A Safe Space for Wildcats Starts with Safety and Trust
Every school day at East Allegheny begins with a familiar and reassuring presence in the halls. As students arrive and the campus comes to life, Carl Kuzel, the district’s Director of Safety and Security is already at work greeting students, monitoring the morning bag screening process, and helping ensure the school day begins safely.
With decades of law enforcement experience, Kuzel brings both professional expertise and a relationship focused approach to protecting the East Allegheny community.
Before joining the district, he served as a Police Sergeant and Shift Commander with the City of McKeesport Police Department. After retiring from the department, he began exploring ways to continue serving the community and discovered that working in a school environment was a natural fit. He soon joined East Allegheny as the district’s Police Officer and Director of Safety and Security.
“I was very happy to get hired and I really enjoy my position with the district,” he said.
Keeping Campus Safe Every Day
As a seasoned police supervisor, Kuzel brings valuable experience to the school setting while focusing on creating a safe and welcoming environment for students. Each day begins by assisting with the morning bag screening process while remaining alert for any potential concerns. Throughout the day, he patrols the hallways of both buildings and keeps watch across the entire campus.
He also supervises the district’s security guards and works closely with local law enforcement when needed. Maintaining strong partnerships with nearby police departments is an important part of his role. He has developed strong working relationships with area police chiefs and officers and communicates directly with North Versailles Police through a shared radio system when necessary.
His approach to safety centers on visibility, professionalism, and trust. “I want to keep our campus, students, staff, parents, and visitors safe,” he said. “I try to be highly visible in my patrols while also being someone people feel comfortable approaching.”
Building Trust with Wildcats
Despite the authority that comes with the uniform, he strives to maintain a friendly and approachable presence. He enjoys talking with students throughout the day, whether it is casual conversation in the hallway or offering advice when a problem arises.
“I have only been here a few months, but I am really glad the students have accepted me,” Kuzel said. “I enjoy engaging with them and being part of the school community.”
Beyond the school day, he hopes to represent the district at community events and participate in initiatives such as Shop with a Cop.
In addition to his law enforcement career, Kuzel also has a unique background in the entertainment industry. A member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, he has appeared in several film and television productions and has worked as a producer and police technical advisor for a major CBS television series.
While those experiences are memorable, his focus today remains on protecting the East Allegheny community and ensuring that students and staff feel safe every day.