School Safety

Police officer with children on Walk to School Day

In West Aurora School District 129, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our number one priority. We continuously collaborate with local authorities and industry experts to ensure we follow best practices with regard to school safety. Furthermore, we believe that building positive and trusting relationships with our students, staff, parents, guardians, and community members is central to creating safe schools.

Meet Our Team

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Marti Neahring

Marti Neahring

Marti Neahring serves as the executive director for student and family services for West Aurora School District 129. In her role, she is responsible for managing school safety procedures, supporting all district buildings with student disciplinary matters and alternative education options, and overseeing the student enrollment and residency processes. Marti is focused on building positive relationships with all district stakeholders as well as working closely with law enforcement and emergency management services to provide safe and healthy school environments. Marti serves on the executive boards for the Northern Illinois School Safety Administrators Association and the Aurora Area Crime Stoppers. She holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Aurora University.

Peter Martino

Peter Martino

Pete Martino serves as the assistant director for student and family services for West Aurora School District 129. In this role, he is responsible for managing school safety procedures, supporting all district buildings with student disciplinary matters and alternative education options, and overseeing the student enrollment and residency processes. Pete is focused on restorative schools and building meaningful relationships with all district stakeholders as well as working closely with law enforcement and emergency management services to provide safe and healthy school environments. Pete holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Elmhurst University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from National Louis University.

David Fisher

David Fisher

David Fisher serves as the school safety officer for West Aurora School District 129.  His role includes training staff and students on best practices regarding school safety, assisting with school safety inspections, residency checks and attending safety drills.  Prior to this role, David served for over 30 years in law enforcement, retiring as chief of police.  David holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Aurora University and a master’s degree in management from National Louis University.

Jeffrey Talley

Jeffrey Talley

Jeffrey Talley serves as one of two school safety officers for West Aurora School District 129. His duties include training staff and students in the best practices when it comes to school safety and security. Additionally, Jeffrey assists with school safety inspections, aids in residency checks, and attends all school safety drills. Prior to his role as school safety officer, Jeffrey served in law enforcement for 28 years, retiring as a Sergeant. Jeffrey earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with an emphasis in criminology from Northern Illinois University.

Kyle Hoffman

Kyle Hoffman

Officer Kyle Hoffman, a 2007 West Aurora High School graduate, became an Aurora Police Cadet after completing studies at Waubonsee Community College in criminal justice. Sworn in as a full-time officer in September 2009, he spent five years in the patrol division before transitioning to Community Policing in January 2015. Certified as a Juvenile Officer and Illinois School Resource Officer, Kyle enjoys family time and is a passionate sports fan outside of work.

Todd Coleman

Todd Coleman

Officer Todd Coleman serves as one of the two school resource officers (SRO) at West Aurora HS and sole SRO for Jefferson Middle School. Officer Coleman has been a member of Aurora PD for eight years, previously serving as patrol officer, field training officer, and in the community-oriented policing unit. Prior to his career in law enforcement, Officer Coleman served in the United States Air Force for nearly seven years. During this time, Officer Coleman attained his bachelor’s degree in human resources management from Southwestern College – Kansas. Officer Coleman is grateful to be of service to the community through District 129.

Sean McCoy

Sean McCoy

Officer Sean McCoy has been a member of the North Aurora Police Department for 15yrs. He is a certified Juvenile Officer as well as a Certified Illinois School Resource Officer. Officer McCoy has been part of the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System - Mobile Field Force (ILEAS MFF) crowd control team for nine years and is a member of the Illinois Juvenile Officers Association, Midwest Gang Investigators Association, and the National Gang Crime and Research Center.

Steve Penrod

Steve Penrod

Officer Steve Penrod joined the Aurora Police Department in 2020. After being in Patrol for nearly 4 years he became a School Resource Officer for Washington Middle School, Herget Middle School, and Jefferson Middle School. He is juvenile certified and a certified ALICE trainer. In his off time, Officer Penrod loves spending time with his wife and children. His love for working with children is the reason why Officer Penrod wanted to become a school resource officer.

Visiting Our Buildings

Raptor Technologies is a visitor management system used by School District 129 facilities that enhances school security. Raptor applications are used in multiple ways in School District 129.

School Safety Protocols

Plain language terms are used during a crisis to ensure communication is immediate, clear, and easily understood by everyone in the building. Using straightforward language reduces confusion, prevents misinterpretation, and helps staff and students respond quickly and appropriately. Consistent terminology supports calm, coordinated action when time and clarity matter most.

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Our Partners

READ THE SD129 CARDIAC EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROTOCOL & PLAN

Marti Neahring

Marti Neahring

Executive Director of Student and Family Services
Administration
Peter Martino

Peter Martino

Assistant Director of Student & Family Services
David Fisher

David Fisher

School Safety Officer
Jeffrey Talley

Jeffrey Talley

School Safety Officer