Following the discovery of a $14 million budget shortfall with the Brockton Public Schools, the district’s superintendent, who is out on medical leave, took responsibility for the crisis.
“When the budget is overspent it’s on me as the superintendent of schools, and I understand that and fully accept responsibility for that,” Michael Thomas told WCVB during an interview at his home.
At the same time, Thomas said that there was nothing illegal or improper that took place.
“I can tell everybody that there’s no wrongdoing; there’s no money missing,” Thomas said in the interview. “And every dime was spent for kids.”
Instead, he said the budget was overspent on items for school safety, transportation and staffing, WCVB reported.
Asked why he didn’t raise alarms earlier in the process, Thomas told WCVB that “things happen quickly,” and that an investigation would reveal the timeline.
An emergency school committee meeting was held on Friday. At the meeting, the committee approved an independent audit and appointed an interim superintendent — Deputy Superintendent James Cobbs.
Following an emergency closed-door meeting on Thursday, Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan announced the $14 million shortfall.
That shortfall adds to an already dire financial situation in the district, which had to cut more than 100 teachers and staffers through layoffs due to a previous $18 million shortfall, according to The Boston Globe.
“Collectively, we are all dismayed by the situation and we are committed to ensuring that we will rectify this situation, appoint new leadership, and move forward with our strategy … to deliver the best schools for our teachers, our staff, our students, our parents, and of course our guardians,” Sullivan told media outlets.
There were at least 130 teachers and staff laid off this summer due to the previously reported deficit, which sparked protests from teachers, parents and students, according to the Globe. Thomas was also set to become the interim principal of Brockton High School as well as remaining the district’s superintendent, the outlet reported.
The three unions representing teachers and staff of Brockton schools issued a joint statement after Thursday’s deficit announcement.
“The 2,100-plus unionized educators of the Brockton Union Coalition … are committed to ensuring that students have a positive experience as they return to the classroom. The students are our top priority, and it is vital that the new school year begins smoothly and positively for them,” the statement read.
“The (unions) will continue to advocate for adequate staffing to meet the needs of students, and our members will work with families and district administration to provide our students with both the opportunities and support they need for success.”
