The Knox Community School Corporation’s new school resource officer says the job has gotten off to a good start. Officer Travis Schieber gave an update to the school board Monday.
He explained that his main purpose is to provide safety. “I’m here for obvious reasons, but there’s also a second part of interacting with kids and making sure that they understand why I’m here,” Shieber said. “So I worked with [Elementary School Principal] Mrs. [Michelle] Tarnow and I stopped by every single classroom in the elementary school. I’ve been to every single special ed room in all three schools, and I’ve been able to eat lunch with all the kids.”
Schieber said all the elementary school classes have had a chance to ask him questions. At the high school, Schieber has been working with students on issues like attendance, but he stresses that he isn’t there strictly for discipline.
In addition to interacting with students, Schieber also spends time checking the outer perimeter of buildings and helping with traffic at the middle school. He’s also begun reviewing the schools’ safety plans, to make the buildings a more difficult target for potential intruders.
All three principals said having a school resource officer has been working really well so far. Going forward, Shieber said he’s also looking at having an informational session for parents, to give them a better understanding of his role.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart said school officials are working on another new initiative with the Indiana State Police. He said they may be ready to unveil more details next month.
