The Mad River School District along with the City of Riverside is taking steps to make sure students, staff, and school facilities are safer. We are pleased to announce that a grant has allowed the district to collaborate with the city’s police department to employ a new Student Resource Officer.

Beginning this school year, Officer Nick Toscani will work cooperatively with the administration and staff to develop and employ actions and procedures that result in safer school environments through direct positive interaction with students and connections with administration, faculty, and staff.

Toscani, who has been an officer with the City of Riverside for many years, is no stranger to Mad River Local Schools. A Riverside native, Nick is a 2004 graduate of Stebbins High School, and both his mom and sister work in the district. For many years, Officer Toscani has been a presence at our schools, taking the time to stop in our buildings to interact with teachers, staff members, and students.

As a sworn law enforcement officer, the SRO officer provides not only a visual reminder of safety in our schools but acts as a mentor to students, said Superintendent Chad Wyen. “Officer Toscani will be able to provide prevention programming throughout the district as well as an added layer of safety and security to our buildings.  I have known Officer Toscani for almost 20 years and I am confident that he will do a wonderful job as our Resource Officer.”

Toscani’s office will be at the high school, however, he will travel to the middle and elementary schools as needed. He encourages students to visit his office or reach out to him if they need someone to talk to.