If you’ve stepped into the front office or caught a glimpse of the holiday staff party (perhaps involving a certain jolly man in a red suit), you’ve likely met Phil Barry. While he’s the first to tell you he’s still "learning the ropes" at Lewis, his impact has been so profound that he was recently named the 2025-26 Classified Employee of the Year.
Phil’s journey to Lewis wasn't a short trip; it was a 27-year marathon behind the wheel of a school bus. After nearly three decades in Transportation, Phil traded the rearview mirror for the front desk, and the transition has been a win for our entire community.
From the Driver’s Seat to the Front Office
For 27 years, Phil’s office was a bus. "The main thing I loved was that I was by myself," he jokes, but his true motivation was always the passengers. "I loved seeing the smiles on the kids' faces and getting them to school. It was a great feeling for me. I saw kids who actually wanted to come to school—and it wasn’t always that way for me growing up."
At Lewis, Phil has traded the open road for a complex "learning curve" of digital programs and administrative puzzles. From managing the Parent Portal and student ID cards to locking grades and tracking Impact Aid cards, Phil has become the Swiss Army Knife of our staff.
The Heart of Lewis
When asked what makes Lewis special, Phil’s answer is simple: Kindness. "Everyone is nice. People aren’t mean at Lewis," he says. "The staff truly sees our kids as good." That kindness is a two-way street. Phil approaches every interaction with a level of hospitality usually reserved for five-star hotels. Whether he’s helping a frustrated parent with a password or directing a new sub, his philosophy is consistent: "I want to be helpful, and I want to make sure that people are happy."
Why He Stands Out
Phil’s "superpower" is his efficiency. He prides himself on his ability to learn a new system once and master it immediately. But more than his technical skills, it’s his presence—from his hospitality-first mindset to his festive appearances as the staff’s Santa Claus—that makes him indispensable.
Congratulations, Phil, on a well-deserved honor! Thank you for choosing to park your talents here at Lewis.