Brockton committee approves $251.57 million FY2026 net school spending; sets $17 million non‑net request after debate on Schedule 19, transportation

The Brockton School Committee on May 29 approved a $251,570,700 net school spending total for fiscal 2026 and voted to request $17,000,000 in non‑net spending after an extended public discussion about transportation costs and outstanding Schedule 19 charges.

The vote to approve the net school spending figure passed unanimously. The committee later approved the non‑net request by majority vote after members debated whether to seek a higher amount to reflect recent transportation actuals.

The vote matters because the net figure represents the district’s required spending level under state law and the non‑net request funds additional local costs such as transportation. Dr. Taheliani, the superintendent and secretary/clerk to the committee, presented the budget and answered a series of detailed questions from members about program staffing, vendor contracts and line‑item assumptions.

Dr. Taheliani said the budget reflects staffing and program decisions across Brockton Public Schools, noting for example the district’s supports for early college enrollment, professional…