Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Community School hires from within

10-year staffer named new upper school director

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By TERRY SMITH
Express Staff Writer

Phil Huss

After a nationwide search for a new upper school director, The Community School in Sun Valley found the man it was looking for right on campus.

Headmaster Andy Jones-Wilkins announced Friday that 10-year staffer Phil Huss has been appointed to the job.

Huss, who assumes the post on Aug. 1, replaces Brian Yager, who announced his resignation in October after being selected as "head of school" at Keystone School in San Antonio, Texas.

Jones-Wilkins explained in a press release that the selection process for Yager's replacement involved faculty, administration, students, parents and the board of directors. Jones-Wilkins described Huss as the "clear choice."

Huss has been at The Community School since 2000. He has taught English, served as English Department chairman and has been self-study coordinator, head varsity tennis coach, outdoor trip leader and summer school director.

Huss has an undergraduate degree in English from Amherst College and a master's degree in American Literature from Boston College. Before coming to The Community School, he taught at Lowell Whitman School in Steamboat Springs, Colo., and at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H.

"I am confident that this appointment will make our excellent upper school program thrive for years to come," Jones-Wilkins said.

Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com