Superintendent of Southwest Parke Community School Corporation Named
IAPSS District IV Superintendent of the Year
Montezuma, IN – December 3, 2024 – The Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) is proud to announce that Dr. Philip "Phil" Harrison, Superintendent of Southwest Parke Community School Corporation, has been recognized as the IAPSS 2025 District IV Superintendent of the Year. District IV includes Benton, Clay, Fountain, Greene, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Owen, Park, Putnam, Sullivan, Tippecanoe, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warren counties.
Dr. Harrison has been at the helm of Southwest Parke Community School Corporation since September 2016. With over two decades of experience in educational leadership, he has been instrumental in driving the district’s mission to provide a rigorous and inclusive curriculum that meets the diverse needs of its 986 students. His leadership has seen the district’s programs earn state recognition, particularly in special education and agricultural education.
Dr. Harrison’s academic credentials include a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership (2005), a Master of Arts in Music Theory (1996), and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education (1993), all from Indiana State University. His administrative experience spans multiple roles, including Superintendent of Jamaica/Salt Fork CUSD 512 in Catlin, IL, Principal and Assistant Principal at South Vermillion High School, and Clinical Faculty Supervisor at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
“Dr. Harrison’s leadership and vision have been pivotal in fostering partnerships that benefit both students and the community,” said a representative from IAPSS District IV. “His ability to build relationships with local organizations and higher education institutions has brought valuable resources and opportunities to the district, significantly enhancing the educational experience for all students.”
In addition to his role as Superintendent, Dr. Harrison is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS), where he currently serves on the Professional Development Committee, and the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). He has also contributed to various educational conferences, sharing his expertise in leadership and instructional strategies.
All Southwest Parke Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay schedule today - Tuesday, December 3 - due to icy road conditions. Please be safe as you travel to school later this morning.
The Southwest Parke Board of School Trustees will meet in regular session Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 7 PM in the RPHS Library. Members of the public are invited to attend.
Job Posting - Special Education Bus Aide - The Southwest Parke Community School Corporation is seeking a qualified individual to serve as an aide on our special education bus. Duties include assisting students with entry and exit, properly securing students in seats with safety belts, and monitoring students throughout travel. If you have a heart to serve our students with disabilities, you may complete an application for employment here: https://form.jotform.com/81264420747153
Board Meeting Tonight - The Southwest Parke Board of School Trustees will meet for hearings and consideration of resolutions on Monday, November 4, 2024 at 7 PM.. The Board will meet in the Riverton Parke High School Library. The public is invited to attend.
UPDATED LOCATION - The Southwest Parke Board of School Trustees will meet for hearings and consideration of resolutions on Monday, November 4, 2024 at 7 PM. The location of the meeting has been changed. The Board will now meet in the Riverton Parke High School Library. The public is invited to attend.
The Southwest Parke Board of School Trustees will meet Monday, November 4, 2024 at 7 PM in the Corporation Office to conduct two public hearings and consider two resolutions. The public is invited to attend.
The Southwest Parke Community School Corporation Board of Trustees will meet Monday, October 28, 2024 at 7 PM in the Corporation Office to conduct the first preliminary determination hearing regarding a proposed general obligation bond. The public is invited to attend and provide comment.
Southwest Parke School Board Executive Session Notice - The Board of Trustees of the Southwest Parke Community School Corporation (the “School Corporation”) gives notice that on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 7 PM, it will meet in executive session at the Corporation Office, 4851 South Coxville Road, Montezuma, Indiana 47862 in accordance with IC § 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(2)(A) (discussion of strategy with respect to collective bargaining), (b)(2)(D)(a real property transaction including a lease, transfer or exchange), and (b)(11) (to train school board members with an outside consultant about the performance of the role of the members as public officials).
The Indiana Immunization Coalition is organizing a health and resource fair in Parke County. The Parke County Health Fair will be at the Parke County Fairgrounds on October 30th from 4-7PM. All services offered are free to the participants and vendors. See the flyer for more information.
The September 11, 2024 and October 9, 2024 meetings of the Southwest Parke School Board will be held in the Riverton Parke High School Library. Both meetings begin at 7 PM. Members of the public are encouraged to attend School Board meetings to stay informed about the happenings of the school corporation.
Respiratory illnesses seem to be increasing at the moment, so please follow the CDC recommendations for safety. Please see the current flyer attached.
An updated financial analysis regarding the proposed gym project is now viewable the school website. The updated analysis includes updated tax impact information that shows typical increases to home and commercial properties. The document may be seen here: https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/73/District/4625184/Aux_Gym_Prelim_Determination_3__072224.pdf
Attention all incoming seniors, sixth graders and kindergarten students. This is an opportunity to get your required vaccinations for free, prior to the start of school. Seniors will need a second meningitis vaccine (not meningitis B), sixth graders need a meningitis vaccine and Dtap vaccine, and kindergartens will need the rest of their required vaccines for the start of school. Please follow the registration directions on the flyer or from the link on the corporation website under the Parent section of the Menu. If you have any questions regarding your child's vaccines, please contact Nurse Marla at hasbrouckm@swparke.k12.in.us.
The financial analysis regarding a proposed auxiliary gym project is now on our website. Tax impact examples are included beginning on page 6. You may view the documents at this link: https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/73/District/4494539/SWP_Aux_Gym_Financial_Analysis_with_Tax_Impact_.pdf
The Southwest Parke School Board will meet Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 7 PM in the Rosedale Elementary Cafeteria. The public is invited to attend.
The Southwest Parke Community School Corporation Office is now operating on summer hours. We are open Monday through Thursday 8:30 AM until 3:30 PM and Friday 8:30 AM until 12:00 PM. Please call ahead to ensure someone is in the office to address your needs before making the trip. Have a great day!
Clarification: During the board meeting, it was stated that Performance Services could not construct our new gym if we pursue one. We have learned otherwise. Performance Services could not design/build the new gym UNDER OUR CURRENT AGREEMENT as it relates to a guaranteed energy savings project. Performance Services is a design/build firm with a lot of school work under their belts. We would need to execute a new agreement with them if we wanted them to undertake new construction. Thank you for reading this clarification.
The Southwest Parke Board of School Trustees will meet Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 7 PM at the RPHS Library. We will be discussing the possibility of adding an auxiliary gym to the high school. We welcome all members of the public to attend, hear our discussion, and provide comment.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, all Southwest Parke schools will operate on an e-learning schedule. Students will receive learning packets tomorrow. Please have your students begin their lessons Monday morning because there are some pre-eclipse activities that should be completed in preparation for the big event Monday afternoon, as well as some observations to note as they experience it. If you have any questions regarding the activities, please reach out to the teachers.