KENT CITY, Mich. — Chad Wells— or, as he's known at a local elementary school Kent City Elementary, Deputy Wells— just returned to the classroom on January 3.
He's the newest face at Kent City Public Schools, where he's now working at Kent City Elementary as a resource officer.
Wells has a wealth of experience to bring to the job. Prior to being stationed at the school, Deputy Wells worked the north patrol area for the Kent County Sheriff's Department.
But Wells says he was prepared for this particular role by his seven and four-year-old sons. They're the reason he took the job.
He's taken a liking to his new job, saying "People aren't calling you to birthdays on patrol."
Before Wells was hired, Kent County Sheriff's Deputy Jon Losotta walked the halls of the Kent City school as the sole school resource officer. He says the addition is "a good change of page."
He also says the position of school resource officer is one that matters.
"They see us," says Losotta. "So there's many ripple effects that come with that."
The school's superintendent, Bill Crane, is grateful that his school was one of thirty-five West Michigan districts to get a grant from the Michigan State Police for additional school resource officers.
Crane explains not every district did. But districts like Kent City can save valuable dollars, while still increasing student safety measures.
Adding another officer at no cost to the district will free up money in Kent City's general fund, to invest in students who are struggling or behind.
Crane says the two go hand-in-hand.
"When we talk about teaching and learning every day, we can't accomplish enough unless they're feeling safe," he says.
Other West Michigan Schools awarded grant funding for School Resource Officers include:
Kent County: - Cedar Springs Public Schools - Godfrey-Lee Public Schools - Kent City Community Schools - Lowell Area Schools
Muskegon County: - Holton Public Schools - Montague Area Public Schools - Muskegon Middle School - North Muskegon Public Schools
Oceana County : - Hart Public Schools - Pentwater Public Schools - Shelby Public Schools
Newaygo County: - Fremont Public Schools - Grant Public Schools - Hesperia Public Schools - Newaygo County RESA - Newaygo Public Schools
Montcalm County: - Central Montcalm Public Schools - Greenville Public Schools - Montabella Community Schools - Seiter Education Center
Allegan County: - Allegan Public Schools - Fennville Public Schools - Hamilton Community Schools - Hopkins Public Schools
Barry County: - Hastings Area School System
Van Buren County: - Bloomingdale Public Schools - Decatur Public Schools - Gobles Public Schools - Hartford Public Schools - Lawrence Public Schools
Kalamazoo County: - Comstock Public Schools - Parchment School District
Calhoun County: - Harper Creek Community Schools - Lakeview School District - Marshall Public Schools
