Four members of the Brockton School Committee have requested support from the Massachusetts National Guard to address increasing incidents of violence, security concerns, and substance abuse at Brockton High School, leading to 35 teachers missing school. While some families support the request due to safety concerns, others feel it is excessive and that alternative solutions should be explored. Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan does not support the use of the National Guard and has discussed school safety measures with the police chief. The governor's office is aware of the concerns and in contact with Brockton officials, and the School Committee is scheduled to meet on March 5.
Four members of the Brockton School Committee are seeking the Massachusetts National Guard's assistance to address security concerns at Brockton High School, citing an increase in incidents related to violence, security, and substance abuse. They emphasize the need for support, including substitute teachers and hall monitors, to ensure a safe environment for students. However, Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan and City Councilor Winthrop Farwell Jr. do not support the deployment of the National Guard, instead advocating for input from classroom teachers to address escalating problems in schools. The school district faces budget deficits and staff layoffs, adding to the challenges.
Four School Committee members in Brockton, Massachusetts, requested the deployment of the Massachusetts National Guard to assist with security matters at Brockton High School following a disturbing increase in incidents related to violence, security concerns, and substance abuse. The mayor, Robert Sullivan, informed the committee members that only Governor Maura Healey can activate the National Guard and stated that he does not support their deployment at the school. The school district is also facing a significant budget deficit and declining enrollment, with 130 staff members being laid off.
The Massachusetts National Guard has been deployed as "rapid response teams" to assist with the state's overwhelmed migrant shelters, as Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency due to the strain on the shelter system. Currently, over 6,000 migrant families are in emergency shelters across the state. The National Guard members will coordinate access to meals, medical care, and transportation in hotels and motels without service providers. The state has been scrambling to find housing, including using Joint Base Cape Cod as a temporary shelter. Governor Healey has called on the federal government for more funding and assistance, urging Congress and the Department of Homeland Security to address immigration laws and provide additional financial aid. Boston has received a $1.9 million grant from FEMA to support migrants with shelter and transportation.
