Ask the News - April 21

Did Clovis schools Superintendent Renee Russ hire her husband as the school’s security chief?

No. Clovis Municipal Schools does not have a chief of security.

Glenn Russ, the superintendent’s husband, was hired by the school board as the district’s Title IX coordinator. Russ, a former law enforcement officer, was hired last Aug. 23.

Glenn Russ is supervised by Joe Strickland, deputy superintendent of employee services.

Glenn Russ’ salary is $71,294 annually.

School board members were made aware of the family connection and unanimously approved the hiring of Glenn Russ, according to minutes of the Aug. 23 board meeting.

A Title IX coordinator is responsible for adherence to the federal law, which ensures “nondiscrimination, including a nondiscriminatory environment.”

Strickland specifically told the board that the coordinator is responsible for investigating allegations of sexual harassment. He said Glenn Russ had seven years experience as a law-enforcement investigator and was well qualified for the position.

In the event of an allegation, Strickland said the coordinator would gather information and ultimately provide it to an outside agency that is not familiar with the complainant or respondent; that agency would then issue a final disposition.

“There has not been a point in the process where Ms. Russ has had to make a decision. Title IX Coordinator has to have the authority to make some decisions and it is really an independent position as far as working with the superintendent,” Strickland told the board, according to minutes of the meeting.

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