Sue Waxenfelter has transitioned from keeping students safe on their way to school, to ensuring their safety throughout the school day.
Waxenfelter, 59, worked as a Springdale Schools bus driver for three years prior to accepting a position as a CSSO at John Tyson Elementary School.
“The CSSO position sounded like an interesting way to continue to serve our students,” she said.
She feels CSSOs are a valuable addition to Springdale schools.
“Protecting kids is a vital necessity these days,” Waxenfelter said. “I feel blessed to be part of such a dynamic new team.”
She brings a background in security and education to the position at John Tyson.
Waxenfelter has worked as a preschool teacher, for Landmark Event Staffing Services and has served as security at national-level football games, the World Series and for various high-profile music artists.
“My past experiences have made me a well-rounded, trustworthy and patient person,” she said.
Waxenfelter doesn’t limit her service to Springdale families to its schools.
“I volunteer at Feed The 479 food bank and serve at the 11 a.m. coffee bar Sunday mornings at Cross Church Springdale,” she said.
She may also be found enjoying the outdoors in her free time.
“I love hiking in our beautiful Ozarks, gardening, painting and spending time with friends,” she said.
Waxenfelter lives in Springdale and is mother to Holly, 30, Jesse, 28, and Samuel, 16. Samuel is a student at Don Tyson School of Innovation. She also has a 1-year-old grandchild named Fox.
Former military service member and businessman Matt Venable brings tactical experience combined with maturity and insight to his role as a Springdale Public Schools CSSO.
Venable , 66, said he was drawn to the position out of a need to support the security and safety of the Springdale community, especially its schools
“It is the right thing to do as a community,” he said. “I have the time and talent to fill the need.”
Venable 's varied experience will bring a fullness of perspective to increase the benefit of the program at the schools he serves, he said.
He said he wants to give families at Hunt and Smith elementary schools a sense of security to allow children to learn in a safe and worry-free environment.
“Be a part of the solution,” Venable said of school safety.
Venable lives in Springdale with his wife of 45 years, Denice, but calls Chattanooga, Tenn., home. The couple has four children, Robert, 41, Mark, 39, Andrew, 37, and, Megan, 35.
He spends his free time volunteering in support of church activities, spending time with his family and working on home improvement projects