Cleburne ISD has added to its safety initiatives following school board approval Monday night appointing Rickie Leck to the position of Executive Director of Safety and Security.

                Leck, whose duties have included safety and security at Cleburne High School as a member of the assistant principal team, was the lead candidate for the post following a comprehensive interview process. More than 100 applications were received for the new position, which was approved by Trustees earlier this year.

                Tammy Bright, assistant superintendent of Student Services, who has been coordinating the district’s safety and security program, believes Leck is ideal for the job.

                “I’m pleased to have someone in place whose sole focus is the safety and security of our schools and facilities,” Bright said. “Nothing precedes the importance of a safe environment for our students and staff. That top priority is shared by our Trustees—they viewed this position as a key and critical component to our ongoing safety initiatives.”

“We conducted a very stringent interview process and Mr. Leck rose to the top,” Bright said. “In addition to being an experienced educator and administrator, he brings a ‘boots on the ground’ knowledge and understanding to the position. He has coordinated safety and security on our district’s largest and most populated campus, which includes working closely with our School Resource Officers. He brings the best of both those worlds to his new position.”

The responsibilities of the CISD executive director of safety and security will range from direction of day-to-day operations and working with campuses in emergency drills and preparedness, to serving as the liaison between the district and local law enforcement, fire services, emergency management and community officials, ensuring campuses and the district are in compliance with state and federal safety mandates and the ongoing monitoring and review of safety procedures and standards, proposing and developing improvements as needed.

Leck began his career in education in 2011 as an agriculture science teacher with Hillsboro ISD.  A 1983 graduate of Cleburne High School, he came to Cleburne the following year as an ag teacher, serving for six years before being promoted to an assistant principal at CHS in the fall of 2018.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education from Texas A & M University. He earned a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University.

   "I wanted the best person for this job, whether it was me or someone else," Leck told Trustees. "I am very thankful to our school board for creating this position, as I think it makes a bold statement to our students, staff and community: that safety is our number one priority."