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Cook Announces Retirement

Carl Junction Superintendent Announces Retirement

Carl Junction School District Superintendent Dr. Phillip Cook has announced his intention to retire at the end of this school year. He has served as the district’s superintendent for the past 20 years.

“I want to thank the community of Carl Junction for the overwhelming support for my family and me for the last 28 years,” said Cook. “The decision to retire is never easy, and it has taken a lot of prayer and consideration. A recent family tragedy forced me to look closely at my future. As a result, my wife and I decided on January 8 to move my retirement date up one year and finish my 33-year career in education on June 30, 2025. My wife is also retiring, and we look forward to a less stressful life where we can spend more time with our parents, children, and grandchildren. 

“I am very proud of what we have accomplished together,” continued Cook. “Seeing the amazing things our students continue to do has been a joy for me. They are simply the best! I look forward to watching from the sidelines what the future holds for our students and school system. I love Carl Junction with all my heart and will continue to be its biggest fan. Thank you again to my dear friends in CJ. I love and appreciate you very much. GO BULLDOGS!!”

Before coming to Carl Junction Schools, Dr. Cook taught and coached at Fairland High School in Fairland, Oklahoma, for five years. He came to Carl Junction in 1997 as an Economics, American History, Civics, and Civil War teacher and head baseball coach. In 2000, he moved into administration at the high school as an assistant principal before being named an assistant superintendent in 2002. In 2005, the Carl Junction Board of Education hired Dr. Cook as Superintendent of Schools.

Dr. Cook has been an education leader in the state, serving in leadership roles with the Special Olympics of Missouri, Missouri United School Insurance Council, and SW Missouri Association of School Administrators.

“CJ Schools have made great strides under the leadership of Dr. Cook,” said Board of Education President Larry Cowger. “He has always talked about kids first and then staff. This community hit a home run when he was appointed superintendent. I am very happy for him to enjoy retirement but saddened by the loss of our leader. I wish him the very best.”