May 15, 2012
05/16/12 The Union-North United School Board has appointed Chuck Phillips to the newly designated position of Director of Operations for the 2012-2013 school year. Currently Phillips is the principal of LaVille Jr.-Sr. High School. He will remain in that position until the end of the school year while, at the same time, transition into the Director of Operations. The newly created position consolidates the former Director of Maintenance and Director of Transportation duties into one.
During a meeting on April 26, 2012, the board was split on establishing the position on a vote of 3-2. However, the vote on Phillips was unanimous.
Former Maintenance Director Todd Gardner resigned in March to pursue other employment and the position has not been filled. Currently, Lylah Swathwood is in charge of transportation. The Transportation Director’s job was created early in 2009 when bus routes were being redefined to accommodate construction of the new U.S. 31. Swathwood will continue to serve in her current capacity until the end of the school year and then move to a custodial position.
Superintednet Mtich Mawhorter said, “What was desperately needed was leadership and Phillips really fits the bill.” Mawhorter commented that Phillips has already been working with contractors on ongoing projects such as the air system in the LaVille Elementary Building.
Phillips has been with the Union-North Schools for six year. He started as the Athletic Director, moved to Assistant Principal and then to principal. Before coming to the LaVille Schools, he taught history, economics, and government in Jay County. His new duties will include overseeing maintenance, capital fund projects, grounds, transportation, and CPF and Transportation budgets.
Phillips and his wife Mindy are the parents of two children, Kaitlyn and Dylan.
Carol Anders Correspondent