The Santee School District has appointed Michael Castillo as its first director of safety and security, a new district-level position focused on campus safety and emergency preparedness, according to Patch.

Castillo has nearly 20 years of public safety and security experience and most recently served as law enforcement manager and trainer at the University of San Diego, where he oversaw campus security operations and worked with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

The district created the role after a safety assessment earlier this year by Safe and Sound Schools, a national nonprofit focused on school safety. Patch reported that the review included campus walkthroughs and workshops with district leaders and community members, and that one recommendation was a district-level safety leadership position.

For Santee families, the change means school safety planning will have a dedicated point person across the district instead of being handled only campus by campus. Castillo is expected to oversee safety initiatives, emergency preparedness, security planning and partnerships with public safety agencies.

Superintendent Kristin Baranski said in a statement to Patch that student and staff safety remains the district's top priority, and Castillo said he looks forward to working with district leaders, employees, families and community partners.