Meet Indiana's School Safety Leader of the Year

Avon Community School Corporation School Safety Specialist Deb Swain-Bayless is the 2024 Indiana School Safety Leader of the Year. This award, given annually by the Indiana School Resource Officers Association (INSROA), recognizes the invaluable contribution made by Hoosier school safety personnel.

Personally and professionally, Deb prefers to remain behind the scenes. "Safety is about quietly making things happen in the background, and that's where I prefer to stay. Safety is a team effort," she notes. "I have been lucky enough to work with an amazing group of people who foster a culture of safety awareness in all our buildings. I have always been passionate about public education, and I see safety as a foundational building block. Safe and supportive learning environments are foundational to staff and student success."

Safe and supportive learning environments are foundational to staff and student success. Deb Swain-Bayless

"Deb is a wealth of knowledge," says Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michael Sullivan. "Her understanding of Indiana state requirements allows our district to stay ahead of many newly imposed guidelines while proactively keeping kids safe. Personally, I feel safer knowing she is on our campus."

Deb has led our School Safety efforts since joining the team in 2019. Before coming to Avon Schools, she spent four years as the Indiana Department of Education's School Safety Specialist. She started her career teaching students on Native American reservations in the southwest, so education is in her blood. She also spent time testing and inspecting fire alarm and sprinkler systems and surveying and evaluating commercial property sites for compliance, so she brings a wealth of safety-related information with her wherever she goes.

Not only has Deb played a critical role in securing Avon Schools, she facilitates the collaboration that occurs between Hendricks County school corporations and local law enforcement, health and safety, and first responder agencies. "I've built a relationship with the first responder community to ensure a unified approach to safety," notes Swain-Bayless. She continues, "This is most evident in our reunification planning and training."

Personally, I feel safer knowing she is on our campus. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michael Sullivan

In July, the Avon Board of School Trustees awarded Deb with a Resolution of Commendation, their highest level of distinction. In the commendation, the Board noted that Deb consistently demonstrates selflessness, determination, and commitment to the safety of our students and our staff. 

"I remember when we interviewed Deb Swain-Bayless in 2019 to be our first-ever School Safety Coordinator," says Superintendent Dr. Scott Wyndham. "She was highly regarded across the state from her work with the Indiana Department of Education, and our team was so excited that she wanted to come to Avon. Since that time, she has focused intently on creating the safest learning environments possible — through COVID-19, building projects, advocating for our own police department, and countless other challenges."

Our schools and our community are significantly safer because of Deb. Superintendent Dr. Scott Wyndham

Chief Sam Leahy notes that Deb was instrumental in the formation of the Avon School Police Department in 2020, her second year on staff. "Deb is wholeheartedly committed to the safety and security of every person that steps foot on Avon's campus each day," says Leahy. "Her attention to detail and experience in school safety are unmatched in this state. She is called upon by state safety leaders to help create policies that protect staff and students across the state."

"Our schools and our community are significantly safer because of Deb," says Wyndham. "I am so glad to see her receive recognition for her outstanding efforts!"

To learn more about safety in Avon Schools and to see some of the resources available to kids, staff, and parents, visit the School Safety webpage.