From protecting students and staff to preparing for everyday hazards, the Safety and Security department works behind the scenes to ensure every school is a welcoming, secure place to learn. Safety and Security efforts span everything from emergency planning and building upgrades to partnerships with law enforcement and support services across the district.
Richard Peebles, St. Vrain’s Executive Director of Safety and Security, leads these efforts. He brings decades of experience in law enforcement and emergency management, guiding the department’s work to keep students, teachers, staff, and visitors safe.
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to St. Vrain?
Richard: After serving in the Marine Corps and Air National Guard, I spent 22 years in law enforcement. One of the most impactful parts of that work was serving as a school resource officer (SRO), which sparked my interest in school safety. While earning my graduate degree in criminal justice and emergency management, I focused much of my research on school security. When this position opened in St. Vrain, it felt like a perfect fit. I retired from law enforcement and joined the district nearly six years ago.
How would you describe your team’s and the district’s approach to safety and security?
We take a comprehensive approach to safety, focusing not only on rare, high-risk events but also on the everyday hazards schools face. Severe weather, snow and ice, wildfires, and wildlife are all part of what we plan for and work to mitigate, alongside less likely risks that still need attention.
At the same time, our buildings must feel like schools first, a welcoming space for learning, while being as safe and secure as possible. Behind the scenes, that includes cameras, access control, double-entry vestibules, window laminates, improved lighting, and other security measures.
Safety and security relies on a whole-system approach with strong partnerships inside and outside the district. Law enforcement provides School Resource Officers at all secondary schools and K-8s, and St. Vrain was among the first districts to place campus supervisors at every school, including elementary campuses. Other departments contribute as well, including Operations, which supports building upgrades like secure entry vestibules, and Student Services, which provides direct support to students and families through counselors, interventionists, and additional services.
What are some of the current priorities of your team?
The Safety and Security department is focused on continuous improvement and innovation to meet the evolving needs of schools. Key priorities include exploring new technologies to enhance safety, strengthening emergency preparedness, and supporting initiatives that promote student well-being.
The team is also focused on implementing projects funded by the 2024 bond, including facility upgrades and security enhancements that make schools safer while maintaining a welcoming environment. Our strong partnerships with law enforcement and other community organizations remains central, ensuring coordinated and effective responses whenever needed.
Looking ahead, what safety and security improvements are included in the 2024 bond?
The Safety and Security team is focused on implementing nearly 90 bond-funded projects that strengthen school facilities and enhance overall security. Many improvements focus on building enhancements, including upgraded entry points, office spaces, lighting, communication systems, and monitoring technology. Additional projects help reinforce buildings against environmental hazards, supporting both student safety and day-to-day learning.
Is there anything else families and community members should know?
School safety is a shared effort between the district, families, students, and community partners. Across St. Vrain, School Resource Officers (SROs) and campus supervisors play a central role. Beyond traditional security duties, they serve as mentors, coaches, and volunteers, building relationships that strengthen trust and support student well-being across classrooms, extracurricular programs, and school events.
Relationship-building is a cornerstone of their work. By connecting with students, checking in on staff, and engaging with families, SROs and campus supervisors foster an environment where students feel supported and secure.
Communication is equally important. When someone notices something concerning, speaking up can make a real difference. Active communication between students, families, schools, and law enforcement is one of the most effective ways to maintain a safe community.
Families can also take simple steps each year, such as reviewing the district’s Standard Response Protocols (SRPs) to understand procedures in place during emergencies. And whenever questions, concerns, or ideas arise, reaching out directly helps ensure everyone has accurate information and contributes to a safer, stronger school community.
