CARLSBAD UNIFIED CONNECTIONS
November 2, 2026
Campus Safety Assistants Carlsbad High School and Valley Middle School
At Carlsbad Unified School District, the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors on our campuses is always our highest priority. Our safety processes and protocols are regularly evaluated and updated, formally and informally, and we are always on the lookout for experienced professionals who can assist with safety and security at our schools.
The District is fortunate to have recently hired three new Campus Safety Assistants (CSAs) who previously served in the military, probation, or law enforcement. Their careers have provided them with the training, awareness, and preparation to bring to our campuses a refreshed perspective and a new set of eyes to protect our students.
Chris Kelsey, the new CSA at Carlsbad High School, has extensive experience in the security field. Enlisting in the Air Force in 1996, he worked as a Security Policeman for four years at Edwards Air Force Base, two years in the UK, and, after 9/11, all over the world.
Returning to the civilian world, Mr. Kelsey worked for San Diego County as a probation officer with the general population, at juvenile hall, and in a camp setting. He retired from that position to become a full-time baseball coach for Vista Baseball Academy, teaching and coaching baseball to eight, nine, and 10-year-olds.
Mr. Kelsey enjoys connecting with the students and is impressed that the CSAs seem to know the names of all of the kids at school. “It's always about relationships, building rapport, earning students’ respect, and learning that respect is a two-way street,” he reports. “No matter what the context, it's about people talking with people, being a good listener and observer, and making people feel safe helping your team to keep doing their job well, and being a part of everyone's success.”
Andy Gale and Eduardo Preciados are the new CSAs at Valley Middle School. Mr. Gale worked in the federal jail system and then for the Sheriff’s Department in a variety of positions, as a Bailiff, a patrol officer, and a SWAT team member. He also has served as a Detective and Sergeant in Vista, and as part of a community crisis response unit (Psychiatric Emergency Response Team).
“It's mellow here at Valley. The kids are great. I know what to look for to protect them, and I have a job to do,” says Mr. Gale. “I have experience preventing possible events from escalating. Through my work I gained the ability to talk with people and get a message across so that they understand. I learned that it’s important to be calm in stressful situations, and de-escalate a tense scene.”
Mr. Preciados grew up here in Carlsbad. He graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1989, Cal State University Fullerton in 1995, and was hired at Orange County Probation in 1996. He worked as a counselor, supporting kids in Juvenile Hall, camps, or in incarceration. He oversaw the on-site school, exercise time, and the dorms for five years. After that on-site work he served in the Laguna Hills office in adult supervision, ensuring that probationers were complying with court orders and the terms of their release, providing resources, and working with them to help change their behavior.
“Middle school students are great, but kids can be impulsive and need to consider the choices they make," says Mr. Preciados. “Some need to learn to ‘Think before you act.’ I have always loved being part of this community, and I appreciate the welcome I have received here at Carlsbad Unified.”
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Carlsbad Unified School District
Email: cusd@carlsbadusd.net
Website: https://www.carlsbadusd.net
Location: 6225 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA, USA
Phone: 760-331-5000