Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 2 September 2010 — Page 3

The Muncie Times • September 2, 2010 • Page 3

continued from page 1 principal at Muncie Central High School. In a previous issue of The Muncie Times, Phelps was described by her colleagues as “even tempered, extremely organized, having the ability to lead and easy to smile.” In 2010, the same adjectives apply to Phelps with the addition of the adjective “flexible.” Since coming to Muncie Community Schools in July 1999, Phelps has served in several administrative positions. After being assistant principal at Muncie Central High School, she was appointed principal at Wilson Middle School. When the position of director of alternative education and diversity was opened up, Phelps said she was reluctant to apply because she thoroughly enjoyed being principal of Wilson Middle School, especially the daily contact with teachers, students and parents. However, after encouragement from colleagues and through much prayer, she applied and was hired in 2007. She was excited about using the position to positively impact a larger number of students. As director of alternative education and diversity, she is proud of many accomplishments, including working with district administrators to implement a credit recovery program at Muncie Central and Southside High schools. The implementation of

the recovery program has resulted in a higher graduation rate among Muncie Community Schools’ students. During the 2009-2010 school year, Phelps implemented a cultural competence leadership training project for school and district administrators who participated in 18 hours of diversity training. In addition to the 18 hours of professional development, administrators also spent 12 to 15 additional hours completing homework assignments and preparing to share information with their staffs. For the past Syears, Phelps has been a member of the statewide diversity committee. While serving on the committee, Phelps has worked with Indiana Black Expo to sponsor a statewide education conference held during Indiana Black Expo’s Summer Celebration. Speakers at the conference have included Arte Duncan, U. S. Secretary of Education; Marva Collins, educator and founder of Westside Preparatory School in Chicago, Illinois; Ruby Payne, educator and author of numerous books, including A Framework for Understanding Poverty and Bridges Out of Poverty, and Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, an education consultant with African American Images and author of numerous books, including Lessons from History.

There were many educators from Muncie Community Schools and community leaders from Muncie who attended the conference July. Beginning July 1, 2010, the Muncie Community Schools board of trustees changed Phelps title to director of diversity and community services. Due to an elimination of a district level position, Phelps has taken responsibility of additional duties, primarily in student services. Phelps is an advocate of numerous charities and causes. She serves on boards for Delaware County Community Corrections, Delaware Community Coordinating Council, A Better Way and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Team. She serves on the MLK Dream Team Black History Month Committee and represents Muncie Community Schools on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Planning Committee, sponsored by the Collective Coalition of Concerned Clergy. Another initiative she is proud to be a part of is Dream Maker’s Day, sponsored by Ball State University. According to Phelps, Dream Maker’s Day is a part of Ball State University’s commitment to diversity. Minority students from Muncie Community Schools were encouraged to apply. She worked with Muncie Central High School Principal Christopher

Smith and Southside High School Principal Rebecca Thompson to identify and encourage students to apply. Phelps also worked with Sali Falling, Ball State University executive director of University Compliance, Rhonda Thomas, human resources representative, and Julius Anderson, supervisor for BSU Residence Hall maintenance and a former Muncie Community Schools board of trustees president, on the Dream Maker’s Day initiative. Thirteen local high school students met Ball State University employees June 18 to find out how a college education can help them pursue and achieve their dreams. The students spent the day touring campus, including learning about career opportunities associated with Scheumann Stadium, WIPB-TV, the David Letterman Communication and Media Building and Worthen Arena. Students were luncheon guests of Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora. Students also received gifts and prizes, including scholarships provided by DeFur Voran LLP and Barnes and Noble. Phelps serves as chairperson for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Citizenship Awards and as co-chair, along with Muncie Community Schools’ Superintendent Dr. Eric King, of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Essay Contest, which involves numerous schools in Delaware County. She also is a member of the Muncie chapter of the NAACP and has conducted workshops at regional and state levels. She is a member of the Statewide Diversity Committee of Indiana, National Association of Black School Educators (NABSE), National Council on Educating Black Children (NCEBC) and Partners In Education. Phelps describes herself as firm, fair and consistent when it comes to working with students or advocating on behalf of students. She said, “Anythiftg I’ve accomplished, I didn’t accomplish alone, be it personally or professionally.” Phelps gives credit for her accomplishments to the Lord, her family, friends, and people that have supported her. Phelps has been married to her husband Marcus for 32 years. They have a daughter, Jada, a son, Marcus II, and a grandson Stephen Mosby Jr., 5. In giving advice to youth, Phelps said, “With your hands, you make your success and with your hands, you destroy your success.” Students must work hard and embrace those people who are trying to help them. “It’s not your aptitude, but your attitude that is going to determine your success in life,” she said.