Member Spotlight: Dennis Hill of Breakthrough Public Schools

Editor’s Note: Our Member Spotlight series highlights members of the National Council of School Safety Directors (NCSSD) and the important work they do to support safe and secure schools.

With more than 35 years of experience in law enforcement and school safety, Dennis Hill has spent his career leading teams, mentoring future leaders, and building relationships with the young people he serves. One thing that stands out throughout Hill's responses is that he consistently refers to students as "scholars," reflecting the respect and care that shape his approach to school safety.

Today, as Managing Director of Safety and Security for Breakthrough Public Schools in Cleveland, Hill is leading a multi-year effort to strengthen school safety while continuing to invest in the people behind the work.

From Police Commander to School Safety Leader

Hill's journey into school safety began long before he officially joined a school district. As a patrol officer with the Cleveland Police Department, he enjoyed interacting with scholars and developed a passion for supporting their safety and development. Throughout his law enforcement career, he worked closely with principals and school staff through youth mentoring programs, experiences that reinforced the importance of building trust with young people.

After retiring as a District Commander, Hill was presented the opportunity to join the Cleveland Metropolitan School District as Deputy Chief of Safety and Security. He later served three years as Chief before assuming his current role with Breakthrough Public Schools.

For Hill, school safety has always been about more than security systems and emergency plans.

"The work is fulfilling because I get to mentor scholars and build relationships that hopefully lead to successful outcomes. I strive to break down barriers and adversarial relationships between law enforcement and young people."

Building a Safer District

Throughout his career, Hill says he's been most proud of the people he's mentored and the leaders they've become.

As both a law enforcement assessor and school safety leader, Hill has helped prepare future leaders for command-level roles throughout the region. Today, he's equally proud of the work his team is doing to modernize safety across the Breakthrough Public Schools network.

Current initiatives include:

• Developing and mentoring the next generation of school safety professionals
• Deploying advanced weapons detection systems across all campuses
• Installing motorized security gates
• Expanding license plate recognition (LPR) technology
• Implementing integrated communications platforms
• Leading a four-year security investment strategy designed to strengthen teaching and learning environments

Current Priorities

Although the network is investing heavily in new security technology, Hill says his biggest priority is developing his team.

His focus is helping security staff transition from a traditional guard mindset to a professional school security posture built on service, relationships, and continuous improvement.

As the network enters the second year of its four-year security investment strategy, Hill is excited about the new technologies and capabilities that will continue enhancing school safety across its campuses.

Advice for Fellow School Safety Leaders

For Hill, effective school safety begins with relationships. He believes that when scholars and families trust school safety professionals, they're more likely to share concerns, report issues early, and become active partners in creating a safer school environment.

"Build relationships with scholars and their families. When our scholars trust us and feel comfortable with us, they will inform us of what is going on in the school. Likewise, when families see us as trusted members of the school community, they will support us in building a culture of security.”

Why He Joined NCSSD

Hill joined NCSSD during his first year with Breakthrough Public Schools and says the experience has already had a meaningful impact on his work. He values the opportunity to collaborate with fellow practitioners, exchange ideas with others actively working in school safety, and reconnect with industry leaders he met throughout his career.

"This membership has been very valuable to me in my first year in this role. It is rewarding to collaborate and hear from others who are actively engaged in this work."

Continue Exploring School Safety Leadership

Interested in learning how other school safety leaders are addressing today's challenges? Browse our growing collection of Member Spotlights to meet practitioners from districts across the country and discover the ideas, strategies, and lessons they've learned along the way.

If you're a school safety leader looking to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and participate in future Member Spotlights, consider joining the National Council of School Safety Directors (NCSSD).