New Bedford held its first day of school for all students on Wednesday a week after 15-year-old Mateo Morales was stabbed to death in a fight that left two others wounded.

As the school year begins there is concern that a retaliatory attack may take place on school grounds.

School Committee Member Chris Cotter told WBSM's Brian Thomas that's a concern that needs to be taken seriously.

"Most of these kids involved go to our public schools," said Cotter "so to think that there is not the possibility of any retaliation, if anybody tells you that is not a possibility, they would be lying."

School Committee Vice-Chair Josh Amaral also called it a serious concern and says school administrators are working on plans to address those concerns.

"I've been told that our administration is working closely with Chief Cordeiro and the New Bedford Police Department for additional safety precautions just to make sure that the things that start in our community don't boil over into our schools," said Amaral.

Cotter advises students to be aware of there surroundings and report any suspicious situations to a responsible adult.

However, with the school year now fully underway Cotter says he had a chance to visit some schools and says that, from what he's seen, things seem to be going along smoothly.

"As of the start of the school year everything did appear to be going well between the high school and Keith [Middle School] and I haven't heard anything negative at any of the other schools," said Cotter "so it sounds like we're off to a good start."

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