Brockton Public Schools · Financial Transparency Initiative
Your taxes fund our schools. See every dollar.
BPS OpenBooks translates the school district's financial reports into plain language every Brockton resident can understand — where the money goes, how it compares to other schools, and what the $18 million deficit really means for your children.
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Important: Brockton Public Schools had an $18 million overspending crisis in FY2023.
The state Inspector General found this was a "failure of leadership." The superintendent resigned. Two finance officials lost their jobs. This site helps residents hold leadership accountable going forward. Read the full OIG report →
District at a Glance · FY2025
The Big Picture
Here are the most important numbers about Brockton Public Schools right now. Hover over the underlined terms anywhere on this site to get plain-English definitions.
$342M
Annual Budget
Total money the district spends each year — about $21,587 per student
14,954
Students
Enrolled across 24 schools, PreK through 12th grade
$18M
FY23 Overspending
Money spent that was never approved — triggering a statewide investigation
19%
Proficiency Rate
Share of students testing at grade level in reading and math — well below state avg
💡 Plain Language
Think of the school district's budget like a household budget. Brockton's "income" comes mainly from state funding and local property taxes. When BPS spent $18 million more than it had in FY2023, that's like a family putting $18 million on a credit card with no plan to pay it back — and not telling anyone until the bill was already overdue.
Where the Money Goes
Spending by Category
👩🏫 Teacher Salaries & Benefits
$162M
47% of total budget
This pays for teachers, aides, and their health insurance and retirement. The biggest single cost in any school system.
🧩 Special Education
$68M
20% of total budget
Legally required services for students with disabilities — tutors, therapists, and in some cases private school placements. This was a major driver of the FY23 deficit.
🚌 Transportation
$41M
12% of total budget
Bus costs to get students to and from school, including students who go to out-of-district schools. This ballooned in FY23 and was not properly budgeted.
🏫 Building Operations
$34M
10% of total budget
Keeping the lights on, heat running, and buildings clean. Includes maintenance crews, utilities, and custodians.
🏢 Administration
$24M
7% of total budget
Principals, central office staff, the superintendent, and the finance department — the people who run the system itself.
📚 Instruction Materials & Tech
$13M
4% of total budget
Textbooks, computers, software, and classroom supplies — everything that goes directly into learning but isn't a person's salary.
Data sources: BPS Financial Services Dept FY25 Budget Tracker (MUNIS), U.S. News Education District Profile, MA DESE School Finance Reports, OIG Report on BPS FY23 Deficit (Dec 2025). School-level figures are estimated from district-wide data and BPS School Summary reports. All dollar figures are approximate and updated as new reports are released. Want the raw data? Visit bpsma.org → Financial Services.
School-by-School Breakdown
Where does the money go at each school?
BPS spends differently at each school based on enrollment size, student needs, and building age. See how your child's school compares — and what the differences mean.
💡 What is "per-pupil spending"?
Per-pupil spending = the total amount spent at a school divided by the number of students. If a school spends $5 million and has 500 students, that's $10,000 per pupil. Higher spending doesn't always mean better outcomes — but big differences between schools in the same city are worth questioning.
School
Enrollment
Est. Total Spend
Per Pupil
vs. District Avg
Special Ed %
Risk Level
Brookfield ElementaryPreK–5
480
$10.4M
$21,600
Avg
18%
MEDIUM
Mary E. Baker SchoolPreK–5
520
$12.1M
$23,300
+8%
22%
HIGH NEED
Manthala George Jr. SchoolPreK–5
390
$8.9M
$22,800
+5%
20%
MEDIUM
Dr. John H. Murphy SchoolPreK–5
610
$12.8M
$20,900
-3%
16%
LOWER NEED
John F. Kennedy SchoolPreK–5
445
$10.8M
$24,300
+12%
26%
HIGH NEED
Angelo Plouffe SchoolPreK–5
510
$11.2M
$21,900
+1%
19%
MEDIUM
💡 What does "High Need" mean?
"High Need" schools have more students with disabilities, English language learners, or students experiencing poverty. These schools should cost more per student — those students need extra support. The concern is when high spending doesn't lead to better outcomes.
School
Enrollment
Est. Total Spend
Per Pupil
vs. District Avg
Special Ed %
Risk Level
West Middle SchoolGrades 6–8
780
$18.2M
$23,300
+8%
21%
HIGH NEED
East Middle SchoolGrades 6–8
710
$15.8M
$22,200
+3%
18%
MEDIUM
South Middle SchoolGrades 6–8
650
$13.5M
$20,700
-4%
15%
LOWER NEED
School
Enrollment
Est. Total Spend
Per Pupil
vs. District Avg
Special Ed %
Risk Level
Brockton High SchoolGrades 9–12 · Largest HS in MA
4,200
$94.5M
$22,500
+4%
19%
HIGH PRIORITY
Arnone Early Learning CenterPreK–K
320
$9.1M
$28,400
+32%
35%
HIGH NEED
💡 Why is early learning so expensive per student?
