MONTICELLO — Ivory Coleman, Monticello Central School District High School’s new Assistant Principal and Director of Safety, is bringing years of experience and a fresh approach to fostering both security and a supportive environment for students and staff. 

Entering his first year in the district, Coleman steps into a dual role that combines educational leadership with safety oversight—two responsibilities he views as interconnected.

“This is my first year,” Coleman shared, excited about the opportunity ahead. As both Assistant Principal and Director of Safety, his goal is to ensure that the school environment remains welcoming and secure. “Even as an assistant principal, you want to make sure you have a safe environment,” he explained. “They both go hand in hand.”

Coleman’s approach to school safety focuses on building trust with students, which he views as important to preventing issues before they arise. 

“The challenges are like anywhere else,” he said. “It’s just trying to build relationships with the kids and making sure that they trust you. And that takes time.” 

Coleman stressed that trust between students and staff is key to maintaining a safe school environment. 

“When students have that trust in you, they will bring you information you need so you can get ahead of any problems that may exist or pre-exist.”

Beyond creating a supportive atmosphere, Coleman is trained to de-escalate conflicts and teach others to do the same. He recently became certified in the “Handle With Care” program, which focuses on non-physical interventions to resolve tense situations. 

“It’s about de-escalation,” Coleman said. “We want to speak verbally, and physical intervention is the last resort.”

Coleman’s security strategy is bolstered by collaboration with law enforcement. The district has four School Resource Officers (SROs) from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, as well as armed security guards stationed at the high school and middle school. 

“We speak every morning to make sure we’re on the same page,” Coleman said, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead of potential issues by coordinating efforts with SROs and the broader school security team.

As Director of Safety, Coleman is acutely aware of the broader challenges facing Sullivan County, including the opioid crisis and concerns about students bringing dangerous substances or weapons into school. He is determined to address these concerns proactively by fostering strong relationships with students. 

“Anything they bring—opioids, weapons—that’s a big issue,” Coleman said. “But when we have those relationships with students, we can get ahead of any problems. So far, we haven’t seen anything, and we hope to keep it that way.”

Coleman’s connection to Monticello was solidified early on, when he witnessed a simple yet impactful moment between a student and a principal. 

“I told everybody I felt like I was home,” he said. “On my first day here, I saw the principal [Jennifer Gorr] sitting on the steps with a student, having a conversation. The student got up and said, ‘I appreciate that conversation, thank you so much.’ I knew then that this was where I wanted to be.”

Looking to the future, Coleman’s goals are clear: to continue strengthening the district’s safety protocols while enhancing the culture of trust and support that he believes is essential to student success. 

“I want to bring my skill set, my expertise, and my experience to enhance what’s already going on,” he said. “I know the school is headed in the right direction, and I want to be part of making it even better.”

Even in his first year, Coleman is already laying the foundation for a safe and thriving school environment where students are empowered to succeed, not just academically but as individuals who feel valued and supported. 

“When students feel safe, they’re better learners,” Coleman noted. His commitment to the district, his students, and the community is evident as he works to create an atmosphere where every student feels they belong. For Coleman, the role of Assistant Principal and Director of Safety is more than just a job—it’s a personal mission.