READY FOR NEW CHALLENGES — Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Superintendent Todd Phillipson will be stepping down on July 31 after 10 years of service. -- Contributed

BLOOMINGDALE — Todd Phillipson’s time as superintendent of the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School will draw to a close during the next few weeks as he soon departs for another educational venture.

Phillipson’s final day at the JVS is set for July 31, after which he will take the reins as principal at Steubenville Catholic Central High School. He said he was approached about replacing current leader Tom Graham, who is leaving the role this summer.

“It’s something that has been on my mind for years,” he said. “I graduated from there and was a coach since 1994 or 95. I’m very excited to be there as principal and help the staff and students.”

While the number of students he will oversee at Catholic Central is comparable to the JVS, he will also be responsible for grades 7-12. He looked back on his tenure at the JVS, saying it has been a large part of his life and not just his career. He grew up near the Bloomingdale campus while his mother was employed as a secretary shortly after the school was built, plus his father taught sessions for his carpentry union and later became a substitute teacher.

Phillipson’s ties continued through his own children when his daughters attended the early childhood education preschool program, while family members and former athletes he coached at Catholic Central were enrolled as JVS students. His career at the site began when he taught social studies and English in 1996, then he rose into administrative roles as assistant principal two years later and principal in 2001.

Finally, he was named superintendent in 2014. Phillipson has watched the facility through a multitude of changes, be it through the addition of the animal science management and heavy equipment programs to the formation of the Breezewood Manor subdivision, where students have built more than a half-dozen homes on the outskirts of the campus with support from professional contractors.

He has also been proud of the increased enrollment and students’ achievements as many have gone on to regional, state and even national conferences.

“Being involved with the Breezewood Manor subdivision and working with the board, including members Geno Morelli, Ken Simeral and Larry George, when we wanted to get the subdivision built was amazing,” he said.

Phillipson said it will be a transition, but he expected successor Ted Gorman to help lead the JVS well into the future as the site looks to become an Ohio Technical Center and offer certified adult education courses.

“I just wish Ted well and hope he carries on successfully with the OTC and adult ed along with growing enrollment.” JVS Board President Steve Bezak III commended Phillipson for his work and wished him good luck in his endeavors. “For the last three years as board president, I have worked closely with Phillipson and the JVS wouldn’t be where it is without him,” Bezak said. “I want to congratulate him on his new position and wish him well.”