D202 Hires 1st Director Of Safety, Security

PLAINFIELD, IL — Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 has hired its first director of safety and security.

Stefan Bjes brings more than two decades of law enforcement and security experience to the new position. The Board of Education approved him for the role at its April 23 meeting, about a month after approving the new job.

Bjes will oversee the district's safety committee, act as a liaison between the district and local municipalities, and collaborate with the technology and business and operations departments to advance ongoing safety initiatives. He will begin working on May 27.

Shannon Miller-Finlayson, safety coordinator and director for middle school administration and personnel, said Bjes's experience is a perfect fit for this job at District 202.

"We're excited to welcome our first safety director — a key step in strengthening and expanding the safety and security measures throughout our learning community," Miller-Finlayson said.

Bjes most recently served as the assistant director of campus safety for patrol at North Central College in Naperville. Prior to that, he was a patrol officer and police sergeant for several law enforcement agencies. Bjes also has experience teaching law enforcement classes at area colleges and works as a school resource officer with the Addison Police Department, a job he's had for 11 years.

This summer, Bjes plans to assess current safety protocols, strengthen partnerships and increase preparedness across the district, according to a news release.

"The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community are my top priorities," Bjes said in a statement. "I am committed to working collaboratively with district leadership, law enforcement, and families to ensure our schools remain safe, welcoming, and prepared learning environments."