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 the General Manager for the corporation and have been with the company since 1992. I have one child, Matthew, who is currently attending New Prairie High School.

Al Williamson

Member

District 2 – Hudson/Willis

I graduated from New Prairie High School in 1981, from Glen Oaks Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts, and from Indiana University with a Bachelors degree in Public and Environmental Affairs. I’m currently employed with the Indiana State Police since 1987. I’ve been married to Brenda (Noens) Williamson since 1984. I have three children: Jason who is married and residing in the Indianapolis area, Grant is in Law School at the University of Dayton and Katelyn is married and living in the community. I have been an active coach in the community youth athletic teams for over 20 years.

Dale Groves

Vice President

District 1 – Olive

I started to become familiar with New Prairie when I married Melanie (Werwas) Groves, a 1997 New Prairie graduate.  We were married in 2001, and have two children.  Gabriel is currently a junior at New Prairie High School and Harrison is in 8th grade at New Prairie Middle School.  I graduated from Indiana University South Bend with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education.  I have taught at the sixth, second, and fifth grade levels, and have been a part of many athletic and academic teams.  It has been an absolute privilege to serve this community as a member of the New Prairie School Board for the past twelve years, and I look forward to working with all of you over the next four years!  Go Cougars!

Jill Smith

Member

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 at New Prairie High School and Cameron is a student at New Prairie Middle School. I started with Balanced Movement Chiropractic and Carothers Printing and Armstrong Stamp in 2014 as well as subbing for the New Prairie Schools.

Jason DeMeyer

Secretary

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.