Statement from Mayor Patrick M. Keefe Jr. Regarding Student Health, Safety, and Wellbeing

REVERE, MA – Since the start of our new school year, there have been three physical altercations in our schools. Unfortunately, this has given a platform to suggest the City and the School Administration have disregarded faculty and residents’ feedback, calling for a safer and healthier school environment.

I can say for certain that we, the City and the District Administration, take this feedback very seriously, and that we have been working diligently to make the necessary adjustments at Revere High School. The following measures are in addition to robust resources and increased staffing across our school district over the past several years:

Effective immediately, we have inserted a fourth SRO (School Resource Officer) into our school’s environment.

We have housed our Behavioral Health Unit at Revere High School, to create better relationships with our student population, and to provide the clinical and social-emotional support we believe can be a root cause of many incidents.

We are engaging with other outside resources, such as further partnering with ROCA, and working to equip our staff security personnel with more training regarding conflict resolution and de-escalation tactics.

As a parent, and someone who has worked with Revere youth and the schools for many years, I understand everyone’s concern regarding a safe environment for education. For that same reason, our goal is to work with everyone who plays a role in our children’s education: the faculty and staff, families, public safety, elected officials, and other stakeholders.

Due to the recent incidents, our district decided to suspend and expel over 12 students. As consequence of today’s incident, 2 students were emergency removed from Revere High School for disciplinary reasons. While our model is to educate, we hear families and staff loud and clear: Students who cause trouble in our schools will be disciplined accordingly, and those who endanger themselves and others will face the highest consequences– no exceptions.

I want the public and our school community to fully trust that we have always been and are committed to fostering a safe and healthy learning environment. We will remain nimble enough to make the necessary adjustments, if and when it is called for.

Students come to school to learn, to make friends and to grow as a child and young adult. Faculty share in this obligation by providing the mentorship and guidance these young minds yearn for. The administration is here to support the entire team.

We look forward to working together, listening to our families, faculty, and staff, as we move forward with proactive approaches to make sure our students receive the quality education they deserve.

We, the City and the School District, would like to continue to hear feedback from families and staff, and have scheduled a Community Forum later this month.