Rural District Administrator
Patricia Phillips, Bronaugh R-VII
Outstanding Rural District Administrator
Ms. Patricia Phillips
Bronaugh R-VII School District
In Patricia Phillips own words, “Public Education is more than a career to me; it is my life’s passion. I firmly believe that through teamwork, collaboration and effective leadership I can make a difference in the lives of students, faculty, staff and patrons in any school district.” As a result, she has brought a tremendous amount of enthusiasm, humor, dedication, persistence, and professionalism to the Bronaugh R-VII School District. Ms. Phillips came to the Bronaugh district as a PreK-12 Principal in 2000. In 2001 she was promoted to the position of Superintendent. A small rural district where the district administrator was responsible for 250 students, 52 faculty/staff members, school reform initiatives, curriculum and instruction, technology, bus transportation, the food service program, building maintenance, well do I need to go on.
During Patricia’s tenure at Bronaugh, she has led the district to multiple years of ‘Distinction in Performance’. Her masterful skills as a grant writer, has been a benefit beyond measure. Most recently, those skills secured the 2011 e-MINTS grant, thus ensuring that the students of Bronaugh are provided with the needed technology and skills to serve them well beyond their time in the district. Other reform initiatives have included the CharacterPlus program K-12, Ozark Rural Systemic Initiative in reform math K-8 and also in science K-9, Professional Development focus, Professional Learning Communities, 21st Century Community Learning Center, just to name a few.
Ms. Phillips is described by one of the staff as having a ‘take charge’ personality and is not afraid of hard work. She approaches problems head on and doesn’t beat around the bush. By another staff member as one that is uncompromising in her quest for quality educational opportunities for all young people. She never loses sight of students and their needs.
One of her greatest attributes has been her work with individual teachers to provide support and to recommend accommodations within the context of their regular classrooms. Patricia arms teachers with new and research-based strategies that help all students reach their full potential.
Ms. Patricia Phillips is truly a person of focus, dedication and professional integrity. Along with her high expectation of the students and staff, she has been forward thinking in improvements to the academics, curriculum, technology and building and ground improvements. Her leadership truly exhibit’s the qualities necessary to be selected as the Missouri Outstanding Rural District Administrator for 2012.