Board approves new coordinator of safety and security position with amended minimum qualifications

The Highlands County School Board approved a new job description for a coordinator of safety and security and AVID, and amended the position’s minimum qualifications to require three years’ experience in school‑based leadership or in an area related to safety and security.

Board members engaged in a detailed discussion about the necessary baseline qualifications for the role. Some members urged a more rigorous minimum because the position carries responsibility for safety protocols, referrals and related compliance work; others cautioned that overly narrow minimums can unduly restrict the candidate pool.

Kim Irvin, principal at Sebring High School, argued for flexible language that would still allow candidates with strong safety or law‑enforcement backgrounds to qualify: “If you said just school based administrator, you’re narrowing it,” she said, arguing in favor of the “related area” formulation.

After discussion, Mr. Whitten removed an initial motion and the board adopted a clarified motion to approve the job description with a change to the minimum qualifications. The board’s revised minimum reads: three years’ experience in school‑based leadership or in an area related to safety and security. Counsel and staff will finalize the published job posting and the superintendent will bring the vacancy forward for posting and recruitment under the approved minimums.

Board members said they want to avoid lowering long‑term standards while also preserving flexibility to attract candidates with relevant safety experience rather than only traditional school administration backgrounds.