Art Delgadillo is the first director of security for MCHS

McHenry Community High School District 156 board of education members on Monday approved hiring retired Palatine Police Department commander Arturo Delgadillo as the district’s first director of security.

In this newly created position, he will oversee a growing 10-person security department at Upper Campus and Freshman Campus, and serve as a leader in coordinating security at district facilities. He’ll also be a liaison between the school system and first responders. 

Delgadillo, who worked his way up in the Palatine Police Department from police assistant to detective to commander of neighborhood-based policing, said he is looking forward to working with young people. As a police officer, his work included coordinating the department’s relationships with schools, particularly high schools, in the Palatine area. 

As an administrative sergeant, he coordinated school security and lockdown drills in addition to conducting public safety outreach programs within the community.

Delgadillo, who is also fluent in Spanish, said he is looking forward to building up support systems in school to help young people thrive.

“Everyone should feel safe at school,” he said. “I love mentoring and I love leading.”

He said he’s also glad to be in McHenry where family members live.

Dr. Ryan McTague, District 156 superintendent, said former colleagues at the Palatine Police Department spoke highly of Delgadillo’s commitment to public safety and helping those in need.  

“Art not only brings the law enforcement command experience we were looking for, but also a desire to build positive and proactive relationships with our staff and students,” McTague said.