Phillips
It isn’t official yet, but our local school system has nominated Chad Phillips as the next superintendent, pending a formal board vote on April 29.
With longtime Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. Superintendent Jim Roberts retiring and assuming a new role with the Columbus-based Community Education Coalition effective in July, the BCSC Board of Trustees contacted the University Search Team to evaluate potential successors. The team didn’t have to look far to recommend promoting Phillips, who has long provided distinguished service to local students and our local school system.
As The Republic’s Brad Davis wrote, Phillips “is completing his 20th year in BCSC, serving the past seven years as the assistant superintendent for finance. He manages BCSC’s $150M annual budget that includes operating referendum funds used to improve staff retention and student safety and security. He has been key to the creation of a district-wide facility renovation plan that includes construction of a new elementary school, all without increasing the property tax rate.”
Phillips was instrumental in structuring this fiscally responsible, forward-looking, $300 million multi-year facilities improvement plan, but he is far from simply a money-and-planning person. His career has been defined by commitments to service, education and leadership.
A Marine Corps veteran, Phillips moved into the BCSC administrative ranks from the classroom. As Davis wrote, Phillips “spent six years as principal of CSA Lincoln Elementary, where the school went from an ‘F’ performance grade in 2010 to consecutive ‘A’ (grades) in 2014 and 2015. Phillips has also served as an assistant principal at Central Middle School and Social Studies Department chair at Columbus North High School. Before coming to BCSC, Phillips taught social studies at Lebanon Senior High School.”
“The Board completed a thorough and collaborative process in the search for its next superintendent. We started by canvassing the community and teachers understanding the needs of the school system in its readiness to deliver a next-level education experience. During the process, teachers, administrators, and Board members thoughtfully reviewed the candidates and have chosen Dr. Chad Phillips. He is a leader within BCSC and this community is ready to deliver upon BCSC’s vision of being THE choice of education in Bartholomew County” BCSC School Board member Logan Schulz said.
The public will have an opportunity to weigh in at 5 p.m. April 15 in the Terrace Room at the Administration Building, 1200 Central Ave. The board will vote on the appointment of the new superintendent at the regular meeting on April 29, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at Columbus North High School.
The role of superintendent is demanding. It requires a person with keen knowledge of educational systems and methods who possesses the qualities necessary to lead as well as a vision for providing students the best opportunities to learn, thrive and grow. We believe Phillips is a natural choice to lead BCSC.
