Atascadero Unified School District’s Tom Butler and Stacey Phillips retire

As the Atascadero Unified School District bids farewell to two of its most steadfast pillars, Superintendent Tom Butler and Executive Assistant Stacey Phillips, a combined 67 years of dedication come to a close. Tom, with 36 years in education, including a transformative decade leading the district, and Stacey, with 31 years of service, from classroom aide to administrative cornerstone, have shaped the district with their commitment to students, staff, and community. In candid interviews, they both reflect on their journeys, the district’s evolution, and their hopes for its future. From modernized facilities and innovative programs to the personal connections that defined their work, their legacies are a testament to the power of education and the people who make it happen. As they step into retirement—Butler to family and community involvement, Phillips to her Pozo ranch, grandkids, and alpacas—their impact will resonate in Atascadero for years to come.

A Legacy of Leadership:

Tom Butler Reflects on 36 Years in Education

After 36 years in education, including a decade as superintendent of the Atascadero Unified School District, Tom Butler is ready to turn the page on a remarkable career. As he prepares to retire, Butler sat down to reflect on his journey, the transformative changes he’s overseen, and the community that has become his home. With a blend of pride, gratitude, and optimism, Butler shared why now feels like the right time to step away and what he hopes his legacy will be.

“I started when I was 22, technically. I signed a contract as a teacher, and it was wonderful,” Butler recalls. “Thirty-six years in the whole profession, which has been incredible. And ten years as superintendent has truly been the highlight. I’ve absolutely loved it and just kinda felt like the right time.” The decision, he explains, is driven by a sense of fulfillment and personal readiness. “I’m really pleased with where the school district is to make the transition. I’m really proud of the district, the students and the community.”

Butler’s tenure as superintendent has been marked by significant achievements, from modernizing facilities to expanding educational opportunities. “What I’m pleased about educationally is over time, we’ve really built a really strong K-12, now TK, K-12 program and experience for all of our students,” he says.

The district has prioritized both college and career readiness, ensuring students have diverse pathways to success. “We value both. Not everyone has to go get a four-year degree to then pursue a career. We can help students be ready to get those head-of-household jobs right when they leave high school.”

A cornerstone of this effort has been the district’s dual enrollment partnership with Cuesta College, which allows students to earn college credits while still in high school. “Many of our students that want to pursue post-high school education are gonna be able to enter maybe as a sophomore, in some cases, even like a junior,” Butler notes. “They’re saving years of tuition.” This program, which he credits to teachers and past administrators, reflects Atascadero’s commitment to preparing students for a variety of futures, whether in higher education or skilled trades.

Another major highlight was the successful implementation of a bond measure that transformed the district’s facilities. “The bond was amazing,” Butler says. “I don’t think there’s another district that got as much efficiencies or was able to stretch the funding of our previous bond as far as we did.” The middle school project stands out as a particular point of pride. “It’s really added a real great value to the downtown corridor. It fits in well. We put the time and intent and attention into the building.” The bond also modernized high school classrooms, added a state-of-the-art swimming pool complex, and constructed a new wing for sciences and shops. “You go up there now, and we’ve got a brand-new swimming pool complex. We’ve reconstructed all the classrooms virtually,” Butler says. “Arguably, [they] compete with anything at the university level for our students.”

These achievements didn’t come without challenges. Butler recalls his first day as superintendent, which coincided with the Ridge Fire near Santa Margarita. “My first day to open all of our schools as superintendent, we didn’t open up Santa Margarita,” he says. The school was used as a staging area for fire departments, and the district worked with the Red Cross to prepare for displaced families. The COVID-19 pandemic presented another hurdle, requiring rapid adaptation to state mandates while prioritizing student well-being. “We ended up being the first district in the county to really open up all different aspects,” Butler says, crediting strong leadership and partnerships with labor associations like the Atascadero District Teachers Association and the California School Employees Association. “The objective being around serving kids is where our board felt—serve our students the best that we can as soon as we can.”

