Brockton is being split on whether to bring in National Guard troops to its largest high school after a string of violent incidents, including fights and substance abuse—the local school committee is pleading for state assistance while the mayor holds back. According to a Boston25News report, Brockton School Committee members Joyce Asack, Tony Rodrigues, Claudio Gomes, and Ana Oliver have reached out to Mayor Robert Sullivan asking for this drastic measure and are set to address the public on the matter.
The committee's action comes after a disturbing number of recent security breaches at Brockton High School, which includes unauthorized walkouts, trespassers, and 35 teachers calling out on a single day, they worry about the environment's impact on both learning and statewide testing integrity. Mayor Sullivan, although opposing the idea, passed on the request to Governor Maura Healey, who is the only one with the authority to deploy the Guard in such situations, this was revealed by the Boston Herald.
The National Guard has been called in for non-law enforcement roles such as during the COVID-19 pandemic when they were activated to help with student transportation. The school committee believes the Guard's crisis management skills could temporarily aid in bringing control to the school, allowing time to craft a more permanent strategy. Teachers, on the frontline of this turmoil, have expressed urgent concern, a sentiment echoed by Nora Acevedo, a Brockton High teacher who described the situation in the school as "very unsafe" according to a statement obtained by Boston25News.
Brockton City Councilor Winthrop Farwell Jr., posted on Facebook the need for a committee of classroom teachers to tackle the "escalating problems," saying they are best positioned to form effective recommendations. The Healey administration, through spokesperson Karissa Hand, has acknowledged the issues at Brockton High and is in discussions with local officials, wanting schools to be safe havens for all involved, she mentioned in a statement Sunday.
