MONTAGUE — As the students in Great Falls Middle School and Turners Falls High School walked through the front doors on the first day of school Thursday morning, they were greeted by Officer Dan Miner.
Miner said “hello,” gave high-fives, made jokes and introduced himself to the students as they walked by, as he, too, experienced his first day of school – as the new school resource officer.
Miner is a full-time school officer, spending most of his time in the secondary school, but he will spend time in the elementary schools as well.
“This is something I’m looking forward to,” Miner said. “It’s a new set of challenges. It’s exciting.”
As a Montague policeman, Montague resident and Turners Falls High School graduate, Miner said he’s connected with and cares about the community. One of his three children is a junior at the high school.
He earlier went before the school committee to introduce himself as well.
“The reason I tell you personal information is because I believe I’m invested in this community,” said Miner. “I want to retire here.”
Miner attended the National Association of School Resource Officers, a 40-hour course for law enforcement officers working in an school setting. His role includes mentoring students as well as providing increased security in the schools.
Superintendent Michael Sullivan said Miner’s role will not include punishing or disciplining students.
“Having an SRO respond to infractions of school rules is a scenario that can turn out poorly for students and officers and is not the role we envision for an SRO,” he said.
Sullivan said he is thrilled to have Miner.
“He’s a longtime resident and it’s obvious he cares about the community. He’s down to earth, which is really helpful.”
Miner will be “an important player in our preventive and positive support systems, working closely with administrators, counselors, nurses, and teachers to create an inclusive, positive, and supportive learning environment for all of our students,” Sullivan said.
The SRO was approved in the school’s budget at Montague’s annual town meeting earlier this year.
Miner is an employee of the Police Department and under the supervision of the department, but will have access to student records and be a part of school meetings that are not open to the public.
In May, the district agreed to pay for $50,250 of the SRO’s annual salary and the police department is responsible for the remaining salary and employee-related benefits.
Miner said he looks forward to what the school year brings.
“I hope my personality, as well as my many years in the law enforcement community, will bridge the gap between law enforcement, the children and staff,” Miner said.