My Turn: Oliver McKinney

“When we accept and trust each other, we can come together faster, better, and with more efficiency and confidence for the safety of the entire school community.” — Oliver McKinney

Talbot County Public Schools have been a part of my life for 10 years. At St. Michaels Middle High School, I’ve been an internship and work-based coordinator, independent study facilitator, and distance learning coordinator. Since 2016, I’ve been our school security officer and in-school suspension coordinator. Through each of these student-centered positions, one thing is constant: each moment interacting with students is different and unique.

In my role as school security officer, I am responsible for being on call and prepared for any emergency that our school encounters. I also detect, investigate, and report unauthorized or suspicious persons, vehicles, and activities to our administration, and patrol and monitor assigned areas of the school buildings, grounds, and parking lots to deter and stop violations of the law and/or board of education policies.

There is no question that the possibility of one of our schools facing an emergency threat is real. That’s why it’s so important to me to establish a rapport with staff and students.

Relationships are everything and in each one, it’s my hope that we grow stronger as a team by supporting and encouraging one another’s strengths and helping to face and overcome our weaknesses. I’ve come to realize that every student and colleague brings their unique gifts and talents. When we accept and trust each other, we can come together faster, better, and with more efficiency and confidence for the safety of the entire school community.

There is a sense of family within Talbot County and our school system. We strive to make strong connections with our community and within different organizations.

As a member of MSEA for over nine years, I know the importance of being a part of an organization, working towards a common goal, and having a strong voice for educators. Here in Talbot County, whether from the perspective of student, parent, or concerned community member, we all try to engage in open dialogue, acknowledging that we may have different opinions but that we’re always willing to do the hard work to achieve our common goals.