Bombshell Brockton audit omits key fact in alleged assault by mentor — he was exonerated

BROCKTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS DEFICIT SCANDAL

Introduction

A city-sponsored report on the Brockton Public Schools deficit scandal revealed allegations against Anthony Sampson, a mentor hired by former Superintendent Mike Thomas. The report highlighted the incident where Sampson allegedly hit a student, but failed to mention that the state later reversed its ruling, declaring Sampson innocent.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Quality Education
2. Reduced Inequalities
3. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Background

The report emphasized that Thomas hired mentors as contractors, potentially bypassing regulations against individuals with criminal records working with students. It mentioned a school adjustment counselor’s report to the Department of Children and Families, accusing Sampson of assaulting a student.

Criminal Offender Record Information System (CORI) Check

The report also highlighted Sampson’s alleged failure in a CORI check. However, Sampson clarified that it was a case of mistaken identity involving his son, who shares the same name. Sampson stated that the case against his son was dismissed.

Response from Anthony Sampson

Sampson expressed his disappointment with the report and media coverage, stating that it deeply hurt his feelings. He asserted that despite his past mistakes, he was a dedicated mentor who genuinely cared for the students.

Criticism of the Term “Cronies”

Sampson and another mentor, John C. Williams, objected to the use of the term “cronies” in reference to them. While they were not directly named in the articles, the city report implicated them in Thomas’ alleged mismanagement of the mentor program. Sampson argued that the real cronies were highly paid administrators, such as the district’s six assistant superintendents.

Incident with Student: DCF’s Perspective

According to Sampson and a 9-page hearing report from the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Sampson explained that he was having a special lunch with a group of Brockton middle school students he mentored. A 13-year-old student, who was not under his mentorship, became upset after her cell phone was confiscated. In the chaos of her running around the school and hiding in a bathroom, the student accused Sampson of touching her breast.

Importance of Surveillance Footage

Sampson appealed the allegations, stating that a review of the school’s surveillance tape would prove his innocence. Investigators who examined the footage concluded that Sampson did not pick up the child or put his hands on her. They highlighted that Sampson had been trained to ensure his actions were visible to security cameras, to avoid surprising students.

DCF’s Decision Reversed

The DCF initially supported the allegation of neglect against Sampson. However, after reviewing the evidence, a social worker and DCF supervisor determined that the decision was not made in accordance with department regulations and lacked a reasonable basis. As a result, the decision was reversed.

Omissions in the Report

The law firm, Nystrom, Beckman & Paris, responsible for researching and writing the audit, did not include the fact that Sampson was cleared of both hitting a student and failing a CORI check. The reasons for these omissions were not provided by the law firm.

Response from Mike Thomas

Thomas expressed frustration with the way the law firm wrote the report, believing that they were hired to create a negative portrayal of him.

Conclusion

The Brockton Public Schools deficit scandal involving Anthony Sampson and other mentors raises important questions about the hiring and oversight of individuals with criminal backgrounds. It also highlights the need for accurate and comprehensive reporting in order to ensure fair treatment and protect the rights of all parties involved.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The issues highlighted in the article are related to the quality of education and the justice system.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
• SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

The article discusses the mentor program in the Brockton Public Schools, which aimed to provide support and guidance to students with mentors who have criminal convictions. This program aligns with the target of SDG 4.7, which focuses on providing education for sustainable development. The article also highlights issues of mismanagement and improper protocols in the mentor program, which relates to the target of SDG 16.6, which aims to develop effective and transparent institutions.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 4.7: Proportion of schools with access to adapted infrastructure and materials for students with disabilities.
• Indicator for SDG 16.6: Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services.

The article does not explicitly mention indicators related to the identified targets. However, the issues discussed in the article, such as the mismanagement of the mentor program and the allegations against the mentor, can be indicators of the progress towards the targets. For example, if proper protocols are implemented and transparently followed in the mentor program, it can be an indicator of progress towards SDG 16.6. Similarly, if students with disabilities in the school have access to appropriate support and infrastructure, it can be an indicator of progress towards SDG 4.7.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: enterprisenews.com