CONTACT: Julie Hatchel Chief Communications Officer
(949) 234-9427
jhatchel@capousd.org
CUSD SAFETY DIRECTOR RECEIVES “AMBASSADOR OF PEACE” AWARD Capistrano Unified School District Executive Director of Safety, Mr. Mike Beekman, earned the “Ambassador of Peace” award from the Violence Prevention Coalition of Orange County.
Nominated by Margo Allen Finlayson, Program Manager Chair of The Community Alliance Network, and Heather Premac, The Capistrano Unified Council of PTSA Parent Education Chair, Mr. Beekman is revered for his collaborative focus on eradicating alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse, school violence, and truancy.
“As a parent, educator and volunteer, Mr. Beekman works tirelessly to ensure safety and violence prevention both in the District and in the South Orange County Community,” notes Premac. Beekman has been a critical partner in establishing collaborative programs such as the Gang Reduction Intervention and Prevention Program with the District Attorney’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and city governments; as well as working with safety agencies such as the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Interjurisdictional Planning Committee and Orange County Emergency Operation Center (OCEOC). “Establishing a partnership with District Attorney’s Office, SONGS and the OCEOC has been critical to addressing the needs of the Capistrano Unified School District and community at large,” admits Beekman.
Under the direction of Beekman, the District has received grant funding to establish one of the most sophisticated and respected school safety systems in the nation. In addition to school safety, Beekman has overseen the development of programs for at-risk youth including the Voluntary Drug Testing program at CUSD high schools, the Positive Behavior Intervention System, and the Alternative to Suspension program.
He has also been proactive in responding to school crises, implementing the Automated External Defibrillator program and introducing high schools to the “Journey Safe” program after the deaths of local students. Beekman will be honored on Friday, June 5th at a ceremony hosted by the Violence Prevention Coalition of Orange County. “We are thrilled to see Mike receive this well-deserved honor,” notes his supervisor, Deputy Superintendent Sherine Smith. “He is an incredible asset to the District and community.
