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Last Friday was the last day on the job for Orange High School Principal Katie Phillips.
Ms. Phillips submitted on April 17 a letter of resignation effective at the end of the work day on April 21.
Ms. Phillips noted in her resignation that she would be stepping down “due to personal reasons.”
“While I deeply regret having to resign from my position, I believe that this decision is in the best interest of my personal circumstances at this time,” Ms. Phillips wrote.
Dr. Lynn Campbell, the superintendent of Orange City Schools, sent an email to the staff and families of the students addressing Ms. Phillips’ departure.
The e-mail announced that the school’s previous principal will take her place through the end of the school year.
Dr. Paul Lucas, former Orange High School principal who is now Orange Schools’Director of Human Resources, will serve as the interim principal to bring 2022-2023 to a close.
Orange High School Assistant Principals Jasmine Ferguson and John Moeschberger will be helping during this transition.
“I know this is sudden, but please know that OHS is in good hands with Mrs. Ferguson and Mr. Moeschberger continuing to lead and support staff and students,” Dr. Campbell wrote.
“Please stay tuned as we coordinate and plan for Katie’s permanent replacement.”
Phillips has been Principal since August 1, 2022. Her two-year contract extended through July 31, 2024.
Before coming to the Orange City Schools, Ms. Phillips had been associate principal at Kenston High School from 2016 to 2022.
She had also taught science at Kenston High School.
Lou Devancantis, Communications Director at Orange High School, said he understood the concern surrounding Ms. Phillips’ sudden departure.
“Katie said that her resignation was for personal reasons, and she has been loved by our staff and the students at Orange.” Mr. Devancantis said.
Dr. Campbell also wished her well in his email.
“Katie has done a phenomenal job in her first year at OHS, and she will be greatly missed,” he said.
Ms. Phillips somberly and respectfully thanked the families and staff in her letter of resignation. “I have been privileged to serve as Principal in this excellent school district and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Orange City Schools including the students, parents, teachers, staff, administrators, and the Board of Education for their unwavering support and collaboration during my tenure as Principal,” Ms. Phillips wrote. “I will always cherish the memories and experiences I have had at Orange High School, and I will carry the lessons learned here throughout my career. I am grateful for the relationships and connections that I have formed during my time here. Thank you again for your understanding and support during this time.”
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