Brockton Public Schools to improve security after ‘independent review’

BROCKTON, Mass. (WLNE) — Brockton Public Schools Acting Superintendent Dr. James Cobbs said that the school system is “taking initial steps” to improve security at Brockton High School and is conducting an independent comprehensive physical security site assessment.

The assessment comes after the school called in the National Guard to prevent a “potential tragedy.”

The assessment is being conducted by the Edward Davis Company and the $83,850 cost is being paid for by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The assessment is planned to be completed by June 30.

The school district is also seeking to hire a new director of security and to double the number of non-police security staff at the high school over the next year.

“Through our collaborative work with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and our local partners, we hope to bring forward a wide range of safety enhancements that will have a direct and tangible benefit for students and staff at Brockton High School,” Acting Superintendent Cobbs said. “While we are awaiting the findings of this work, we have already taken meaningful steps that will serve as a strong foundation for future enhancements to safety and security.”

School staff is also planning on replacing more than 1,400 locks on doors at the high school.