Elmont Board of Education President Aubrey Phillips was named a 2005 Outstanding Communicator by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). Nominated by NSPRA member Nassau BOCES and supported by written recommendation from the Elmont School District, Phillips was recognized for his exceptional communications skills, which play an important role in supporting the success of students and schools in the community. He's the only award recipient from New York State.

Currently in his second year as president, Phillips was instrumental in the development of the school district's Comprehensive Education Plan, now in its second edition. Laying the groundwork for a plan that would have broad support, Phillips attended community meetings and sought the involvement of stakeholders in an ongoing discussion of what defines an educated child. Together with his fellow board members, Phillips worked with the district superintendent in shaping a three-part education vision: that each child's learning experience go beyond core requirements to include ever expanding experiences targeted to his or her specific interests and talents; that the district embrace the differences the children bring from a community of residents representing over 100 countries and speaking more than 70 languages; and that the community continue to engage in discussion of shared educational values.

The school district provides quality and equality in student opportunities, and in turn, its students have achieved outstanding academic success. Since the initiation of the fourth grade state assessments, the percentage of students placing at the highest rankings, Level 3 (meeting all standards) and Level 4 (mastery), in English Language Arts has increased from 50 to 87 percent. In mathematics, the increase went from 70 percent in 1998-99 to 97.5 percent in the most recent test results. Elmont's scores are well above the Long Island median.

Recognizing these accomplishments, the New York State School Boards Association invited Phillips and his fellow board members to share Elmont's new paradigm for traditional and transitioning communities at the organization's state convention last fall. He also received the Association's Masters of Boardsmanship designation for his study of and commitment to the educational and fiduciary responsibilities of a trustee.

"Phillips believes in forging partnerships to achieve results," noted Superintendent Dr. Maria Palandra. "And while he acknowledges individual contributions, he remains convinced that synergy of efforts brings success."

Phillips is committed to an inclusive approach to education, and regularly welcomes input from community members at board of education meetings. He has extended his opportunities to reach out to colleagues and neighbors beyond his service on the Elmont School Board (now in his sixth year) to membership on the Sewanhaka Central High School Board of Education and various civic organizations, including the chamber of commerce. He lives and owns a small business in Elmont. A founder and active participant in Elmont Online, he blends his passion for technology with his desire to promote community awareness. Phillips likes to speak about creating a symphony in Elmont Schools where "each contribution to the whole makes the music that much sweeter."

Elmont School Board trustee Ken Williams, who endorsed his NSPRA Award nomination, says "Phillips is a dedicated and effective communicator and his transformative message has become a catalyst for change and growth in the School District and the community."