Owensboro Middle School has named Rick Latanzio the school’s Family Resource/Youth Service Center Coordinator, replacing Chris Covington who left for the same position at Owensboro High School.
Latanzio is a familiar name to the students and staff of OMS, as he previously served as the district’s School Resource Officer while serving with the Owensboro Police Department. The knowledge and experience of the families and neighborhoods in the district are characteristics that led to his appointment of the FRYSC position.
“Rick’s history of working with families from all across our district was a major reason we wanted him for this position,” said OMS principal of operations Randy Bryant. “His passion for working with our families and students and the relationship he has already built with many of them will make this an easy transition for him and we are thrilled he wanted to continue to serve our district.”
Latanzio served with the Owensboro Police Department for nearly 21 years and retired from the force in October 2019. Five of those years were dedicated to serving as the district’s School Resource Officer.
“I have missed the kids and the staff more that I can describe,” he said. “Since I retired from the force, there has been a void in my life and I have missed that sense of community and being in the school setting.”
Through his work with OPD and his time as School Resource Officer, Latanzio has developed many relationships that will help make the transition to the FRYSC position seamless.
“I’ve already been able to develop relationships with students and staff through my time as a resource officer,” said Latanzio. “I have a pretty good understanding of the issues that the students face before they even get to school on a daily basis, and I hope to be able to help with those by providing resources and avenues to address those problems.”
Latanzio will officially take over the position effective July 1.
