When Linken, a senior at RHS’ Livingston Campus, was in 9th grade, he was “fighting all the time.” “I was told to ‘go to the office’ but no one really listened to me or how I was feeling.”
Now, four years later, Linken and many students in the District have developed relationships with adults, starting with Director of Safety and Security Mr. Jim Ramsey and his team. In partnership with our social workers and school administrators, Linken now says he can talk through his choices. “The climate has shifted to more caring, more love,” said Linken.
Mr. Ramsey says he and his team focus on our students. “Safety is not just checking doors. It’s taking care of the mental health and wellbeing of our kids,” he said.
Thirteen Safety and Security team members along with our social workers, partner to focus on the whole child. 
Over the past three years, the shift has made a huge impact on our students, with many seniors asking someone from the Safety and Security team to present their diplomas at graduation. Seniors can request someone who has made an impact on their life to hand them their diploma in May, and last year, more than half of the Safety and Security Team were invited to be a part of that special moment.
“There has been a drastic change in collaboration when it comes to supporting our students,” said Director of Whole Child Supports, Ashley Pittman. “Yes, we handle crisis response, but we work together to support or fill in any gaps for that student.”
Dr. Emby Miller, one of the RHS Livingston Campus’s social workers, agrees. “Over the last two years, we have reduced incidents by 54%, and fight and weapon incidents have gone down by 74% because students have decided they want a safer school environment,” he explains. “Like Mr. Ramsey said, it’s not just about securing a building, but we are addressing anxiety and depression and an outlet for students who need someone to talk to. Students will also advocate for themselves and others.”
Mr. Robert Ervin, a member of Mr. Ramsey’s team, shares that you’d be surprised to learn they’re not your typical security guards. “We aren’t what you think of when you envision actual security. We don’t police the kids. We listen, show empathy, and make sure they have a safe environment so they can get a proper education.”
“When it comes to the community, from the outside looking in, you can see the relationships we have developed with our students. It makes you feel really warm inside when they choose you to hand them their diploma because they could have chosen anyone, and that means we did our job and made them feel safe,” Mr. Ervin said.
Mr. Ramsey created a student safety committee where he and the committee members meet to discuss safety and other important topics. They’ve also gone on field trips to visit schools that have metal detectors or other safety equipment in place and then discuss if it would benefit our District.
Lilyonna, a junior at Reynoldsburg High School, recalls her experience. “I worked the coat check at Homecoming with a safety and security officer and it was fun, and we developed a relationship that has lasted my whole time in high school. We joke at Homecoming and say, ‘see you next year!’”
She continued, “As a student on the safety and security committee, we meet up and talk about issues going on at school and it creates a trusting environment so we can be better at communication.”
Mr. Ramsey says “slowly but surely” the school culture is changing for the better and students agree.
“I decided to ask Ms. Destiny to give me my diploma at graduation because I wouldn’t be here without her,” said Linken.