The Tippecanoe School Corporation welcomes a 10-year veteran of the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office as its new school resource officer. Deputy Beth Kidwell joins officers Aaron Gilman and Rob Rush serving more than 13,500 students at 19 TSC schools.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security awarded the Tippecanoe School Corporation a grant that allows the TSC to add a third school resource officer from the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office.

“We value our partnership with the TSC,” says Sheriff Bob Goldsmith. “We are excited to offer this program to further engage young people and protect our schools.”

School Resource Officers (SROs) promote a safe learning environment through educating and building relationships with students and staff members. While they serve as law enforcement officers, their primary focus is on helping young people learn about personal responsibility and how to make good decisions. SROs are in the classroom providing positive educational programming, in the hallways, lunchrooms and playgrounds engaging students in conversation and activities, and collaborating with school administrators and staff to evaluate and improve safety procedures that promote student safety.

“We are thankful for our partnership with the sheriff’s department and the opportunity to continue to grow our SRO program,” says TSC Superintendent Dr. Scott Hanback. “SROs help provide a safe learning environment, foster positive relationships with our students and provide valuable resources to our staff.”

Deputy Kidwell holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Joseph’s College. She serves as an assistant softball coach at Harrison High School, counselor for the Indiana Sheriff’s Youth Leadership Camp and advisor for the Explorer Program.

“I am excited to join the team and take on this important role in law enforcement,” says Deputy Kidwell. “I have a passion for working with youth and am devoted to working with them to make a difference in our community.”

“Beth can quickly build relationships with students of all ages and backgrounds with confidence,” says Hershey Elementary School Student Services Coordinator Madeline Riordan. “Beth will surely jump into the SRO position with a positive attitude to make an impact with our students and staff.”

Deputy Kidwell will receive additional safe schools training this month before starting in her new role with the TSC.