Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, November 13, 2018
(MITCHELL) - The Mitchell Community Schools Board hired Dr. Mike Wilcox as new superintendent Monday night as Dr. Steve Phillips says good bye to a long career with the school system
Dr. Wilcox's contract is effective Dec. 1. His first day on the job will be Dec. 3.
Dr. Steve Phillips, who is retiring has been with Mitchell Community Schools for more than 34 years.
"I have enjoyed my time here and the community's support. The years went by quickly. I am looking forward to this next phase in my life. Now I want to take some time to travel where it is warm and spend time with my family and grandchildren," he says. "After that, I may look for some part-time employment in the education field or into something I enjoy."
Dr. Wilcox and Dr. Steve Phillips, who is retiring as superintendent, will work together for several days before Wilcox officially takes over the leadership.
"I will stay for a week or two so there is a smooth transition," Dr. Phillips added. "I will then say my goodbyes and fade off into the sunset."
Dr. Wilcox is coming to Mitchell after resigning as superintendent of Richland-Bean Blossom Community Schools. Dr. Wilcox submitted his resignation in May after Call 6 Investigations exposed the district made a $1.1 million mistake that forced 10,500 taxpayers to pay a tax increase. He has faced sharp criticism for making a mistake on a financial form to the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance and has since apologized for the mistake.
Dr. Phillips says the board was aware of the mistake before hiring Dr. Wilcox.
Dr. Wilcox is a native of St. Paul and attended and graduated from North Decatur High School. He attended Indiana University where he played football for Coach Bill Mallory on three bowl teams in 1986, 1987 and 1988. He was an offensive guard for the Hoosiers.
He has been a classroom teacher, coached football, basketball and strength, and conditioning, and served as athletic director, assistant principal, assistant superintendent in his 29 years in education.
He received his B.S. in education from Indiana University, later earning a master's degree in administration, also at IU. Even later, he received his Education Specialist in School Superintendency and Doctorate of Philosophy in Education from Indiana State University.
He began teaching and coaching at Rushville. He later moved back to his home county and served four years as assistant superintendent at Decatur County Schools before going to Richland-Bean Blossom. Where he served for five years, from June 2013 to May 2018.
He has three daughters, Katie, Molly and Chloe and one granddaughter, Meredith.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.