“It’s about showing that in the city of Brockton we have the utmost trust in Dr. Tahiliani,” Tony Rodrigues, Vice-Chair of the School Committee
BROCKTON – (Massachusetts) – BY YVES CAJUSTE – On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the Brockton School Committee held a special school committee meeting where the future leadership of Brockton Public Schools (BPS) took center stage. At the start of this meeting, a Brockton resident passionately criticized Mayor Robert Sullivan, who also chairs the School Committee.
The resident-visitor expressed dismay over the $18 million budget deficit investigation and accused the mayor of dishonesty regarding the timeline of when he was informed about the deficit. The guest-speaker declared, “You lied about when you were informed…you were informed in April, and you said you weren’t informed until August 8th.” Her sharp criticism extended to the School Committee for their role in what she described as a failure in leadership and financial oversight.
Following these fiery comments, interim Superintendent Dr. Priya Tahiliani presented a detailed report on the state of Brockton Pupbic Schools, marking two weeks since the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year. Dr Tahiliani’s presentation painted a positive picture of the district’s start, with numerous highlights from elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Tahiliani’s Report: A Positive Start to the School Year
Dr. Tahiliani began by emphasizing the enthusiasm and commitment of the district’s students, teachers, and staff. “Elementary schools are reporting a great start to the school year,” she shared. From first graders at the Baker School reviewing the alphabet through games to fifth graders participating in STEM challenges, the energy and innovation across the district were evident. She highlighted the work of teachers and principals who have embedded themes such as “Imagine, Believe, Achieve” into their curricula, fostering a creative and supportive environment.
Middle and high schools also made significant strides, with students participating in mock trials at Plouffe School and working on projects like “classroom charters” at East Middle School. Dr. Tahiliani commended the efforts to engage students in real-world topics, such as the 9/11 memorial ceremony at South Middle School, which honored two Brocktonians who died in the war on terror. “I commend the South team for making an effort to draw students’ attention to these important topics,” she said.
At the high school level, Brockton High School (BHS) seniors kicked off the year with a “Senior Sunrise” event, which Tahiliani applauded as an impressive show of student initiative. She also noted BHS’s launch of a new “Culture of Excellence” initiative, as well as the success of the Promise Academy program, where students are earning college credits alongside their high school diplomas.
In terms of enrollment, Tahiliani shared that BPS saw an increase of 599 students, predominantly in elementary and high school grades, translating into approximately $11 million in future Chapter 70 state education funding. She also noted a rise in the number of English learners and students with disabilities across the district.
Motion to Make Dr. Priya Tahiliani Permanent Superintendent
The most pivotal moment of the meeting came when Vice Chair of the School Committee, Tony Rodrigues (Ward 4), introduced a motion to remove the “interim” from Dr. Tahiliani’s title, recommending that she be named the permanent superintendent of Brockton Public Schools. Rodrigues argued that the district needed stability following the abrupt resignation of former Superintendent Mike Thomas, saying, “This body needs to do due diligence…and give her that ability to move Brockton Public Schools forward.”
Rodrigues stressed that the motion was not a change of contract but rather a symbolic and necessary gesture to show trust in Dr. Tahiliani’s leadership. “It’s about showing the city of Brockton that we have the utmost trust in Dr. Tahiliani,” Rodrigues stated.
Strong Support from Committee Member Jorge Vega
School Committee member Jorge Vega (Ward 1) expressed strong support for the motion, stating emphatically, “AMEN.” Vega praised Dr. Tahiliani’s experience and financial acumen, referencing a critical moment during her interview when she showcased her detailed budget work. “To say that it was immaculate…would be an understatement,” he said. Vega highlighted the importance of securing a superintendent with a deep understanding of school finance, a key recommendation from the recent investigation.
A Unanimous Vote
In a resounding show of confidence, all members of the School Committee present voted in favor of the motion. Dr. Priya Tahiliani was officially named the Superintendent of Brockton Public Schools, a decision that many hope will usher in a new era of stability and progress for the district.
As Brockton moves forward under Dr. Tahiliani’s leadership, her focus on academic excellence, financial stability, and community engagement will be critical in shaping the future of the district.
