly financial reports showing overspending.
"No law can ensure that city and school leaders read reports, and act upon such information," Shapiro said.
The OIG cannot overstate the fact that a failure of leadership by key BPS leaders allowed this fiscal crisis to occur.
City and district said they are reviewing the report and will submit a comprehensive response on actions taken and planned.
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