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Methacton board approves chief of police job description, adds bullying prevention duty
Summary
The Methacton School District Board approved a job description for a chief of police (law‑enforcement position) for the 2025‑26 year, and amended the draft to add explicit responsibility for bullying prevention and related programming; the vote was 7‑2.
On April 29 the Methacton School District Board of Directors approved a job description for a new law‑enforcement position — described in the document as “chief of police” — and amended the description to add bullying prevention to the position’s duties.
Board members discussed the title and scope. Administration and several board members said the title “chief of police” is used by other districts for an on‑site sworn law‑enforcement leader, while some board members suggested civilian titles such as “director of public safety.” District leaders said the position would be a sworn law‑enforcement role and that “chief” is commensurate with responsibilities in other school districts.
Before the board voted, members amended the job description to add bullying to the list of required program supports (the change places bullying prevention alongside drug‑awareness and prevention programs in the duties section). District staff confirmed the position would collaborate closely with mental‑health staff, behavioral‑support teams and building leaders to prioritize de‑escalation and access to mental‑health resources.
Board procedure: a motion to approve the revised job description was made and seconded at the meeting; the item passed by a 7‑2 vote. The administration said it plans to advertise the position if the budget is approved and intends to hire for the 2025‑26 school year.
Why it matters: The new position would centralize law‑enforcement responsibilities inside district operations and be positioned to coordinate with counselors and existing mental‑health supports. Board members who spoke in favor said the role should increase leadership capacity on safety and compliance issues; those opposed expressed concerns about title, scope and budgeting.
Speakers and roles cited in the meeting record include Superintendent Dr. Zerbe, board members Miss Austin (who moved the motion) and Mister Winters (who seconded), and other board members who debated the title and duties.
Ending: With the job description approved, the administration said it will advertise the position and return with hiring details and budget implications for the 2025‑26 school year.