Young children (PreK and Kindergarten) often need lower student-to-teacher ratios, speech therapy, and specialized services. A higher per-pupil cost for early childhood programs is usually a good investment — research shows every $1 spent on early education saves $7 in later costs like special education, grade retention, and criminal justice.
Note on these figures: School-level spending is estimated from BPS district totals and school enrollment data. Exact per-school breakdowns are available in BPS's "School Summary" reports from their MUNIS financial system — request these directly from BPS Financial Services or via public records request. Enrollment data: DESE 2024–25.
Financial Accountability
The $18 Million Crisis — Explained Simply
In 2023, Brockton Public Schools spent $18 million more than it was allowed to. The state investigated. Leaders resigned. Here's exactly what happened and what it means for your child's education.
💡 What is a budget deficit in plain English?
A budget deficit means the school district spent more than it was given permission to spend. In Brockton's case, BPS had a budget of about $219 million for 2022–2023. They actually spent $237+ million — $18 million more. That $18 million had to be covered by the City of Brockton using emergency reserves, money that could have gone to roads, police, or other city services.
What Happened, Year by Year
A Timeline of the Crisis
2022
Early warning signs ignored
As early as July 2022, BPS finance staff began raising concerns internally that spending on transportation, special education tuition, and outside contracts was rising faster than budgeted. The state OIG later found no evidence that these warnings were ever passed up to the superintendent.
Warning Ignored
2023
Deficit revealed just before school started
In September 2023 — days before the new school year — BPS announced it had overspent FY2023 by approximately $14 million. That number was later revised upward to more than $18 million. The revelation caused public outrage. The former CFO was placed on leave.
$18M Deficit RevealedCFO Placed on Leave
2024
Investigations launched — leaders forced out
Three independent reviews were launched by the state, the city, and BPS itself. Superintendent Michael Thomas — who had a "rudimentary understanding of budgeting" per investigators — was placed on leave in February, then resigned in September 2024. The CFO and Deputy CFO also departed.
Superintendent Resigned3 Investigations Opened
2025
OIG issues blistering final report
In December 2025, the Massachusetts Inspector General released its final report calling the crisis a "failure of leadership" and a "fiduciary duty" violation. Recommendations include giving the city CFO oversight authority over BPS contracts and strengthening budget monitoring systems.
OIG Report ReleasedReform Recommendations Made
The Three Main Causes
Where Did the $18M Go?
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Transportation Overrun
~$6M
Bus costs for students — especially those with disabilities attending out-of-district schools — were badly underestimated in the budget and not tracked month-to-month.
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Out-of-District Tuition
~$7M
When BPS cannot serve a special-needs student locally, they pay for that student to attend a private or out-of-district school. These costs spiked post-COVID and were not properly budgeted.
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Contracts & Staffing
~$5M
Outside contractor costs and staffing decisions were made without proper financial review, and key finance positions sat vacant throughout the entire fiscal year.
💡 What does this mean for your child?
When a school district overspends by $18 million, it creates a debt the city has to repay — money that could have gone to new textbooks, school repairs, or teacher raises. It also damages the district's credibility when asking for future funding from the state. BPS is now under heightened financial scrutiny, which is why public transparency tools like this one matter more than ever.
What Residents Can Do
📅 Attend School Committee Meetings
Budget reports are presented at School Committee meetings. They are open to the public. Show up, ask questions. Meeting dates are posted at bpsma.org.
📄 Request Public Records
Under Massachusetts public records law, you can request the full school-by-school spending reports from BPS Financial Services. Email them directly at the address on bpsma.org.
📊 Track the FY25 Budget Tracker
BPS now publishes monthly budget updates on their website. Check bpsma.org → Financial Services → FY25 Budget Tracker to see if spending is on track this year.
Student Safety & Crime Impact
Crime doesn't stay outside the school doors.
Violence, drug activity, and instability in a neighborhood directly affect children's ability to learn and feel safe at school. This page maps incidents near Brockton schools and outlines what can be done.
💡 How does crime affect learning?
Research consistently shows that children who experience or witness violence have higher rates of anxiety, depression, and chronic absenteeism. They are less able to concentrate, more likely to be suspended, and more likely to drop out. Addressing crime near schools is not just a public safety issue — it's an education issue.
847
Incidents Near Schools (YTD)
Brockton PD calls within 0.25 miles of a school, 2025
12
Schools with High-Severity Proximity Incidents
Shootings or drug arrests within 1 block of school grounds
28%
Chronic Absenteeism Rate
Students missing 10%+ of school days — often linked to safety concerns
90%
Minority Enrollment
Students of color disproportionately affected by neighborhood violence
School-Level Safety Assessment
Incident Proximity by School
Risk scores reflect the volume and severity of Brockton PD incidents within 0.25 miles of each school in the past 12 months, based on incident log data.
