Springdale Schools continues to strengthen school safety by assigning Certified School Security Officers to serve in its four middle schools this school year.
The number of security personnel hasn’t decreased and remains at 34 total CSSOs and SROs for all Springdale schools, said Damon Donnell, Student Services director.
.Personnel adjustments have changed from 18 CSSOs and 16 SROs to 23 CSSOs and 11 SROs, he said.
Some familiar faces can be found among the CSSOs who are now serving Springdale middle schools.
CSSOs Leo Dale Teague, Helen Tyson Middle School, Bobby Beatty, Hellstern Middle School, and Jared Gully, Kelly Middle School, are all transitioning from prior district CSSO assignments to serve at district middle schools. While CSSO Jeff Taylor, Sonora Middle School, has retired as a Springdale Police Department officer and is a former Springdale High School SRO.
“I love Springdale Schools, and serving people is in my blood,” Taylor said. “I wanted to continue to serve the community and could not think of a better way than to serve as a CSSO.”
Gully said he wants to contribute to a safe and fun environment for staff and students, and Teague agreed.
“I think I bring a well-rounded background to help the district achieve its goals in creating a culture of safety,” Teague said of his position as CSSO.
Beatty said he hopes to bring a sense of service to the position as well.
“I think my biggest contribution will come in the form of servant leadership," he said. "I'm excited to serve the community that I care so much about."
The transitions are supported by both the Springdale and Tontitown police and fire departments. In addition, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Washington County Emergency Services partner with local emergency responders to help ensure a safe working and learning environment for Springdale’s staff and students.
The transitions have the support of both the Springdale and Tontitown police and fire departments. The Washington County Sheriff's Office and Washington County Emergency Services likewise work alongside area emergency responders to ensure a safe working and learning environment for Springdale's staff and students.
“We continue to maintain strong partnerships with both the Springdale and Tontitown police departments, working seamlessly as a team through cross training,” Donnell said. “Our commitment to safety remains unwavering, and our students, staff and community can have full confidence that we’re providing the highest level of security at all campuses.”
Bobby Beatty
Assigned School: Hellstern Middle School
Hometown: Bald Knobb
Experience: U.S. Army infantryman of 15 years
Hobbies: Enjoying the outdoors, hiking, swimming, camping and making Texas-style BBQ
Leo Dale Teague
Assigned School: Helen Tyson Middle School
Hometown: Alma
Experience: Central City Police Department, Safety and Security director for Lavaca Public Schools and security forces specialist with the Arkansas Air National Guard and the U.S. Navy.
Hobbies: Spending free time with his family, attending church, working on home do-it-yourself projects, camping and shooting at his family’s range.
Jeff Taylor
Assigned School: Sonora Middle School
Hometown: Springdale
Experience: Twenty-seven years with the Springdale Police Department and former SRO
Hobbies: Spending time with family and travelling.
Jared Gully
Assigned School: Kelly Middle School
Hometown: Centerton
Experience: Nine years with the Benton County Sheriff's Office and one year with the Centerton Police Department
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing and coaching football and baseball