Lakewood Local Schools has hired two new administrative staff members to join their administrative team.
Richard Cooper has been hired as Assistant Principal of Lakewood High School. Mr. Cooper previously was Assistant Principal at Pickerington Local Schools since 2017, first at Toll Gate Middle School, then at Pickerington High School Central. At Pickerington, he oversaw many programs and projects, including administrative systems, discipline, evaluation of staff, professional learning, technology integration, among several others. From 2014 to 2017, he was Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at River Valley Schools, and prior to that, he was Music Department Head and Band Director at Centerburg Local Schools since 2005.
“I’m excited to contribute my talents and proficiency in organization and cultural development to the Lakewood community,” said Mr. Cooper. “I believe my qualifications, experiences and personal strengths will be an asset to the high school and district at large.”
Phil Jones will be the district’s new Technology Director. Mr. Jones previously was Technology Coordinator/Director at Northern Local Schools since 2015, where he modernized the entire network infrastructure, planned and managed the installation/implementation of many critical systems, implemented various Remote Learning and Remote Work Solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure district functionality, and much more. Prior to joining Northern Local Schools, Mr. Jones was a private sector information technology manager and business owner.
"I believe my experience in the private sector for many years gives me a unique perspective now being involved in education administration on the technology side,” said Mr. Jones. “I hope to positively impact Lakewood Schools’ technology and media capabilities and offerings with that experience, and look forward to getting started.”
Both Mr. Cooper’s and Mr. Jones’ hirings were approved by the Lakewood Local Schools Board of Education on August 10.