Richland School District 88A announces new superintendent

Crest Hill — Richland School District 88A has named its next superintendent.

Philip Robb, who has been with the Crest Hill-based district since 2009 and currently serves as chief school business official, will take over as superintendent.

He will replace Joseph Simpkins, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

Simpkins has been at the district for seven years and is retiring June 30 after 33 years in the education field.

Robb will assume the duties of superintendent beginning July 1.

“I’m just so happy. I’ve received so many kind messages of support from the community the last few days,” Robb said. “I absolutely love Richland. We have an incredible staff and community and board here.

“I am absolutely honored to be chosen as the next superintendent.”

Robb has spent his entire educational career in District 88A. He started as a teacher after receiving his bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Kentucky, and led the district’s band program as conductor and director of bands until 2017.

Under his tenure, the program grew from 65 students to more than 200, and he was recognized with the 2015 IGSMA Barbara Buehlman Young Conductor Award and the 2017 Quinlan & Fabish Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award.

Robb also holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Governor’s State University, which he earned in 2014; a chief school business official endorsement from Northern Illinois University; a Type-75 General Administrative endorsement; and a doctorate in education leadership from the University of St. Francis, which he earned in 2023.

Robb has served on numerous committees throughout the district as an educator. He is currently a member of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials, the Society for Human Resources Management, the Illinois Principal Association and the Illinois Grade School Music Association.

“To say this district has changed my life would be an understatement,” Robb said. “We’re all here to make a difference, I want mine to be a positive one, and I want it to be here at Richland. I’m excited to get started and continue making Richland a great place to live and work.”