BROCKTON — Brockton High School parents learned students would have a last minute early dismissal Friday from a message sent out Thursday afternoon by brand new Interim Principal José Duarte.
Duarte called an early dismissal so BHS faculty and staff could discuss and enact urgent safety measures at the high school, Duarte confirmed to The Enterprise Thursday afternoon.
“I apologize for the short notice and I’m going to be very honest with you about my rationale.” Duarte said in the message that was sent out via email, text and phone calls to Brockton High parents, caregivers and staff at around 2:30 p.m. Thursday.
“Over the last few days, I’ve spent time talking to members of our community and gathering information. I share many of the concerns that have been brought to my attention and feel it is important that I have time to do some necessary work with our staff members,” he wrote.
“BHS Faculty and Staff will be meeting tomorrow afternoon to discuss and enact structures to address a number of issues, especially issues relative to student safety,” Duarte said in the message.
“I will provide an update to you tomorrow afternoon at the conclusion of this meeting so you know what to expect leading into next week,” he said.
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Duarte was named interim principal of the high school at an Oct. 17 school committee meeting as BPS Acting Superintendent James Cobbs announced he would step down as the school’s acting principal — two roles he held simultaneously. Duarte began his role on Monday.
The message was sent to parents via text, phone or email.
Does the early dismissal only apply to Brockton High School?
Friday’s early dismissal day will only apply to Brockton High School.
Brockton schools face budget crisis and teacher shortage
The staff meeting and early dismissal come as the district faces various security and violence issues, and as BPS faces a shortage of teaching staff leaving some students without teachers to lead their classes. Some students have spent class time in the school’s cafeteria.
“Our staff and students deserve to enter this building every day confident that they will have an enriching and positive experience. While we won’t resolve every issue tomorrow, we urgently need some changes to be enacted,” Duarte said.
Read deeper: A morning in the life of a Brockton High student: Metal detectors and backpack checks
Who is José Duarte?
José Duarte is the retired principal of South Middle School, where he oversaw many students who are now enrolled at Brockton High School.
