Penfield schools add safety coordinator, continue use of private security after recent threats

The Penfield Central School District on April 8 said it has hired a permanent Safety and Security Coordinator and will continue using an outside security firm to provide an external presence at school campuses after a period of threatening communications to the district.

Superintendent Dr. Potter told the board the district had consulted with legal counsel, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State troopers, the New York State Education Department and the Attorney General’s Office while planning its safety response. “So I'll just be clear that in collaboration and in partnership, all decisions were made with legal counsel,” Dr. Potter said.

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Kenny introduced Theodore “Ted” Wilson as the district’s new Safety and Security Coordinator. Dr. Kenny said Wilson “comes to us with over 30 years of experience, not only in law enforcement, but as well as security,” and encouraged staff and community members to introduce themselves.

Dr. Potter and other administrators described a three-part plan the district is pursuing: (1) review and update safety policies and protocols; (2) build internal capacity by hiring a Safety and Security Coordinator and additional security workers and elevating some titles (including an update to hall monitor titles); and (3) retain an external security contractor. Dr. Potter said Blackhawk Security and Investigations will “continue to support our school campuses by providing an external presence. They will be patrolling the outsides of our schools, and they will also be joining us when we host our Board of Education meetings.”

District officials said the Security Coordinator will act as a liaison to families, support students and staff, and oversee future hires of on-campus security workers. The board also discussed possible capital or summer work to add audio enhancements and electronic door-locking systems and the potential acquisition of a district security vehicle as part of building internal capacity.

Board members and staff emphasized that the district could not solicit broad community input on some decisions while threats were ongoing, citing open meetings requirements and safety concerns. Dr. Potter said the district will reach out to families and community members for feedback as the planning for the 2025–26 school year continues.

The district also noted it will continue to post board bulletins and district announcements on its website so all community members can see policy updates and meeting summaries.

Ending: The district did not record a formal board vote on the security contractor or the coordinator during the April 8 meeting; administrators described steps already taken and outlined next steps for staffing and infrastructure. Community input sessions were promised as part of future planning for the 2025–26 school year.