About half of the Brockton School Committee members have signed a petition calling for the National Guard to assist in monitoring local high school students following a recent increase in violence on campus.
They noted how in the last few months, the situation has become so dire that at one point 35 teachers were absent. That means Brockton High School is often understaffed and unable to control student behavior, including fights, substance abuse and skipping classes.
The committee members also noted how the high school is not properly monitored, allowing for trespassers to enter the building. They want the National Guard to intervene while school leadership — with input from staff and parents — can devise a long-term solution to the ongoing violence and disorder.
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The four school committee members — Joyce Asack, Claudio Gomes, Ana Oliver and Tony Rodrigues — held a brief press conference Monday to outline their position.
"We're just looking for a little support in Brockton Public Schools," Asack said.
"This isn't something that is negative," said Rodrigues. "The National Guard does bring positivity."
He said the school committee members are looking for the National Guard to come in and act as substitute teachers and hall monitors, not just at the high school but also at the elementary and middle school levels.
"I know the first thought that comes to mind when you hear National Guard is uniforms and arms — that's not the case," Gomes noted. "They're people like us — they're educated, they're trained. We just need their assistance right now. We need more staff to support our staff."
"I know there are a lot of negative comments regarding the National Guard coming out, but we're not asking them to deploy a whole army to our school, we're asking them for support," Oliver said. "We have some great students in Brockton, they are doing excellent work, coming in and getting an education. But we do have some that are continuing to not do what they're supposed to be doing, and that's what we need help with."
"What's going on at the high school is disheartening," added Rodrigues. "Kids are losing precious learning time, kids are causing chaos."
However, City Councilor-at-Large Winthrop Farwell Jr. said having the National Guard at the high school is a terrible image.
"The four committee members are suggesting the Guard should be called at a time when the School Committee needs to listen to our teaching staff, support them, and take proper action based on staff reports and recommendations," he said.
Mayor Robert F. Sullivan issued a statement Monday saying he understands the gravity of the concerns but does not support using National Guard troops at Brockton High School.
"While we appreciate the suggestions put forth by four school committee members, we believe that such measures are not appropriate. Instead, we are committed to employing a collaborative approach that involves the entire community, including parents, students, educators, and law enforcement, to tackle these challenges head-on," he said.
The mayor said Police Chief Brenda Perez will provide an update to the school committee on efforts being made to address the situation at Brockton High School after school vacation week.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey's office has also weighed in, saying the administration is committed to ensuring schools are safe and is in touch with Brockton officials about the matter.
