Brockton Public Schools presents athletics, arts and music updates; Unified track, field improvements and pop-up exhibit highlighted

Brockton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tihliani told the School Committee athletics, arts, music and extracurricular subcommittee on March 4 that the district’s athletics, arts and music programs are active and planning expansions and facility work ahead of spring season. The update covered student participation counts, eligibility rules, facility projects and several upcoming performances and exhibitions.

The superintendent said Brockton High School fields 17 sports across freshman, JV and varsity levels and reported more than 1,100 students attended fall and winter tryouts this academic year; the district expects more spring interest after 461 spring tryouts last year. To be eligible for team participation, students must be passing nine credits per term (or 18 credits per year) and have a current physical on file with the nurse’s office.

Why it matters: Committee members said facility condition and program access affect safety and future participation. Athletic leaders described aging turf at Marciano Stadium — about a decade and a half old — and asked to move a resurfacing project to bid “ASAP” to avoid G-max safety test failures that could force teams to play on the road.

Athletics: Athletic Director Kevin Caro (speaking to the subcommittee) outlined goals including outreach to middle schools, replacing or refurbishing turf at Marciano Stadium, and rehabbing policy (Polley) fields behind the skating rink to enable year-round use by school, physical education and community teams. Caro said the grounds crew is “spread very thin” and that the department’s requests depend on the budget process. He also noted ongoing work to certify coaches in CPR/AED with the district’s health services team and that the trainer is typically on-site for most home contests; portable AEDs travel with coaches when needed.

Inclusion and special programs: Caro and staff described reinstating a Unified Track Team (pre‑COVID) to include students from special education and general education, with coaches recruited and competition planned against other Southeastern Massachusetts schools. The Special Olympics is scheduled for May 21 at Marciano Stadium; elementary and middle-school fitness days are planned for June 9 and June 13.

Middle-school sports and program structure: The district is considering a model to concentrate middle-school travel teams — one travel team per sport (with exceptions for football) — and expand in-house intramurals to maximize participation without forcing cuts. The plan is intended to give more students playing time at their own schools while preserving a competitive travel roster for advanced players.

Cheer and other sports: Committee members pressed about competitive cheer and lacrosse. Caro said cheer teams historically did not travel because of limited practice space, cost and calendar conflicts; travel would require funding and space solutions. Lacrosse was discontinued after safety and equipment-cost issues: the district said helmets and re-equipping would have cost roughly $25,000 after a Bill Belichick Foundation grant expired, and the program struggled to find experienced coaches and sustainable participation.

Arts and music: The superintendent and arts staff highlighted the BHS pop-up exhibition I Wish (dandelion-themed), district Black History Month displays, third- and fifth-grade Fuller Craft Museum tours and student recognitions in the Scholastic Art Awards and UMass Dartmouth exhibition. The music department described a K–8 general music curriculum rollout, bucket drumming units funded by local donors, ensemble awards (silver/gold medals at festivals) and student acceptance to honor bands and All-State/Data festivals. Staff reported that moving fifth-grade instrumental music to before-school led to a measurable drop in participation and that Brockton is an outlier among peer districts in not offering instrumental music during the school day — an item leaders said merits reconsideration as part of contract/negotiations and scheduling work.

Community partnerships: The district highlighted a new partnership with WCVB’s media mentors initiative and an ongoing relationship with the Brockton Community Access (BCA) organization; BCA has collaborated on events and previously provided mobile production support when the district studio was not available.

Budget and supplies needs: Department leaders told the subcommittee they need facility repairs (gym backboards, exercise equipment), updated athletic gear, classroom instruments, and consumable art supplies. Committee members suggested murals and school beautification projects to improve building environments.

What’s next: Subcommittee members said many of the items presented will be included in the district’s budget investment plan and capital requests. The Athletic Department said it will move the Marciano turf project toward bidding once funding is secured. Several calendar and program adjustments (middle-school travel-team model, potential reinstatement of Unified Track) will be piloted or further developed with principals and coaches.

Ending: School leaders closed the presentation noting spring competitions and performances coming soon, and committee members praised student achievements and urged quick action on safety‑sensitive equipment and field repairs.