CRETE, IL – A comprehensive update on school safety at Crete-Monee School District 201-U on Tuesday culminated in a board-level debate over whether the district’s director of safety and security should carry a firearm on campus.

The discussion followed a detailed presentation by Director of Safety and Security Robin Tobias, which highlighted significant upgrades to the district’s security infrastructure, threat assessment protocols, and first-responder relationships.

Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese initiated the conversation, asking the board to consider its “level of comfort” with Tobias carrying a sidearm, noting that many of his counterparts in other districts do so. The proposal drew immediate and mixed reactions.

Board President Maurice Brown expressed strong support, citing Tobias’s extensive training and qualifications, which now include a School Resource Officer (SRO) certification.

“For you not to have a firearm in your possession at all times on school grounds, I think that does not do anyone any good,” Brown said. “He’s right there where the rubber meets the road and he knows the process better than anybody… To have another force to mitigate potential issues out there, I would say again I’m all for it.”

However, another board member voiced staunch opposition, stating, “I’m a firm no and I will remain a firm no until the end of time.”

The item was for discussion only, and no action was taken. Coglianese indicated the topic could be revisited with more information in August, as a change would require amending Tobias’s job description.

Tobias’s presentation underscored the district’s multi-layered approach to safety. He reported that a district-wide security camera upgrade, funded by a grant, is nearing completion and will provide enhanced digital coverage, particularly at the high school, including the new athletic complex and parking lots.

A major focus of his update was the district’s threat assessment program, which he said is becoming a model for other Will County schools. The system, based on a model developed by the Secret Service and FBI, uses school-based and district-level teams to identify, assess, and manage potential threats with the goal of preventing targeted violence.

“We are going to make decisions based on facts and not hearsay,” Tobias said, emphasizing a systematic, evidence-based process.

The presentation also marked a transition in the district’s SRO program. Officer Al Taylor of the Crete Police Department was honored for his years of service as the SRO at Crete-Monee High School as he prepares to return to patrol duties. Officer Joseph Rod will take over the position for the upcoming school year. They were joined at the meeting by Officer Raone McCalpin of the Monee Police Department, who serves as the SRO at Monee Elementary.