School Safety & Security Specialist Hired At Westfield Public Schools

WESTFIELD, NJ — A retired police captain has been selected to serve a new role at Westfield Public Schools.

Former Captain Frank Padovano has been appointed as the School Safety and Security Specialist for the Westfield Public School District. Padovano was approved for the 10.5-month position by the Board of Education on Oct. 18.

Padovano will receive a salary of $75,000 for this position, according to the district's recent personnel report.

Superintendent Dr. Raymond González said the district reallocated existing safety and security funds within the school budget to create this "important new position."

“As the full-time School Safety and Security Specialist, Mr. Padovano will work with staff and administration to review, revise, and coordinate safety and security practices at all 10 schools while serving as the primary liaison with the Westfield Police Department,” González said.

Padovano joined the Westfield Police Department in July 1998 as a patrol officer, advancing to
sergeant in 2008 and lieutenant in 2013.

In 2019, he became Captain of Police for the Administration and Support Service Division where his responsibilities included serving as Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for the Town of Westfield, enforcing departmental rules and regulations, as well as ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures and other written directives and collaborating with various community groups to plan major events and address community concerns.

“We need to create a climate in our schools that promotes a culture of wanting to be safe,”
Padovano said in a statement.

Padovano explained that a School Safety and Security Specialist can share relevant safety knowledge about which "many are unaware in the educational profession."

"Together we can accomplish this goal through inclusion, a sense of belonging, effective communication, and teamwork,” he said.

According to Padovano, that means “including staff and student input on the security drills,
keeping the staff informed on changes to state laws and regulations, and informing them on
added or enhanced security features.”

“Safety is everyone’s collective responsibility,” Padovano said.

“Maintaining a safe learning environment for our students and staff is our top priority,”
González added.

As Captain of Police, González said Padovano conducted onsite security assessments for houses of worship — many with preschool and daycare facilities. He also worked closely with the Union County Counterterrorism Task Force and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and was responsible for all tactical operations and special event planning among Westfield’s emergency services.

"Mr. Padovano brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this newly created position and, as School Safety and Security Specialist, will help to create a climate in which our school community can feel safe,” González said.