Mr. Gallo is the most recent addition to the Pennridge High School security staff. The 2019-2020 school year is his first year in the Pennridge School District,but he is a well-seasoned and professionally trained member of the team. After 22 years of experience, Mr. Gallo was an excellent candidate for the head of security position at the Pennridge School District. He also holds the titles of school police officer and security guard at Pennridge High School. 

Mr. Gallo’s day starts before students and staff even arrive at the school. His and his colleague’s routine consists of preparing for arrival and securing doors around the campus. He is also patrolling the school throughout the day and maintaining communication with the other security guards in the school. However, aside from his normal school events, Mr. Gallo and the other security guards monitor after school events Monday through Friday until around 10 p.m. He often covers weekend events hosted by the district such as school plays and sports games.

Mr. Gallo began his work in New York City 22 years ago. He was part of the New York City Police Department and was assigned to 11 different schools in the area. He had similar responsibilities on campuses in New York as he performs here. He enjoys working here in PA, and his family often travels around the area to explore their new home turf. He specifically loves working with the principals, teachers, guidance counselors as a team to help students. Mr. Gallo tries his best to connect with the students in the district. He explains that the majority of security is focused at the high school, but he also visits the other schools at least once a week to check in with their administration.

Mr. Gallo is forming relationships with the students in the Pennridge School District and says that kids will often talk to him in the hallways. “Just roaming the halls and patrolling lunches kids will say hi,” he says with a smile. He discusses the importance of relationships with the students saying, “Casual relationships bring communication, and communication brings security.” Mr. Gallo loves forming relationships and believes they make our schools safer for everyone.

Not only does Mr. Gallo form relationships with the students, he also makes great relationships with the members of the administrative staff. Dr. Bolton describes him in three words saying he is, “Level-headed, professional, and caring”. Dr. Bolton and Mr. Gallo both meet multiple times a month and attend meetings with other school administrators. Most recently the discussions have been centered around the armed police officers at Pennridge High School, which was approved last year by the school board. There was a hearing Thursday the 20th, and both Mr. Gallo and fellow security officer Mr. Branch were sworn in as School Police Officers. Mr. Gallo is doing an excellent job of leading the Pennridge School District security across all 11 schools, and he and Mr. Branch will exceed with the new official title.

So far, Mr. Gallo is making a lasting and positive impression at Pennridge. His experience and passion for safety are just two reasons why he was brought on to the Pennridge staff. His professionalism and compassionate personality fit right in with the administration. He often deals with bullying, drugs, fighting, and anything that poses a safety threat to a student or the school.  If you need to contact security, you can speak to any of the staff members wearing the green security uniform, most likely in lunch periods, or approach the security desk outside of the main office. All of the Safe2Say anonymous tips from the app go to his email as well. He is reachable in very many ways, which is appreciated.

      Since Mr. Gallo’s  transition to Upper Bucks County from New York City, he has made an impact here at PSD, and we encourage you to reach out to him and get to know him because he is an amazing addition to the PSD family!