At the September 8, 2026 meeting, the Belmont School Committee approved the PROTECT Act, a policy regarding interactions with law enforcement officers engaged in civil law enforcement, signed into law by Governor Healey in August 2026. 

At Belmont Public Schools, we are committed to maintaining schools that are safe, welcoming, and accessible for all students, staff, and families. The Massachusetts PROTECT Act provides important protections for school communities, and the School Committee policy and procedures establish a consistent process for how the district will respond to civil law enforcement activity.

The policy and procedures were developed in alignment with the Model Procedures and Guidance for K–12 Schools issued by the Governor’s Office, the Executive Office of Education, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on August 21, 2026. They also align, where applicable, with the district’s Emergency Operations Plans, Medical and Behavioral Health Emergency Response Plans, and School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding.

Please review the policy and procedures to become familiar with the district’s expectations and response protocols.

• PROTECT Act Policy: Interacting with Law Enforcement Officers Engaged in Civil Law Enforcement

• PROTECT Act Procedures