School staff member at Holmes Middle School emphasizes safety and outreach

A school staff member at Holmes Middle School in District 21 introduced themself and said their "number 1 priority is school safety and education," describing responsibilities for student and staff safety across Holmes and its feeder schools.

The staff member said they grew up in Des Plaines and earned an associate degree in law enforcement and criminal justice from Oakton Community College, and described a career path shaped by having a school resource officer, Officer Bube, as a mentor at Maine West High School. "He was kind of just my mentor at the high school," the staff member said.

The speaker framed community outreach as central to the role: "My goal is bridging the gap between law enforcement and, just citizens," they said, adding that they want students and parents to "view [police] as a good member in the community and not just the bad side as we see on social media sometimes." The staff member identified District 21's diversity and the large Hispanic community at Holmes as reasons they felt a good fit for the position.

The staff member also offered practical outreach and availability: "You can always give me a call if you have any concerns with any of the schools I'm in charge of," they said, and invited contact about parking or before- and after-school drop-off safety. The speaker added a personal detail, saying they walk a 9-year-old beagle named Rocky.

No formal actions or votes were announced during the presentation. The staff member closed by encouraging parents and family members to reach out with safety concerns affecting Holmes Middle School and its feeder schools.