2013 - Regional Classified School Employee of the Year - Richard Haskins

Rick has been the Campus Security Officer at Central Kitsap High School for the past 15 years. Education is his second career. He served in the Navy for over 15 years and also worked as a crew supervisor with the Department of Ecology Youth Corps.



Rick is an extension of both classroom and home – offering a sense of security but also guiding students in healthy decision-making and relationships. He also provides staff training in areas of security and law enforcement, including guns and gangs.



“Big Rick” (as he is known to students) is sage and stalwart and an exceptional communicator. His work as a mediator has had a tremendous impact on conflict resolution with a 97% success rate in school security mediations over the past 3 years. Rick believes teaching students how to peacefully resolve conflict empowers them and helps them develop compassion for different perspectives while still holding them accountable.



As a security officer, Rick feels his role as observer is woven into many aspects of daily life at Central Kitsap. He sees what others do not: the students who stay just a little too long in the halls, the unidentified visitors, entrances that lacked proper signage. And his observations have made Central Kitsap safer and more successful.



“From impeccably trained to highly engaged, Rick engenders the relationships essential for student and staff success,” says Assistant Principal Joe Vlach. “He listens and his advice is often sought by staff , students and parents. His word carries weight. When Rick speaks, people want to listen.”