Fiscal responsibility has been a constant challenge, given Atascadero’s status as a low-revenue district. “We’ve been able to do a lot with a little, and I’m proud of that,” Butler says. He credits the district’s board of trustees for their stability and wise decision-making, as well as key staff like Jackie Martin and Kendall Darnell, who have ensured financial stability. “I was so proud that we didn’t go through layoffs because we’ve managed our efforts, but also our funding correctly, just like running any business,” he adds.

Butler’s connection to the community runs deep. A resident of Grover Beach, he has worked in San Luis Obispo County for decades, including prior roles in San Luis and Lucia Mar. “The minute I took the job, I just felt like I was home,” he says. “I was warmly embraced.” He values the district’s partnership with the city of Atascadero, including regular “city schools” meetings with mayors like Rochelle Ricard, Jim Lewis, Heather Moreno, and now Charles Berbeau. “It’s been a very healthy relationship and beneficial to the school district,” he notes.

As he prepares to hand the reins to incoming superintendent Dr. Bennett, Butler is committed to a smooth transition. “We’re gonna maximize as much of that as we can,” he says. “He’s already been up here a couple of times, been able to start working and meeting and getting around seeing our sites.” Butler is confident in the district’s future, stating, “There’s no doubt in my mind we’re gonna keep getting better.”

For students and teachers considering a career in education, Butler’s advice is heartfelt: “Go all in. It is so rewarding.” He highlights the joy of working with dedicated colleagues and supportive parents. “The best people to work with are in education, and that’s not just the teachers. That goes for all of our classified employees that are so dynamic and are so invested in our schools.” To teachers aspiring to leadership roles, he encourages exploring diverse paths, from curriculum development to administration. “Follow your heart,” he advises.

Reflecting on his career, Butler points to his time as principal at Oceano Elementary as a formative experience. “We had a really united staff, a very talented staff that came together around a high-needs population,” he says. But his decade in Atascadero stands out as the pinnacle. “This is definitely a career highlight. I’m just a fan. I’m a fan of the district. I’m a fan of the work our staff does, the accomplishment of our kids.”

As he looks to retirement, Butler plans to stay local, decompress this summer, and spend time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. “I want thank my family. They supported me, and it’s probably time I put a little more time back into them,” he says. He also hopes to remain involved with local nonprofits. What he’ll miss most, however, are the relationships. “The connections with parents and our community and our staff, seeing the students—that I’ll miss for sure,” he admits.

To the Atascadero community, Butler’s message is simple, “First thing I’d say is a heartfelt thank you. I felt the minute I took the job, I was warmly embraced.” He leaves behind a district stronger, more equitable, and better equipped to serve its students—a legacy built on dedication, collaboration, and a deep love for education.

A Legacy of Service:

Stacey Phillips Retires After 31 Years

After 31 years of dedicated service to the education system, Executive Assistant Stacey Phillips is ready to trade her desk at the district office for the open spaces of her Pozo ranch. In a heartfelt interview, Stacey reflected on her remarkable career, her love for supporting others, and her excitement for the next chapter. Her journey—from a school aide to a pivotal administrative role—offers a window into the evolution of a district and the heart of a woman who has been its quiet backbone.

Stacey’s career began in 1994 at Santa Margarita Elementary School, where she worked as an aide for two years. “I started following my kids along,” she said with a smile, noting that her two children were at the high school while another was at the middle school, and one still at Santa Margarita. When an opportunity arose in the attendance office at the high school in 1996, she seized it. Back then, attendance tracking was a hands-on affair, with manual calls and paper records. “It was so exciting when we finally got the caller,” she recalled, describing the clunky disk-loaded system that automated absence notifications. For seven years, she managed attendance, building relationships with families and students. “You really knew your families,” she said, laughing about a time a student tried to impersonate his father to excuse an absence, only to be caught when she called the real dad.

