School Board

Current Members

Phillip King

President

District 3 – Kankakee/Galena

I graduated from New Prairie in 1995. After high school I attended Valparaiso University and earned a degree in Mathematics with a minor in Education. After earning my degree, I chose to continue my career path working for Heston, Inc. (Heston Supper Club) where I’m currently the General Manager for the corporation and have been with the company since 1992. I have one child, Matthew, who graduated from New Prairie in 2022.

Jason DeMeyer

Vice-President

At Large – District 3 – Kankakee/Galena

I graduated from New Prairie in 2003. After high school, I attended Purdue University North Central and graduated with Bachelors degrees in Building Construction Management and Civil Engineering Technology in 2008. I married Kristina (VanWaardenburg) DeMeyer, a 2007 graduate of New Prairie, in 2011.  We have three children, Ele, Brier and Ryker.
I am the president at D.A. Dodd Mechanical and have been with the company since 2008. I sit on the executive board for the St. Joe Valley Mechanical Contractors Association, and I am on the LaPorte County Beef Committee.

Jill Smith

Secretary

At Large – District 1 – Olive

I graduated from Oblong High School (Illinois) in 1993. After graduation, I attended the University of Evansville graduating with a Bachelors degree in Exercise Science, an Associates degree in Physical Therapy Assistant, and 2 minors – biology and athletic training. In 1998 I married Brian Smith, a New Prairie graduate.  We have two children. Hunter is a student at Indiana University and Cameron is a student at New Prairie High School. After working at Active Health and Wellness Center for 16 years, I started working with Carothers Printing and Armstrong Stamp in 2014 as well as subbing for the New Prairie Schools.

Rich Shail

Member

District 1 – Olive

I graduated from New Prairie in 1978. After high school I went to work for Bendix/Honeywell where I spent a 40+ year career. My wife Nancy (1979 NPUSC Graduate) and I have two children both NP graduates and two grandchildren who will hopefully follow in the tradition of “once a Cougar, always a Cougar”. I previously served on the NPUSC school board for 5 terms beginning in 2000 through 2020. It is my privilege to serve another term, following a 4-year break. I look forward to bringing my experience and passion for the good of the students and our school district.

Rich Gadacz

Member

District 2 – Hudson/Willis

I graduated from New Prairie in 1982. I studied at Indiana University South Bend and earned a degree in Business Administration. In 2001 I married Kristine (Applegate) Gadacz. We have two daughters, Harmony and Gretchen, both graduates of New Prairie. I have spent most of my working career in Building Science and Energy Efficiency. I am currently employed at Solutions for Energy Efficiency Logistics as a Quality Assurance Manager.