Brockton – 4 School Committee Members Request help from the Massachusetts National Guard A security incident at Brockton High School alleges students are “causing chaos” and frequently disrupting the learning environment.
School Committee members Joyce Asak, Tony Rodriguez, Ana Oliver and Claudio Gomez held a press conference Monday to discuss the request.
“We need to get our schools back under control and ensure our students have a safe learning environment,” Rodriguez said. “It's depressing what happens in high schools. When kids are causing chaos, they're losing valuable learning time.”
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey issued a statement Sunday saying she is “committed to ensuring our schools are safe and supportive environments.” Healy added that she has been in contact with local officials regarding concerns at Brockton High School.
last month, Some teachers tearfully asked for help. At a school committee meeting.
Violence is a recurring problem in schools. Authorities announced last Thursday that 11 teenage students were arrested and charged with criminal charges after a large fight broke out at their school. Teachers are concerned that they do not have enough staff to prevent such conflicts from occurring.
“We're not asking them to send all their troops to the schools. We're asking for support,” Oliver said.
Gomez said other schools in the state are grappling with similar issues.
“When you think of the National Guard, the first thing that comes to mind is uniforms and weapons, but that's not the case,” Gomez said. “They are people just like us. They are educated and trained. We need their help right now. To support our staff, to help our students learn, to help them stay safe. We need more staff to provide the environment. That's the case. “We need hands, and they have it, so why not offer their assistance?'' Do you want it?”
Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan opposes the proposal.
“We need to give administrators tools to maintain order in their schools, including amending certain state rules and regulations that currently hinder these efforts,” Sullivan said in a statement. “The National Guard is not the answer. We have had school police working effectively and safely in high schools for decades.”
Brockton High School is home to nearly 4,000 students. All parents who spoke to WBZ-TV said they believe violence is a serious problem in schools, but some parents said they think calling in the National Guard is going too far. Stated.
One woman said, “This is not a military school. This is Brockton High School.”
Some parents think Massachusetts law is getting in the way of teachers. It recommends “a model that incorporates intermediate steps before suspension or expulsion.”
Parent Julio Pomar said: “Sometimes we have to stay at home with parents who have to take time off work to take care of children who have failed at school, but the child will learn.'' Told.
