The LaGrange Highlands Elementary District 106 Board has chosen a father of five with a background in education to replace Lori Bryan on the board, after she resigned March 17 because she no longer lives in the district.
Nathan C. Phillips, of LaGrange Highlands, was appointed to serve the remainder of Bryan’t term, which expires in April 2021. Phillips was selected unanimously from a field of 15 persons who contacted the board about their interest, eight of whom were interviewed.
“The board of education is very excited to have Nathan join us,” Board President John Corcoran said in a release. “We were thrilled that so many talented and passionate community members volunteered to fill this role. We believe that Nathan will be a terrific board member, and our students and school will benefit greatly from his selection.”
Phillips has a Ph.D. in Learning, Teaching and Diversity from Vanderbilt University, along with a master’s degree in English from Brigham Young University. His work experience in education includes being an assistant professor in the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago and an instructor, teaching assistant and student teaching field supervisor at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, and teaching high school language arts in Utah.
“While we have lived in the district, our family has been so well cared for by Highlands administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents, and families,” Phillips said in the release. “I am honored to do my best to serve our community as a member of the school board and grateful for the opportunity.”
Three of Phillips’ children currently attend District 106 schools, while one attends Lyons Township High School and one is a LT graduate who now is a college freshman.
District 106 Superintendent Amy Warke said she was excited to have Phillips join the board.
“His experiences in learning, teaching, and professional development are going to bring a focus on best practices in instruction to the board,” she said.
