“We are very excited about Jeff [Elliott], Mike [Collier], and Eric [Phillips] in their new roles. We look forward to seeing what they can bring to the table,” Ringstaff said. “It is a very exciting time for Cleveland City Schools with new leadership coming into these three areas.”
Elliott has served as principal for Cleveland Middle School for the past nine years. He will be taking over as supervisor of curriculum and instruction. As supervisor, Elliott will “develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology in specialized fields that provides guidelines to educators. ...”
“I have always been interested in different ways to teach and deliver curriculum in the classroom. I have always enjoyed making the curriculum interesting to students,” Elliott said. “The position intrigued me because I would be able to work with the various schools and our wonderful school officials.”
Elliott was assistant principal at CMS for four years prior to becoming principal. He said leaving CMS was the only drawback to moving to his new position.
“Cleveland Middle School is a fabulous place. It has a terrific staff. The good aspect is components of the new position will allow me to work with them,” Elliott said. “I know Mike will come in with excitement. I look forward to working with him and welcome him to Cleveland Middle.”
Collier will be taking over as principal of Cleveland Middle School in Elliott’s stead. He served as assistant principal and athletic director of Cleveland High School for three years prior to this move.
“Our focus for middle school is preparing them for high school with all they need to succeed,” Ringstaff said. “Collier is coming from high school and he knows what students need to get them to the end.”
Collier said he is excited about beginning work at CMS on Monday.
“Until a couple of days ago, Elliott was still preparing for another year as principal of Cleveland Middle. He has already planned a successful year,” Collier said. “What we [administration] need to do is work hard and do all we can for the teachers and students.”
According to Collier, supporting the teachers is what being principal is all about.
“The administration in a school is necessary, but the hard work is in the classroom. Our job is to work with the teachers and support them the way they need to be supported,” Collier said.
Eric Phillips will be taking over Collier’s duties as athletic director at CHS. Phillips has served as a teacher and head wrestling coach at CHS for the past seven years.
“I am very excited to help guide a very strong athletic program with great coaches. I am coming in to help in any way I can to make their jobs easier,” Phillips said.
Phillips will continue coaching wrestling as the assistant coach and he will retain his teaching position.
“The position will be a little different from Collier because he was both an assistant principal and the athletic director. The role has been modified because I will not be taking over his administrative role,” Collier said. “This is a dream job because I love coaching, teaching, and being involved in athletics as a whole.”
Ringstaff said he has confidence in the new appointees’ ability to be prepared for the oncoming school year.