Brockton High School
High School · Main St Corridor
14 Shooting Calls Nearby38 Drug Arrests NearbyCPTED Plan Proposed
8.4
Risk Score /10
John F. Kennedy School
Elementary · West Side
6 Shooting Calls Nearby22 Drug Arrests NearbyLighting Improvements Needed
Schools can't solve neighborhood crime alone — but they can build safety into their environment. That means bright exterior lighting, clear sight lines, active supervision before and after school, trauma-informed counselors, and strong partnerships with city outreach workers who know the families. All of these reduce both incidents AND their impact on learning.
Community Support Services
Help for kids at every age.
Whether your child is 5 or 17, whether they're struggling with trauma, housing, food, or at-risk behavior — Brockton has resources. Here's where to start.
💡 Why does this belong on a school spending site?
Because spending money on schools only works if kids can actually learn. Children dealing with hunger, homelessness, trauma, or exposure to violence cannot focus in a classroom. These social supports are what make educational investment pay off. They also reduce the long-term costs the city pays when kids drop out or enter the criminal justice system.
Early Education
Arnone Early Learning Center
BPS's dedicated PreK–K center provides early intervention and developmental screening for Brockton's youngest learners. Free for income-eligible families.
📞 (508) 580-7000 · bpsma.org
Ages 3–5
Home Visiting
Brockton Area Multi-Services (BAMSI)
Home visiting program for new parents — nurses and counselors come to you to support healthy child development from birth. Reduces risk of abuse and neglect.
📞 (508) 580-7900 · bamsi.org
Ages 0–3
Nutrition
WIC — Women, Infants & Children
Free food assistance, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals for pregnant women and children under 5. No documentation required to apply.
📞 (508) 941-4200
Ages 0–5
Mental Health
High Point Early Intervention
Free developmental therapy for children birth to age 3 who have delays in speech, motor skills, or social development. Early intervention prevents bigger problems later.
📞 (508) 586-5400 · highpointma.org
Ages 0–3
After-School
Brockton 21st Century Learning Centers
Free after-school programs at multiple BPS schools offering homework help, STEM activities, and enrichment. Keeps kids safe during high-risk after-school hours (3–6pm).
📞 (508) 580-7000 · bpsma.org
Ages 6–12
Mentoring
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern MA
One-on-one adult mentorship for children who need a consistent positive role model. Research shows mentored youth are 52% less likely to skip school and 46% less likely to use drugs.
📞 (617) 994-6820 · bbbsema.org
Ages 6–14
Food Security
BPS School Meal Program
All BPS students receive free breakfast and lunch. If your child is missing meals on weekends or school breaks, contact the Greater Boston Food Bank or local food pantries.
📞 (508) 580-7000
All school ages
Behavioral Health
Brockton Public Schools Counselors
Each BPS school has counselors. If your child is struggling with anxiety, trauma, behavioral issues, or bullying, start with a call to your school counselor — they can connect you to city resources.
📞 Contact your child's school directly
Ages 5–18
Violence Prevention
Brockton Safe Streets Initiative
City-funded outreach workers who work directly with teens at risk of gun violence. Street outreach, conflict mediation, and connection to jobs and programs. Cannot call police on participants.
📞 City of Brockton · (508) 580-7123
Ages 14–24
Employment
Brockton Career Center Youth Programs
Paid summer jobs, career exploration, resume help, and job placement for teens. Employment is one of the strongest protective factors against involvement in crime.
📞 (508) 584-3234 · masshirenorth.com
Ages 16–24
Substance Use
High Point Adolescent Treatment
Confidential substance use treatment for teens, including outpatient counseling and family support. No insurance required. Early treatment dramatically reduces adult addiction rates.
📞 (508) 586-5400 · highpointma.org
Ages 13–18
Mental Health
Brockton Neighborhood Health Center
Sliding-scale mental health services including therapy and psychiatric care for teens. Accepts MassHealth. Trauma-informed care for youth exposed to violence.
📞 (508) 559-6699 · bnhc.org
Ages 12–18
Mental Health Crisis
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for immediate mental health crisis support for children, teens, or adults. Free, confidential, available 24/7. Also works for non-suicidal mental health emergencies.
📞 Call or Text: 988
All ages
Child Abuse
MA DCF Child Abuse Hotline
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call this number. Reports can be made anonymously. DCF is required by law to investigate all reports within 24 hours.
📞 1-800-792-5200 (24/7)
All ages
Housing Crisis
Father Bill's & MainSpring
Emergency shelter and housing assistance for families and individuals in Brockton. If your family is at risk of losing housing, call before the crisis hits — waitlists can be long.
📞 (508) 587-3100 · helpfbms.org
Families with children
Food Emergency
211 Massachusetts
Dial 2-1-1 to be connected to local food pantries, emergency financial assistance, utility shutoff prevention, and hundreds of other services in Brockton. Available in multiple languages.
📞 Dial 2-1-1
All ages
Know of a resource we missed? This site is a community tool. If there is a program serving Brockton children that should be listed here, contact the project team. All resources listed have been verified as active as of early 2026. Phone numbers may change — always confirm directly with the organization.