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BROCKTON — Robert F. Sullivan, the 50th mayor of Brockton, announced Friday he would not seek a fourth term.

The Brockton native and 1988 graduate of Brockton High broke the news to about 75 supporters, politicians and city hall employees in a press conference outside his office.

"I have said since embarking on this journey of a lifetime that the title of 'mayor' has been the honor of my lifetime, but the title of 'dad' is my most prized label," Sullivan said.

Sullivan said he would finish his term.

His decision makes the 2025 mayoral election to be wide open and incumbent-free. A series of deadlines for potential successors begins April 28 when the Election Commission makes nomination papers available. He said any endorsement he might make would come after candidates have come forward.

Became mayor right before COVID pandemic

Sullivan won his first two-year term in 2019 after 14 years as a city councilor. Shortly after he was sworn into office in January 2020, dealing with the COVID pandemic became job No. 1.

In Friday's address, he highlighted the $2 million of federal pandemic relief funds he disbursed to local nonprofits and other steps he took.

"We emerged from the pandemic stronger than before, and closer together than before," he said.

'Successes and challenges' during five years as mayor

He cataloged some of the "successes and challenges" of his tenure, including a school spending crisis.

"There were difficult nights. There were sleepless nights. There was conflict. And there were times when it truly seemed like we would not get out of that and the state would take us over. However, through collaboration and teamwork and working together, we succeeded," Sullivan said.

In a nod to the sometimes testy relationship between the city and the schools as Brockton tries to get its fiscal house back in order, Sullivan said a "new era of collaboration" is underway.

Sullivan said his administration is leaving "a record of accomplishments and progress that will impact our city of the next generation and beyond." He cited several big-ticket projects started or finished under his watch, including the new public safety building, set to open this summer. Others include renovations of the Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center, the War Memorial, Cosgrove Pool and City Hall, using millions of dollars in federal and state pandemic relief money.

Sullivan noted that he and his wife, Maria, had no children when he first ran for city council and now their oldest child will be starting college in the fall.

"Being a dad to Tommy, Grace and Will, and being a husband to Maria are my most important and cherished titles," he said.

Send your news tips to reporter Chris Helms by email at CHelms@enterprisenews.com or connect on X at @HelmsNews.

BROCKTON — The 2024-25 school year will be coming to a close in a few months and kids and parents will be counting down the days to summer vacation.

The last day of school for Brockton Public Schools was originally planned for June 18, but the date has changed due to school closures due to inclement weather, BPS announced on its website.

But students shouldn't fret about the date change. They still have a few days off to look forward to before summer vacation arrives.

When is the last day of school?

The Brockton School Committee voted to set Friday, June 20, as the last day of school for the 24-25 school year. June 20 will be an early release day for all students.

Wednesday, June 18, will now be a regular school day for all schools in the district. All schools will be closed on Thursday, June 19, for the Juneteenth holiday.

Remaining days off in 2024-2025 school calendar

April 21-25: School recess

May 26: Memorial Day

June 19: Juneteenth

2025-2026 school calendar

The School Committee also voted to set the key dates for the 2025-26 school year. School will begin for students in grades 1-12 on Wednesday, Sept. 3. First day for pre-K and kindergarten will be Wednesday, Sept. 10.

The last day of school for the 25-26 year is tentatively set for June 18, 2026. All schools will be closed on Sept. 16 for preliminary election day.

Staff writer Kathy Bossa can be reached by email at kbossa@enterprisenews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today.