At Belmont Public Schools, we are committed to creating schools where every student feels safe, welcomed, and valued. All students have the right to a free public education and to learn in an environment that is safe, inclusive, and supportive.

On August 5, 2026, Governor Healey signed into law the PROTECT Act, which governs how schools interact with Civil Law Enforcement and strengthens protections for Massachusetts residents by limiting state and local participation in federal civil immigration enforcement.

In accordance with this law, the Belmont School Committee approved the PROTECT Act at its September 8, 2026 meeting. This law requires school districts to establish a policy that entails the provisions of the regulation and outlines the procedures districts must follow to implement the law.

The superintendent’s role is to implement the PROTECT Act procedures consistent with guidance issued by the Governor’s Office, the Executive Office of Education, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The procedures provide a clear and consistent framework for responding to civil law enforcement activity and support our commitment to maintaining schools that are safe, welcoming, and accessible for all students, staff, and residents.

We encourage families to review the policy and procedures:

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

• PROTECT Act Procedures

This policy, along with these procedures, reflects our commitment to maintaining schools that are safe, accessible, and welcoming for all students, staff, and residents.