HILLSBORO, Mo. — Hillsboro R-3 School District is taking the next step in implementing its recently approved School Safety Officer Program with the launch of a districtwide hiring effort aimed at enhancing safety and security across all schools. A full news release is available right here.
The district will begin by hiring a Director of School Safety, a 12-month position that is expected to start July 1. Additional School Safety Officer positions will be posted later this summer, with hiring anticipated in July and officers expected to begin work in August in alignment with the school calendar.
The School Safety Officer Program, approved by the Hillsboro R-3 Board of Education, will place a dedicated School Safety Officer at each district attendance center beginning with the 2026-27 school year. The initiative represents a significant investment in student and staff safety while strengthening emergency preparedness, campus supervision and districtwide safety coordination.
"Nothing is more important than the safety of our children and the staff members who care for them every day," said Dr. Jon Isaacson, Superintendent of Schools. "As a community, we have a responsibility to do everything within our power to provide a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment. This investment reflects our commitment to taking every reasonable step possible to protect our students and ensure our schools remain safe places where children can learn, grow, and succeed."
Under the approved model, Hillsboro R-3 will employ five full-time School Safety Officers, with one assigned to each district attendance center:
• Hillsboro Primary School
• Hillsboro Elementary School
• Hillsboro Intermediate School
• Hillsboro Junior High School
• Hillsboro High School
One School Safety Officer will also serve as the district's Director of School Safety, overseeing districtwide safety initiatives, emergency preparedness planning, staff training and operational safety support.
District officials are seeking highly qualified candidates with backgrounds in law enforcement, public safety or related fields. School Safety Officers will be uniformed, armed and required to maintain all certifications and training required under Missouri law. In addition to their safety responsibilities, officers will work to build positive relationships with students, staff and families while serving as visible and accessible members of the school community.
The Director of School Safety will play a key leadership role in coordinating emergency preparedness efforts, safety training, districtwide planning and operational support throughout the year.
School Safety Officers will assist with a variety of responsibilities, including campus supervision, visitor management, building security procedures, student arrival and dismissal operations, emergency preparedness efforts and event security. Officers will also work closely with school administrators and emergency responders to support a coordinated approach to school safety.
As part of the transition, Hillsboro R-3 will continue its longstanding partnership with the Hillsboro Police Department. The district anticipates transitioning from two shared School Resource Officers serving the district to one dedicated full-time School Resource Officer assigned exclusively to Hillsboro High School.
The new safety model expands the district's current approach by providing dedicated safety personnel at every attendance center while strengthening districtwide coordination and emergency preparedness efforts.
The district estimates the enhanced safety model represents an additional annual investment of approximately $150,000 and will provide expanded safety coverage, enhanced visitor management and dedicated safety support at every Hillsboro R-3 school.
Information regarding the Director of School Safety position will be posted soon on the district's employment webpage. Additional School Safety Officer positions are expected to be posted in late June or early July.
District leaders said the hiring process marks an important milestone as Hillsboro R-3 continues its commitment to providing safe, secure and supportive learning environments for all students and staff.