Ford choice for JC principal (11/06/2008)

Phil Ford will be recommended to the Jay School Board as principal of Jay County High School later this month.

Superintendent Tim Long informed board members and staff this week via e-mail that he would recommend Ford, who has been serving as interim principal since August, at the board's Nov. 24 meeting.

Long confirmed his decision Tuesday, saying he has great confidence in Ford's ability to do the job and bring stability to leadership at JCHS.

Ford will be the third principal in three years, following Jeremy Gulley, who held the position for one year before leaving for Huntington North High School this summer, and Wood Barwick, who is now assistant superintendent.

Ford was approved on an interim basis by the school board in August, moving from his role as athletic director into the principal's office.

A 1968 graduate of Dunkirk High School, Ford received his bachelor's degree from Ball State University in 1972. He taught chemistry at JCHS from 1976 to 1993. He also taught for two years at Delta High School and two years in Amelia, Ohio.

Ford was dean of students at JCHS from 1993 to 1995 and served as athletic director/assistant principal from 1995 to 1999.

From 1999 to 2004, he was athletic director/assistant principal at Wes-Del High School, prior to returning to JCHS in the same role.

"I have appreciated his efforts (as interim principal)," Long told staff members in an e-mail, "and I think this will bring back a measure of stability to the high school with regard to continuous leadership."[[In-content Ad]]