Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
EVERETT, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — State education officials updated community members on their plans concerning cellphone policies and potential ICE raids on campus during their monthly public meeting Tuesday.
Acting Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Russell Johnston said they have been working with the attorney general’s office to make sure that all schools in the state are equipped with the necessary response mechanisms ahead of potential ICE raids.
“That ability to plan and be ready, and [that] readiness is what we want to instill in our schools right now,” he said, reassuring parents that they will uphold and protect the rights of local immigrant children and families. "We value each and every one of the students we serve, we are not going to let any one of them down here in our schools.”
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The acting commissioner also addressed ongoing challenges regarding cellphone policies, particularly about its distractions to students’ learning and social media’s impact on mental health.
“It’s really important that we address that, and we promote a positive developmental experiences for our students in our schools,” he said.
He emphasized that creating positive school experiences is their priority.
“Our guidance stems from our education vision that all students are known and valued that means creating safe, welcoming learning environments for our students,” Johnston said.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.
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