NEW CUMBERLAND — After agreeing to create the position one month ago, the Hancock County Board of Education, Monday, hired its new coordinator of safety services, selecting from within its own ranks.

Through a 4-0 vote, the board approved the assignment of Gerard Spencer as the school district’s coordinator of safety services, a countywide position, effective for this school year.

Superintendent Dan Enich explained one of his main goals since being hired as the superintendent was to improve upon the school safety measures, with him establishing several points to do so.

“One of those was a coordinator of safety,” Enich said.

The board approved a proposal to create the position during its Feb. 10 meeting. The position is responsible for coordinating all safety measures and services within the school system.

Spencer, who currently represents the county’s Butler District on the school board, recused himself from both votes, leaving the room during the discussions.

In addition to his service on the school board, Spencer has approximately 25 years of law enforcement experience with the Weirton Police Department, where he holds the rank of sergeant.

Enich said, following reviews of existing safety protocols within the school system, as well as incidents of threats earlier this year, he felt it was time to have someone within the district to serve as a point person.

“It became evident a coordinator of safety was needed,” Enich said, claiming the field of candidates for the job “was fantastic.”

Spencer will be resigning his seat on the school board as part of being hired for the new post.

“We hate to lose a board member like him,” said Board President Chris Gillette, thanking Spencer for offering his perspective on matters during his time with the board.

Spencer was elected to the school board in 2022.

According to Enich, a search will begin in the coming weeks to fill the board seat. Weirton Police Chief Charlie Kush, on Tuesday, said Spencer plans to retire from the department sometime in April.

Safety also is a focus of the approximately $1.3 million bond issue approved by Hancock County voters in 2024, with all schools set to receive some form of safety improvements, including the installation of new visitor identification systems, security vestibule upgrades, cameras, and weapons detection systems.

chowell@weirtondailytimes.com