HAMLET — Richmond County Schools has welcomed Matt Thompson as the district's first director of safety and security. In this newly created role, Thompson will lead the district's school safety, emergency preparedness and crisis planning efforts while working closely with schools and local public safety partners.
For Thompson, joining Richmond County Schools was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
"What attracted me to Richmond County Schools was the opportunity to make a difference in a new way," Thompson said. "Schools should be places where students can learn, teachers can teach, and families feel confident their children are safe."
Before joining the district, Thompson served in the United States Marine Corps and spent nearly a decade in law enforcement. During that time, he developed a passion for training, emergency planning and helping organizations prepare before emergencies happen, ultimately earning a master’s degree in Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
While emergency response is an important part of the job, Thompson said effective school safety begins long before a crisis occurs.
"When people hear 'school safety,' they often think about worst-case scenarios," he said. "While we must be prepared for emergencies, school safety is just as much about building relationships, planning ahead, improving communication, identifying hazards and creating an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up when something doesn't seem right."
Assistant Superintendent of Safety and Operations Melvin Ingram said Thompson brings both the experience and the mindset needed for the role.
Director of Safety and Security Matt Thompson works with Athletic Director James Johnson and Assistant Principal Spencer Shaw on safety and security planning for events at Richmond Senior High School.
RCS
"Matt understands that school safety is about far more than responding to emergencies," Ingram said. "He is committed to building relationships, working alongside our schools and community partners, and making sure we are always looking for ways to improve. I am excited to have him leading these efforts and know our students, staff and families will benefit from his leadership."
That commitment to listening is guiding Thompson's work. One of his first priorities has been launching a districtwide School Safety Survey to hear directly from students, families, and community members about school safety across Richmond County Schools.
"We all have a role in creating safe schools," Thompson said. "By listening, building trust and working together, we can create the safest possible learning environment for everyone."
Community members are encouraged to complete the School Safety Survey at https://bit.ly/SafetyCommunitySurveyRCS.
