Phil believes the following ideals are critical to the success of the Rockwood School District:

• Academic Excellence in a Safe Learning Environment

• Support for Teachers and Staff

• Continuous Improvement

• Fiscal Responsibility

Academic Excellence in a Safe Learning Environment

Every student has the ability to achieve at a drastically higher level when they walk out the schoolhouse door than when they walk in. They may not all be able to access that achievement in exactly the same way, but the potential is there in each and every student. It is not only our job but our imperative as a district to find the keys to realizing that potential in every student. Our students deserve to be prepared for their future through a robust education for whichever post-graduation path they choose. My goal is superior education outcomes for ALL Rockwood learners.   

Every student who walks through the doors of a Rockwood school should feel safe, respected and valued. We are experiencing an epidemic of polarization in our country which has, unfortunately, made its way into our school systems. Sensible solutions are often overlooked as different factions push for an agenda which serves one segment of the population at the expense of another. I will always advocate for education-centered, common sense solutions that serve all students.

Support for Teachers and Staff

Rockwood recruits the BEST and must retain the BEST. We cannot stick our heads in the sand and pretend that the looming teacher shortage is not already affecting the education of our students. There are several school districts within a 20 mile radius of Rockwood that offer a higher median salary for teachers. We cannot continue to be a training ground for bright teachers to migrate to neighboring districts after a year or two. Every staff member in our schools and in our district should feel that the work they do is important and feel appreciated for all that they do. This goes beyond compensation to respect and being valued as a professional. Communication and collaboration with teachers and staff will be a priority for me, to help ensure the best potential for student achievement.   

Continuous Improvement

Rockwood is an excellent school district that consistently outperforms most of the districts in Missouri and the Midwest on a variety of measures. That being said, we should never rest on our laurels. When we know better, we should do better. We need to not only work to improve in areas after needs for improvement come to light, but to also constantly seek out the best practices for every aspect of the district - from curriculum and programming, to finances, infrastructure, and employee compensation and benefits.

Fiscal Responsibility 

A key responsibility of the Rockwood Board of Education is financial stewardship. I am committed to conservative financial management of your tax dollars.  This will include an ongoing study of the budget to ensure our district succeeds in the most fiscally effective way.  Good financial oversight involves consistent exchanges among administration, finance leaders and the Board of Education. Transparency with taxpayers is of utmost importance to me.

“As a Board Director, I will be focused on student success instead of partisan politics.  The best outcomes are achieved when all voices are heard and this fosters a unified community.  A unified Rockwood is a STRONGER Rockwood!”