After her stint in attendance, Stacey transitioned to the records department as a data technician, a role she held for 14 years. In 2010, she took on her current position as Executive Assistant in the district office—or, as she jokingly calls it, “the dark side.” For 15 years, she served under three superintendents, John Rogers, Deborah Bowers, and now Tom Butler. “Each one brought something different,” she said, praising Butler’s genuine care for students, staff, and parents. “He’s always willing to talk to someone, meet with them. He doesn’t turn around and badmouth anyone when they leave. That’s helped me live to a higher standard.”

In her role, Stacey has been the linchpin supporting the district’s administrative team and Board of Trustees. “I like to assist people,” she said, emphasizing the word “assistant” in her title. Her work has involved everything from preparing board meeting packets to ensuring compliance with state regulations. She’s seen the district evolve, particularly in its embrace of technology. “When I started, everything was by hand,” she said. The shift to digital systems—like online agendas, set to launch in fall 2025—has streamlined processes but also increased demands. “The more you can do with technology, the more you do do,” she noted. Yet, for Stacey, the heart of her work remains the people. “I still like the people part,” she said, her voice warm with sincerity.

Reflecting on notable changes, Stacey pointed to the community-approved bonds that transformed the district. “The bond was such a gift,” she said, recalling the challenging construction of the middle school, where the sound of pilings being driven into the ground echoed for over a year. The new pool at the high school and district-wide improvements were hard-won victories. “To see every school benefit, and now with another bond and matching funds—it’s wonderful,” she said. Her pride in these achievements is palpable, a testament to her deep investment in the district’s success.

Stacey’s role with the Board of Trustees has been particularly rewarding. “They’re wonderful people,” she said, describing how she supports their needs and helps navigate the complexities of governance. She treasures memories like a lighthearted moment at a CSBA conference, where she and board members donned silly glasses for a photo. “Those deep bonds, even through stressful times, have been a pleasure,” she said. Watching the current “young board” learn and grow has been a highlight, especially as they prioritize students and staff.

Challenges? Stacey acknowledges them but focuses on solutions. The shift to online agendas is a looming change she’s begun training for, though she admits, “Until we dive in, there’s more to learn.” With only 52 days until retirement, she hopes to overlap briefly with her successor to pass on her institutional knowledge. “There’s so much in your head,” she said, noting that while some tasks follow a clear schedule—like annual forms due to the county—others rely on experience. She plans to stay connected, volunteering at Santa Margarita Elementary, where her grandchildren attend. “I’m not going far,” she assured.

Stacey’s career is marked by the people who shaped her. She credits Superintendent Tom Butler for his leadership and kindness, which inspired her to treat others with respect. Early on, colleagues like Livia, a secretary at the high school, taught her to stay calm under pressure, while Teresa Goosen and Kim Spinks modeled positivity and teamwork. “We weren’t in silos back then,” she said, reminiscing about the collaborative spirit at the high school, where staff cross-trained to cover each other’s desks. Those bonds made work a joy, even as the world shifted to digital scheduling and virtual board meetings.

As she prepares to retire, Stacey is excited to spend time with her three grandchildren and their families, who live on her Pozo ranch. “I’ve got plenty to do,” she said, mentioning her recently acquired alpacas—a lifelong dream. Yet, leaving a 31-year career isn’t easy. “This last week, I’m finally getting excited about retirement,” she admitted. “It’s hard to stop doing something you’ve done for so long.”

To her team, Stacey’s message is simple: “Keep up the good work. You’re appreciated, and don’t ever stop doing what you’re doing for the students.” To her successor, she offers encouragement: “Enjoy the job. It can be stressful, but you’re doing good work supporting good people.” And to the community, she expresses gratitude for their support, especially through bonds that have strengthened the district.

As Stacey Phillips steps into retirement, she leaves behind a legacy of service, connection, and quiet strength. The district will miss her, but her impact—built on decades of assisting, supporting, and caring—will endure. In Pozo, among alpacas and family, Stacey will carry the same warmth that defined her career, ready to embrace the next adventure.

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