Carlynton School Board votes to create school police officer position
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A school police officer is slated to join the ranks of the Carlynton School District.
The school board agreed to create the position during its meeting Sept. 17, said Superintendent John Kreider.
“This is an important step in the district’s continued efforts to foster a safe, secure and positive learning environment across our district,” Kreider said.
Kreider said the move aligns with new state legislation that will require all school districts to employ at least one security personnel officer by the 2025-26 school year. He said the state provides support through grants that are intended to assist districts, like Carlynton, in financing school safety initiatives, such as the creation of the school police officer position.
School administrators now are beginning the process of creating a comprehensive job description for the position, Kreider said. It will include defining duties, responsibilities and expectations for the officer.
“The district will work closely with key stakeholders to ensure that this role is developed with full transparency and in alignment with the needs and values of our district,” Kreider said.
“While the primary goal of the SPO will be to provide safety and security, the district envisions this role as an opportunity to build positive relationships with students and staff. The officer will be engaged in proactive safety education, conflict resolution and supportive interventions, rather than solely focusing on enforcement.”
Kreider anticipates the position being filled in early 2025.
“We are committed to thoughtfully developing the SPO position in a way that reflects the priorities of our community and provide a safe, equitable and positive environment for all our students,” he said.