Updated on March 6, 2021 at 9:09 am NBC Universal, Inc. The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has voted to give one person — the education commissioner — the power to reopen schools, and some teachers are worried that may give the state too much power. The controversial vote came Friday, and gives Jeffrey Riley full power to require in-person learning for elementary school students. Students who are not comfortable returning to school will have the option of remaining remote for the rest of the school year. Download our mobile app for iOS or Android to get alerts for local breaking news and weather.