By Fallan Patterson
Staff Writer

For 14 years, Matthew Phillips has educated children in both Orange and Osceola counties as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and now principal at Cypress Elementary School in Kissimmee. It’s his three years as assistant principal of Neptune Elementary in St. Cloud that helped him become one of three state finalists for the Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award.

The Florida Department of Education award identifies exceptional education leaders for notable and worthy contributions to their school.

“I’m just happy to represent Osceola County,” Phillips, who was presented with a $1,000 check as a finalist at the Dec. 7 Osceola County School Board meeting, said.

Phillips, 36, worked under Neptune Elementary Principal Linda Harwood, whom he credits as helping him hone and cultivate his leadership skills as well as allowing him to take charge of specific projects at the school.

“She was instrumental; a very good mentor,” Phillips said.

Phillips helped Neptune Elementary move from a C to an A grade by tracking data to monitor student progress to improve student performance after the school opened in 2006 with students diverted from five other schools and staff from all over the district.  

He developed guidelines and procedures to assist teachers with mainstreaming autistic students. He applied for and received a CVS grant, which resulted in a handicap-accessible Boundless Playground that all students could use at the school. The playground was completed in 2008.

Phillips also was “Mr. Science” on the school’s morning announcements and became “Captain Neptune” to encourage students to do their best in class.

“The best part of working at Neptune was watching the school grow,” Phillips said. “I took on a lot — it’s sort of my personality.”

Phillips has won teacher of the year twice and received a least a dozen educational grants he had applied for over the years. He is a nationally certified teacher who previously taught elementary school science for all grades and he was also an instructional coach and technology coordinator.

“I really like this small county (compared to Orange County). We have a lot of support,” he said. “It’s all about people, not programs. You hire good staff and work with them, train them. It’s what I’m most proud of; we’re in the people business.”

Phillips, who lives with his wife and son in St. Cloud, enjoys physical, outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking and skiing in his spare time.  He has played drums for more than 10 years and plays in a rock band called Underhill.

Phillips was chosen as the sole nominee from Osceola County by Superintendent Michael Grego for the award. District superintendents are only allowed to nominate one assistant principal.

“I am extremely proud of Mr. Phillips and the outstanding leadership he gives every day as a school administrator in working with our teachers and students to boost achievement in the classroom,” Grego said in a statement.

Phillips is up against Claudia Shirley, assistant principal at West Shore Junior/Senior High School in Brevard County, and Emily Harrison, assistant principal of Fruit Cove Middle School in St. Johns County, for the award. The winner will be announced at the Principal Summit in 2011.

“We are excited to honor these outstanding school administrators and recognize them for their dedication to Florida students,” Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith said. “These leaders are playing a major role in boosting achievement in the classroom and accelerating learning gains for all Florida students.”

The Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award was established in 1997.