MADISON — The Madison City Board of Education has approved the hire of an official whose sole responsibility will be to oversee safety and security system-wide.

David D. West, 41, of Enterprise, Alabama, has been named the new security and emergency management coordinator for MCS. He holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Troy University and obtained his doctoral degree in education from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

West, who has 14 years of experience under his belt in education, is currently serving as principal of Coppinville Junior High School in Enterprise, a position he has held since 2014. Prior to that, he was principal of South Dale Middle School in Pinckard, Alabama, from 2010-2014.

In addition, West has school administrative experience at the elementary and high school levels. He taught four years at an elementary school in Dothan and spent three years in an education consultant role, conducting seminars and onsite training in areas that include classroom management.

West also has a military and police background. He served as a U.S. Military Police sergeant from 1996-2001.

MCS Superintendent Robby Parker said that school and law enforcement background makes him an excellent fit for the position he will fill in Madison.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our students and employees,” Parker said. “While we have always taken safety and security seriously, now we’ll have a dedicated person to do security assessments and work with our SROs and school administrators on ways we can do things better.”

The recent hiring of West is part of the safety and security initiatives Mr. Parker launched after becoming superintendent. The superintendent and board of education held a safety and security workshop with Madison police and other emergency response agencies earlier this year. From that, a Safety and Security Committee was formed, which is comprised of school board members, school staff, parents of students attending Madison City Schools, city leaders and community members.