Tonight, 小黄鸭导航 ISD鈥檚 Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Ashley Gonzalez as the new 小黄鸭导航 ISD Police Chief.
The district held a nationwide search, reviewing applicants and conducting several interviews and screenings before moving forward with Gonzalez.
鈥淏ased on his expertise, years of experience and accomplishments, Ashley Gonzalez鈥檚 name stood out among the candidates. Particularly, his ability to lead a department, his extensive training in school safety and his reputation as being trustworthy and transparent brought him to the forefront,鈥 Superintendent Paul Cruz said. 鈥淲e wanted to ensure we had the best person for the job and the best fit for 小黄鸭导航 ISD.鈥
As chief of police, Gonzalez will be responsible for maintaining and enforcing policies, directives, standards and laws of the district and state. He will also be responsible for the oversight of the district鈥檚 full-time police officers, including school resource officers and patrol officers.
鈥淚 am eager to use my experience to provide the highest level of safety here in 小黄鸭导航 ISD, for both the students and the dedicated teachers, staff, and facilities that serve them,鈥 Gonzalez said. 鈥淭he goal is to allow each student to have the most excellent educational experience that I know 小黄鸭导航 ISD seeks to provide, and to allow each member of this community to feel safe, included, and heard. I know 小黄鸭导航 ISD already has a dedicated department of police officers doing this important work every day, and I am excited to lead and work alongside such professionals as we serve and protect this special community together.鈥
Gonzalez has been the deputy chief of police of Norwalk, Conn. where he oversaw school resource officers, led and managed the administrative divisions, and oversaw a budget of about $24 million. Previously, he served the Norwalk Police Department as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant and lieutenant.
Additionally, Gonzalez brings experience in working in a large police department and is aware of both city and school policies.
He has dedicated much of his career to serving and protecting Norwalk鈥檚 youth. Some of that work includes establishing a Special Victims Unit, expanding the 小黄鸭导航 Resource Officer program and developing specialized detectives to investigate internet crimes against children. He assisted in implementing the Greater Norwalk Juvenile Review Board, a program that has significantly reduced juvenile recidivism.
Gonzalez has an associate degree in criminal justice, a bachelor鈥檚 degree in criminal justice administration and is currently pursuing his master鈥檚 degree in criminal justice.
Gonzalez will begin work as AISD Police Chief on May 24.