Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Centennial SD board approves revised Safety and Security Coordinator job description, 6–2
Summary
After extended debate about qualifications and duties, the Centennial School District board approved a revised Safety and Security Coordinator job description that removes an explicit requirement for active Act 120 police certification and adds broader management and emergency-preparedness duties. The motion passed 6–2.
The Centennial School District Board of School Directors voted Oct. 28 to approve a revised job description for the district’s Safety and Security Coordinator, passing the measure 6–2 after about an hour of discussion.
Board members debated whether to require an actively certified police officer for the role or to broaden the qualifications to attract retired, command-level officers with emergency-management experience. Superintendent Dr. Lukobaugh said the district’s job descriptions are intentionally comprehensive and “list all the things that a person might be within the scope of responsibility,” and that listing many tasks does not mean a candidate must perform every line item every day.
Board member Martin, who opposed the change, said he had ‘‘three questions’’ about the revision, starting with whether the change was necessary and noting concern that the new description lists 28 tasks that might be unrealistic to accomplish at the current salary. ‘‘Number 1, why is it necessary?’’ he asked during discussion.
Board member Michael Ginhart, who spoke from his law-enforcement experience, urged a managerial focus for the role. ‘‘This is much more of a management position than a hands-on day to day going to every school,’’ Ginhart said, arguing that removing the active Act 120 certification requirement would allow the district to recruit retired lieutenant- or chief-level officers who possess command-level training, NIMS and emergency-management experience, and the ability to run a small security department.
Superintendent Dr. Lukobaugh and other supporters said changing the certification requirement would expand the candidate pool without preventing an active officer from applying. The discussion also covered whether retired officers could carry firearms on school premises; a presenter noted that retired officers can obtain separate certification (referenced in the discussion as Act 235) that would allow armed service if approved by the superintendent.
The board approved the job description revision. The motion was recorded as passing 6–2. The board discussion and vote did not specify a change to the position’s base salary; salary remains as currently budgeted (not specified in the meeting record).
The revision also emphasizes strategic responsibilities such as conducting safety audits, coordinating drills, providing leadership training for security staff, and serving as the district liaison with local law enforcement and first responders.
