Brockton schools prepare for new year with emphasis on safety NBC Boston [Video]

Schools in Brockton, Massachusetts, are gearing up for a new year, and they’re setting expectations by introducing new leadership and new policies to keep students safe.

The moves come after a few tumultuous years at Brockton Public Schools.

Students and staff at Brockton High School are looking to start a new chapter under the leadership of Kevin McCaskill, who took on the mantle of principal in January.

“I believe in this so much, and this community deserves that,” he said.

McCaskill, who has more than 30 years in education, inherited a school in a district plagued with millions in budget deficits, staffing shortages, and violence at the high school. The situation was so dire, some school committee members last year wanted to call in the National Guard.

McCaskill said these issues have led to the loss of about 600 students to attrition over the last six years.

The New Jersey native wants to steer the narrative in a new direction by “gaining trust and …