Parent and District Staff Donate and Install Communication Boards Across Brockton Schools

On May 19 the Brockton School Committee recognized Christopher (Chris) Curran and community partners for funding and delivering communication boards for Downey Elementary and seven additional schools to support non‑verbal and special education students.

Chair Pina described the project as an example of community partnership: "This is not just a donation. This is an act of service," he said, presenting a citation to Curran.

Curran told the committee he started the effort after his child received a diagnosis and the family's experience with early school supports. "My son is the reason I started this project," Curran said; he said more than 180 people donated and the effort will result in eight boards across the district. An assistant technology specialist who works in the district explained the boards are being placed on playground fences and that the CTE department is working to make more.

District members praised the initiative and thanked donors and special education staff who had advocated for the boards. The superintendent and committee noted the project increases inclusion by helping students "connect, communicate, and participate in play."

The recognition highlighted the committee's broader focus on special education supports raised earlier in the public comment period, when a parent urged the committee to prioritize vulnerable students when setting budgets.

What happens next: The district will coordinate installation of the boards and assess whether additional sites need boards; staff said CTE could assist with production going forward.