ContestsEvents

LISTEN LIVE

Brockton High School Superintendent Placed on Leave, Sparks Fly at Committee Meeting

Sparks were flying at last night’s Brockton High School Committee meeting. Officials have been concerned with the uptick in fights, drugs, security risks in the past several months. Some have…

Brockton High School

Brockton High School

Jamira Goncalves, Facebook

Sparks were flying at last night's Brockton High School Committee meeting. Officials have been concerned with the uptick in fights, drugs, security risks in the past several months. Some have been pleading for help, even asking about bringing the National Guard in to assist. That request was essentially denied by Governor Maura Healey. She had deemed the move "not appropriate." So last night's meeting was a special case and was in place to address the situation.

The meeting was well received at  Arnone Elementary School and tempers flared when Superintendent of Schools Mike Thomas got up to speak. You'll remember, Thomas has been on leave since Aug. 31, 2023. At the same time, news had come out that Brockton High was facing a $14 million deficit. Coincidence? Could be. However, Thomas has denied having anything to do with the deficit. Thomas spoke saying he is well enough to come back, but that it was voted he stay on leave. Reason being, the committee wants a thorough investigation into the deficit. Thomas insists if he was still working, the issues and security concerns at BHS would NOT be happening. However, after a heated conversation with Mayor Robert Sullivan, the meeting was adjourned.

So what happens now? A likely investigation into the budget deficit for sure. But as for help with security concerns at the school, that remains to be seen. But when it comes to the national guard, it is quite clear, there are many opposed and feel it is NOT the answer.

How bad is it really at Brockton High School? So bad that members of the Brockton School Committee have requested the assistance of the National Guard to help get control of the situation. According to committee members there has been a significant increase in fighting, substance abuse and security. It has gotten so bad, 35 teachers were recently absent.

“Our administration is committed to ensuring that schools are safe and supportive environments for students, educators and staff. We are aware of concerns raised about Brockton High School and are in touch with local officials." This statement came from a spokesperson for Governor Maura Healey.

However not all parents and committee members feel calling the National Guard is the right thing to do. Many believe if the Guard is called, kids will leave. Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan released a statement about the growing concern. After stating he doesn't believe calling the National Guard is necessary, he offered a solution. He added: "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."

So how bad is it really inside Brockton High School? There have been countless videos added by students to the social media platform: TikTok. Many of these videos are taken down as soon as they're uploaded. However, we found some that are still floating around. Some of those videos are from Brockton School Committee meetings. Maybe seeing it for ourselves will get people to understand the severity of the situation.

TikTok video capturing a party like atmosphere in the hallways

In this video, students are seen dancing in the hallways. While it may seem innocent, this type of unruly activity is what sometimes can lead to violence. This video has 293 likes and 45 bookmarks.

Brockton School Committee meeting demanding more help

In this video, the union President Stacy McDonald expresses frustration that nothing has been done to help them. She details incidents of teens smoking and nothing being done. She also details incidents of sexual activity in the stairwells with nothing being done.

Brockton School Committee meeting where administrative assistant Sherry Mazoli explains how bad it is

According to Sherry, not only students are being hurt. Colleagues and even herself have been hurt. She describes incidents of multiple fights happening daily. During these fights, nurses are needed and teachers are also getting hurt.

Brockton School Committee meeting where a student named Mara addresses the concerns at Brockton High

Mara is a senior.  Mara expresses frustrations that their voices aren't being heard. She is calling for help from officials. Students as well as employees at the school are begging for help.

TikTok video shows a line of students waiting to walk through metal detectors in the cold

**NSFW** In this video, students are seen waiting in line to get into school. Allegedly, this video is the students waiting in line to go through metal detectors. The fact that it's the middle of winter and these students are freezing isn't a good thing.

Brockton School Committee meeting from 2/6, officials express concerns about things like cell phone use and security

Staff members are saying they can't trust higher officials. Students are getting no consequences for their actions. Teachers are suffering from mental health issues due to the constant incidents inside the school.

Students stabbed at the school, then at the Good Samaritan Medical Center

In this incident that took place months ago, students were fighting at the softball field. There was a stabbing between students. When the students were taken to Good Samaritan Medical Center, another stabbing occurred.

MelissaWriter
A 29 year radio veteran, Melissa has made notable media appearances including serving as a judge and correspondent on the Emmy Award-winning TV show Community Auditions, Phantom Gourmet, Chronicle and many more. Additionally, Melissa won a Gracie Award in 2019 for her work as Co-Host of The GetUp Crew with Ramiro, Pebbles, Melissa & Leroy. She volunteered coaching cheerleading for 20 years. Melissa is a social influencer who creates videos promoting area businesses, movies, concerts and other lifestyle events.