Brockton's Request To Delay Full Return To Schools Is Granted

BROCKTON, MA- Brockton Public Schools won't be following the mandates set by Massachusetts's Education commission to fully send their students back to in-person learning. Jess Hodges, spokesperson for Brockton public schools, announced on Monday that the state granted permission for Brockton to delay their full transition back to the classrooms.

Education Commissioner, Jeffrey Riley, set a timeline to have all elementary school students fully in-person by April 6th and middle schoolers by April 28th. Riley allowed for towns to submit a waiver request to delay their fully in-person transitions if they "make a compelling case that they must take an incremental approach to implementation of these requirements."

Brockton certainly had a case to delay this transition. The number of students and staff in Brockton schools are among the highest in the state, making the in-person contact difficult to track. Another issue Brockton is facing is increasing their bus total from 35 to 52 and are experiencing a shortage of bus drivers as well.

Superintendent Thomas said, "No one wants students in school more than us... I just think it's been done in such a safe way. I think this is the safest way for us to move to 100 percent — is to go to 50 percent on the 5th and then move to 100 percent pre-K to 8 the Monday after vacation."

The school committee unanimously supported Thomas's request for a waiver to try and ensure the safety of students, faculty and their families. As of Wednesday, Brockton's waiver request was one of 58 other requests granted. Commissioner Riley mentioned, "Many school districts have been safely educating students in person since September, and we are thrilled that the remainder of all elementary students will be back in classrooms soon."

Spokeswoman Hodges issued the announcement of the accepted grant on Monday. In her announcement Hodges says, "Delaying our transition to in-person learning until April 26 will give the Brockton Public Schools time to address our new transportation needs and to procure large tents so that we can host lunch periods outdoors,". Hodges thanked the Education Commission for their support in safely transitioning their students to in-person learning.

Click here for Brockton's official waiver request submission.

Click here for Brockton's waiver acceptance response.