The Brockton School Committee voted after executive session on Jan. 7 to amend Dr. Priya Taheliani’s interim contract and to approve a permanent superintendent contract covering July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, with an option to extend one additional year provided the superintendent receives a "proficient" evaluation.

The committee first moved to amend the interim contract to reflect permanent status and negotiated compensation; that amendment passed by a 5–3 roll-call vote. Several members said they wanted more time for evaluation or cited fiscal concerns before authorizing changes to compensation or multi-year commitments.

The full contract motion — to approve the superintendent contract as negotiated for July 1, 2025–June 30, 2027, with an additional year subject to a proficient evaluation — passed by the same 5–3 recorded margin. Attorney Spadafore (legal counsel) explained procedural steps: the superintendent signs first, followed by committee signatures to fully execute the contract. The change includes a retroactive effective date of Sept. 18, 2024, the date the committee had previously voted to appoint Dr. Taheliani as permanent superintendent.

Dr. Taheliani addressed the committee after the vote and thanked members for their support. "I look forward to continuing my work in Brockton and to demonstrating my commitment to students and staff," she said. Opponents of the motion voiced concerns about timing tied to the city's fiscal status and asked for an evaluation before approving multi-year increases.

Legal counsel advised the committee that the charter and policy requirements had been considered; the board agreed to execute the contract consistent with the attorney’s guidance and to report the signed contract at the next regular meeting.