Solon Schools Get New Security Director

SOLON, OH — Detective Jason Bender will be the new director of security for the Solon Schools.

The Solon Board of Education approved Bender's hire on Monday. He will begin work on Jan. 4, 2021.

Bender is replacing Jeff Pedicino who is retiring in early 2021.

“Jay Bender is the right choice to build on the strong foundation of school safety and security that Jeff Pedicino has created within the Solon Schools,” said Solon Superintendent Fred Bolden. “We are confident the transition will be seamless, and we are excited to welcome him to our team. He is a personable leader and has positive relationships with all area safety forces.”

Bender is a 1985 Solon High School graduate. He then earned a degree in journalism from Ohio University in 1989. He then worked as a reporter from 1989 to 1993 before changing career paths and joining the Solon police department.

He began work as a patrol officer with the Solon police department in 1993. He has advanced through the ranks as an intelligence liaison officer, juvenile officer and he began work in the detective bureau in 2020.

“Some of the best times of my life were spent at Solon High School,” Det. Bender said. “It was a
very safe environment when I went to school there and I want to continue to foster that same safe environment for all of the students today who go to Solon High School and all of the Solon Schools.”

Bender will work with Pedicino through the early part of 2021 and will retire from the police force as he transitions into his new role with the Solon Schools.