BROCKTON – Brockton Public Schools Superintendent Michael Thomas has resigned, days after a independent report the district’s $18 million deficit was released.
Thomas’ contract was set to expire at the end of the 2026-2027 school year. He was on administrative leave.
“Today we take an important step in closing an extremely difficult chapter for Brockton schools and the community,” School Board Vice Chairman Tony Rodrigues said in a statement.
“Culture of incompetence”
The report, released Tuesday, found a culture of “incompetence, territorial boundaries and woefully inadequate checks and balances” at the school district. budgeting processThe report said there was little to no oversight of the district budgetwhich was made by Thomas.
The deficit was largely caused by overspending on staff, transportation and out-of-district tuition, the report found. It also accused Thomas of governing with an “iron fist” despite describing himself as “not a numbers guy.”
According to the report, Thomas offered former New England Patriots player Jermaine Wiggins $100,000 to coach the high school football team, using a grant for youth at risk of gang involvement. The high school coach previously received a $15,000 coaching grant.
Interim superintendent appointed
“A recurring theme in each of the fiscal year 2023 assessments was that decisions were made with ‘the best interest of students’ in mind. Ultimately, what is best for students is a stable, well-run, and fiscally responsible school district that can provide a sustainable, high-quality education to the children of Brockton. As we work to rebuild and strengthen the foundation of our partnership with the City of Brockton, I hope that those in city government who were similarly identified as active contributors to this crisis will soon take responsibility for their role in it as well,” Thomas said.
Thomas was replaced by Priya Tahiliani, who was named interim superintendent.
“Work is already underway to reinvent our budget process while continuing to focus on student education and achievement. All of this work is essential to our goal of regaining the trust of the City of Champions,” Tahiliani said in a statement.
