Ozark school board creates HR executive director job, hires principal to fill it

The Ozark school board has tapped a former teacher and principal to serve as the first executive director of human resources, a newly created job.

The decision to hire Phillip Link for the role was made during a special board meeting Jan. 26. He will oversee all of the recruiting and hiring in the Christian County district.

Link, who starts the job July 1, has spent his entire career at Ozark Junior High School. He was a science teacher, the assistant principal from 2013 to 2021 and is currently the principal.

Among other accolades, he was named the 2022 New Principal of the Year for the southwest region by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals.

“I’m loyal to the Ozark community and invested in growing and retaining our talent,” said Link, in a Monday news release. “I’m committed to supporting our team as we find and keep the right talent while building relationships and maintaining trust with all stakeholders and fostering a culture of shared respect.”

More: No longer interim, Ozark school board selects Lori Wilson as next superintendent

Link has a bachelors' degree from Missouri Sate University, a master's degree from Lindenwood University and both a specialist degree and education doctorate from Southwest Baptist University. In the role, he will also serve as the district's Title IX Compliance Officer.

"Dr. Link brings with him a profound passion and unwavering commitment to both his staff and students," said Lori Wilson, superintendent, in the release. "We are confident that his dedication will serve as a guiding light, reflecting across our entire school district and community, fostering an environment of excellence and growth."

The News-Leader asked about pay for the position and was told the starting salary begins at $96,000 but may change based on level of experience.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Ozark school board creates HR executive director job, makes hire