DeKALB | The DeKalb School Board recently named Donald Gladden as director of safety and security at last Tuesday’s meeting.

Lynette Hallauer, staff community relations liaison, is now sharing an office with Gladden. Although she no longer has her own office, Hallauer said she enjoys working with him.

“We’re pleased to have somebody with Don’s experience in the position,” Hallauer said. “He has a lot of knowledge.”

School Board President Andy Small agrees.

“I believe the school district and the community at large are very happy to see Don Gladden involved with District 428,” Small said. “Those who know Mr. Gladden and even those don’t know him, but know his reputation, certainly admire and respect him and are looking forward to working with him in the future.”

Gladden retired in March after serving as a DeKalb police officer for 30 years. A member of the school board for four years, a DARE officer for 10 years and a sophomore football coach for 12 years, Gladden is familiar with the DeKalb School District.

“I’ve dealt with these things for many years and am familiar with the school district,” he said. “As far as cooperation goes, I think that will be an asset.”

As director of safety and security, Gladden’s job is “intensive.” He is responsible for overseeing plans for district emergencies, which include everything from violence to severe weather.

“Hopefully, if that big thing ever happens we can meet it head-on,” Gladden said.

Gladden is also co-chair of the Safety Task Force.

“We have lots of new ideas and plans that are just not in the process yet.” he said.

Some plans have come out of the Security Readiness Assessment discussed in a school board meeting in September, Hallauer said.

“It is a good base point for strengths, weaknesses, what we need to do and what we’ve done in the past,” Gladden said.

DeKalb High School is still in the process of installing the new security cameras.

“Some work has been completed, but it’s all still in the works,” Gladden said.