Coverage of Brockton Schools' $14M deficit; local places to visit 5 top stories last week

Kathy Bossa, The Enterprise
·4 min read

BROCKTON − It should be no secret to city residents at this point that the Brockton Public Schools are dealing with a $14.4 million deficit from fiscal year 2023. A lot of rumors have swirled, with some being quickly debunked. Here's a timeline of what we know, including who knew what and when, surrounding the deficit.

Tensions ran high at the Brockton School Committee meeting, where community members spoke about the budget deficit and Thomas' absence.

The motto at the Boundless Bean coffee shop in Bridgewater is "everything is teamwork." See how this shop helps those with disabilities.

The East Bridgewater Police Department has a new chief of police.

What did you do this summer? This Oliver Ames football player helped those in need.

In case you missed it, here are five stories of the top stories from the past week throughout the Brockton area.

Who knew what when about Brockton Public Schools' $14.4 million deficit?

It should be no secret to city residents at this point that the Brockton Public Schools are dealing with a $14.4 million deficit from fiscal year 2023. Members of the public, the mayor and school committee members have expressed frustration over the situation. A lot of rumors have swirled, with some being quickly debunked. Public and private meetings have been held and employees have been placed on administrative leave. Here's a timeline of what we know, including who knew what and when, surrounding the deficit.

Schools CFO placed on leave: Brockton Public Schools CFO placed on administrative leave in wake of deficit revelation

'You failed at your jobs': 'You failed at your jobs:' Brockton parents tear into school board over deficit

'Definition of the smoke-filled room':: 'Definition of the smoke-filled room': Brockton School Committee broke law, expert says

'Rumors': 'Rumors': What Brockton school dept. says is true and false about $14 million deficit

TIMELINE: TIMELINE: Who knew what when about Brockton Public Schools' $14.4 million deficit?

School committee will be 'transparent': Brockton school committee will 'continue to be transparent' about the budget deficit

School Committee at Brockton High School on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. Mayor Robert Sullivan addresses a large crowd at a Brockton School Committee meeting at Brockton High School on Wednesday evening, Sept. 6, 2023 regarding a $14.4 million deficit recently discovered in last year's school budget. Caption * 42 of 270 recommended characters remaining. Marc Vasconcellos Credit * The Enterprise (NENT) Content Source * Brockton (NENT) Site * Content Tags System Tags Advertising Tags Meeting Image title * Alt text Alt text: a literal description of image contents 100 of 100 recommended characters remaining. One-time Use https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2023/09/07/NENT/70782419007-090623-mv-brockton-meeting-5.JPG

Michael Jenkins appointed East Bridgewater police chief

The East Bridgewater Police Department has a new chief of police. “I have been proud to serve and protect the residents of this community for over 25 years and look forward to continuing to do so as Chief of Police,” Michael Jenkins said in a written statement from the police department. Jenkins, who has served as acting chief since March, was appointed chief of police on Aug. 23, by the East Bridgewater Select Board. Jenkins takes command following the retirement of Chief Paul O'Brien. O'Brien retired on Aug. 5.

'Proud to serve": 'Proud to serve': Michael Jenkins appointed East Bridgewater police chief

Chief Michael Jenkins, right, takes command following the retirement of Chief Paul O'Brien who retired on Aug. 5. They are pictured here in 2020.
Chief Michael Jenkins, right, takes command following the retirement of Chief Paul O'Brien who retired on Aug. 5. They are pictured here in 2020.

Inclusive coffee shop opens in Bridgewater

A coffee shop "free of judgment" has made its way in Bridgewater, serving lavender lattes, lemon white chocolate scones, and warm matcha. The Boundless Bean is a coffee shop with a mission to serve the community by hiring employees with "differing abilities," including individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. Elena Hogan and her husband, Tommy Hogan, opened the business with inclusivity in mind and offered people with differing abilities a thriving work life and a safe place to learn.  The motto here is "everything is teamwork."

Free of judgement': 'Free of judgement': Inclusive coffee shop opens in Bridgewater

The staff of the Boundless Bean coffee shop which opened in late May of 2023. Starting at left, Kara Tait of Brockton, Kayla Hanson of Hanson, owner/manager Elena Hogan, and in front, Sophia Hogan of Easton, pictured on Thursday, August 30, 2023.
The staff of the Boundless Bean coffee shop which opened in late May of 2023. Starting at left, Kara Tait of Brockton, Kayla Hanson of Hanson, owner/manager Elena Hogan, and in front, Sophia Hogan of Easton, pictured on Thursday, August 30, 2023.

New to Brockton? Here's a list of places to eat, drink and visit in the city

There are loads of things to do and food places to try. Brockton, in particular, has a mixture of ethnic and American cuisine to largely represent their diverse community. As you read along, you learn the ins and outs of the bustling and thriving city of Brockton. All of the restaurants and activities featured were submitted by city locals via Facebook.

List of places to visit in the city: New to Brockton? Here's a list of places to eat, drink and visit in the city

What colleges have offered AJ Dybantsa, ESPN's top player in the 2026 class?

Brockton's AJ Dybantsa enters his sophomore season of high school basketball as the top-ranked player in the Class of 2026, according to ESPN's Top 100. This year, he will play his first season at Prolific Prep in Napa, California. In a few years from now, Dybantsa will have a decision to make -- go to college, or no?

AJ Dybantsa ESPN's top player: What colleges have offered AJ Dybantsa, ESPN's top player in the 2026 class?

Who is AJ Dybantsa?: Who is AJ Dybantsa? The Mass. native is a star recruit training with KD and LeBron

Brockton's AJ Dybantsa, 16, the top-rated freshman basketball player in the country according to ESPN Top 100, during a workout at Jubilee Christian Church in Stoughton on Monday, July 10, 2023.
Brockton's AJ Dybantsa, 16, the top-rated freshman basketball player in the country according to ESPN Top 100, during a workout at Jubilee Christian Church in Stoughton on Monday, July 10, 2023.

Staff writer Kathy Bossa can be reached by email at kbossa@enterprisenews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today. 

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton-area top 5 stories