WEST ALEXANDRIA — During the Twin Valley Community Local Schools Board of Education meeting on Monday, Sept. 23, School Resource Officer (SRO) Deputy Dane Boyd gave a presentation on the district’s SRO program.

Boyd began by speaking about last year’s accomplishments and when he took over for the last school resource officer.

“I know we had programs that he did before I got here and then we worked together and taught a class together last year. Then, I took over from there,” he said.

He added, they had a busy end of the year, but they did “as much as they could.”

During the summer, Boyd was responsible for patrolling the Twin Valley school district when school was not in session.

“When I was on the road, I had a lot of positive interactions. I couldn’t tell you any negative interactions I had with any families or students that we have here at the school,” he said.

“I’ve had a lot of parents approach me about my presence in the community. They’ve noticed the sheriff’s car driving around as opposed to just West Alexandria Police Department cars. The Preble County Fair was really good. I had multiple students come up to me at the school.”

Boyd already taught an English Class this year, where he gave a presentation on how deputies write their reports. He also talked about eyewitness testimony and had students complete an activity to help them further grasp the idea.

“They really enjoyed that. I had several students ask me when I’d come back in to present, but I said, ‘Let’s talk to your teacher.’ We’ll try to work something else out with them,” he said.

He also reached out to all the high school and middle school teachers to find time in their classes for him to sit in. There, he allowed students to ask him questions about his job and personal life to better get to know him.

Boyd added, they do report all the interactions he has with students and keep that data.

“First of all, my sons think you are great, so I appreciate the fact that teenage boys will feel a connection with you,” board member Christine Bitner said. “That is an issue now, having most of the role models for young men be athletes and such,” she said. “[Also], the fact that you are around year round, instead of just during the school year so there is consistency a lot of these young men can count on.”

She asked if there was a way for students to contact Deputy Boyd outside of school hours. He replied, he does have a school email address that is directly forwarded to his Sheriff’s Office email. He also stays after school when needed and makes his presence known in the community by attending school events.

“There have been students who have approached me with problems at home or male students approach me with relationship problems,” he said.