Community member Ray Beach will serve Gilbertsville-Mount Upton as its School Resource Officer during the 2023-2024 school year.

The father of three GMU students – one graduate and two current – will bring 25 years of experience in law enforcement to our campus as an armed police presence through the Binghamton-based Upstate Security Consultants, LLC.

“I am committed to strengthening a secure environment where students, parents, and staff thrive,” said Beach, a retired corrections officer who served on GMU’s Capital Project Facilities Planning Committee during the 2022-2023 school year. “This community has been my home for three decades, and I'm genuinely invested in its safety and well-being.”

Beach’s appointment follows overwhelming support for the position, based on results from a parents/guardians survey conducted by the District last school year.

“We are very happy to welcome Mr. Beach to our staff as he will add another level of security to ensure that everyone at GMU can learn and grow together in a safe environment,” Superintendent Annette Hammond said. “Mr. Beach brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise and protection to our campus and, beyond that, will look to develop positive, productive relationships with students and staff all year long.”

Beach said of his appointment: “I am here to support and assist our school community, ensuring that everyone can focus on education while feeling safe and protected. I'm looking forward to serving the GMU community!”