Dr. Phillip Cook

Dr. Phillip Cook is a veteran education leader whose career spans more than thirty years across teaching, coaching, school administration, and district-level leadership. As superintendent of Carl Junction School District for two decades, Dr. Cook guided the district through periods of growth and change with a consistent focus on student achievement, staff development, and community engagement.
Before stepping into district leadership, Dr. Cook served as a high school teacher, teaching economics, American history, civics, and the Civil War, and also coached baseball. After joining Carl Junction in 1997, he became assistant principal and later assistant superintendent in 2002. He assumed the superintendent role in 2005 and went on to lead the district for the next twenty years.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Cook emphasized academic excellence, strong governance, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. He championed programs designed to support all learners and remained closely connected to students and staff during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, where he prioritized transparency, communication, and community support.
Beyond his work in Carl Junction, Dr. Cook contributed to statewide and regional organizations supporting student athletics, school safety, and administrative leadership. His service included involvement with the Special Olympics of Missouri, the Missouri United School Insurance Council, and the Southwest Missouri Association of School Administrators.
In January 2025, Dr. Cook announced his upcoming retirement, concluding a distinguished 33-year career in education. His career reflects a deep commitment to teaching, leadership, and building strong educational environments where students and educators can thrive.