Dr. Tim Phares Named New Carmel High School Principal
Writer / Renee Larr
Photographer / Sarah Browning
Carmel Clay Schools recently selected Dr. Tim Phares as principal of Carmel High School (CHS) for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. Phares currently serves as principal of Creekside Middle School. During his 22 years with Carmel Clay Schools, Phares was a kindergarten teacher at Orchard Park Elementary before serving as the assistant principal at Prairie Trace Elementary, then principal at Orchard Park and Towne Meadow.
“I have spent my entire time here in Carmel Clay Schools for 22 years,” Phares says. “It’s been a great place, and I feel like this opportunity was partly because of the relationships I’ve built and the time spent in many different buildings here within our community.”
In 2017 Phares received his doctor of education degree from Ball State University. He quickly realized he wanted to continue to learn and grow within the field of education, which led to his desire to move into secondary education.
The school board officially approved Phares on April 25, and he will formally begin his role on July 1. However, he’s already taking proactive measures to start his new role.
“I’ve actually started spending a lot of time at the high school getting to know people, building relationships and learning,” Phares says. “I already have a lot of established relationships there. I’m trying to learn and listen from the team already in place there. Once the school year ends, I’ll go directly into June at the high school.”
Transitioning from Creekside Middle School to CHS is one move Phares isn’t scared to make. He knows a school the size of CHS is an essential factor, but it all comes down to people and relationships for him.
“Everything is on a larger scale because you’re talking about students preparing for post-college and beyond,” Phares says. “That’s going to be different from that aspect but the reality of it goes back to, we all want the best for our students. That’s one thing that makes Carmel great. This community is built around the value of education. We’re all here to provide opportunities for our students. We want them to have a successful life and make a successful contribution to our society.”
In 2021 the Indiana Association of School Principals recognized Phares as the District 5 Middle School Principal of the year for his professional accomplishments, qualifications and leadership.
“I have been fortunate to have wonderful people surrounding me at Carmel Clay Schools, not just in administrative offices but also in classrooms,” Phares says. “So, I don’t really think of it as an individual award but rather an award for the school and the community as a whole.”
Phares is a longtime Carmel resident whose four children attend Carmel Clay Schools. He’s excited for this new phase in his career and to continue the legacy of CHS.
