Safe & Secure

Safe & Secure

Marion School District taps veteran police officer to head campus safety

Marion School District Marion School District prides itself on providing a safe and secure environment for its staff and students. To advance its mission, the district has created a new position, Director of Campus Safety.

John Evans, who began a career in law enforcement 11 years ago, eagerly accepted the opportunity and has been preparing for the upcoming school year by developing proper security policies, procedures, and guidelines to provide a safe and secure environment conducive to learning. One of his top priorities is hiring security personnel for each campus, preferably local retired police officers. Evans will work proactively with Crittenden County Law Enforcement to thwart potential risks; develop procedures for weather emergencies, safety and evacuation drills.

“We currently have two resource officers at Marion High School, one at Marion Junior High School, and we're looking to quickly expand our security presence,” Evans said.

A native of Wynne, Arkansas, Evans received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Philander Smith College. In 2007, he began a rewarding career in law enforcement with the West Memphis Police Department; and, subsequently went on to work for the Memphis Police Department, where he still serves as a reserve officer, graduating from the 100th session of the John D. Holt Police Academy in 2008.

Mr. Evans transitioned to education in 2015, joining Marion School District as a Truancy Officer.

“Because we live in a smaller close-knit community, I do not want us to take where we live, work or go to school for granted.

I want to work with our children and staff to take a more proactive approach and raise awareness within our schools as well as our community, to teach our kids as well as our parents to be vigilant in our day-today activities, and that if you “See Something, Say Something,” Evans said.

In addition to creating the Director of Campus Safety position, Marion School District is investing well over $200,000 to enhance security district-wide.

“We will have surveillance cameras throughout our district. We're going to be spending a lot of money to ensure the safety of students and staff. It is a peace of mind that you simply cannot put a price tag on,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Superintendent.

Mr. John Evans and his wife, Sharmane, have been married for 14 years. The couple has a 12-year-old son, Joseph, and twin 10year-old daughters, Joy and Jessica. All are proud students at Marion School District.

“As a parent of three children within the district, I share the sentiments of all parents: I want to know my child is safe. I want to assure all of our parents that we are taking every precautionary measure to ensure that their child's safety is not compromised, from the time they get on the bus in the morning, until the time they get off the bus in the afternoon,” Evans said.

Evans will attend regular professional training to stay-up-to date with school safety procedures. Earlier this month, he attended the Arkansas Safe Schools Association Conference, a “non-profit organization consisting of School Resource Officers, School Safety Personnel, School Administrators and others dedicated protecting our children and helping our schools maintain a safe and orderly climate, thereby creating a positive learning environment,” according to its website, www.arkansassafeschools. org. Participants focused on a range of topics such as bullying, cyber security, suicide prevention, and school violence.

By Lynn Lampkin