It's trite but true. It really does take a village to raise a child.

Parents, teachers and clergy are among some of the most obvious villagers. But there are others less hands-on who also play a major role in the development of kids.

Philip Warner, Lancaster Mennonite School's (LMS) newest administrator, is one of those behind-the-scenes guys.

"Obviously, we have a number of goals for education as a culture," said Warner. "We want to have an educated society. I want to invest in the formation of skills and students' character and faith. My goal as an educator is aligned with my personal philosophy and my professional goal is to invest in as many students as possible."

Following a search and an interview process, Warner was hired as LMS' new assistant superintendent in March and officially took over his new duties on July 1. In his role, Warner will assist and be overseen by LMS superintendent Michael Badriaki, and he will assist and oversee other LMS administrators, provide human resources support, develop staff training and aid in the development of curriculum.

Lancaster Mennonite's first day of school for the 2024-25 school year is Tuesday, Aug. 20.

"I've been welcomed by the staff and I'm already enjoying the work," said Warner. "I am really excited about the vision and mission of Lancaster Mennonite. It resonates with me as an educator and a person of faith. I feel a strong alignment with their values. This particular work sits well with my previous work and areas of expertise and things I've very passionate about. Plus, we have some historical connections with the school. My wife (Carrie Denlinger Warner) is an alumna, and our family has been connected with Lancaster Mennonite for years."

"We are excited about the depth of experience and knowledge Phil will bring to the assistant superintendent role at LM," said Badriaki. "He has a deep passion for a Christ-centered education, values, Anabaptist teachings, restorative justice, and is a servant-leader."

Before coming to LMS, Warner was a co-superintendent at Alliance Christian School in Berks County. Over the past 20 years of his education career, he has been involved with leadership, curriculum development, the integration of restorative justice models and meetings with staff, students and parents.

A graduate of Dover Area High School in York, Warner possesses a master's degree in education from Liberty University, a bachelor's degree in music education from West Chester University as well as his Pennsylvania K-12 Teaching Certificate and Principal Certificate.

"Not unlike so many educators, I can point back to a time in high school and my high school choir teacher," said Warner of the origins of his education career. "In addition to giving me a passion for music, she also gave me a passion for immersing myself in others."

Located on 95 acres at 2176 Lincoln Highway East, LMS is a private, faith-based school with an enrollment of over 550 students in prekindergarten through 12th grade. LMS employs 150 people, including teachers, support staff and administrators.

Before Warner took over, the role of assistant superintendent was vacant for three years.

"I think this is the story of our students," said Warner. "I'm excited to join a team that's already doing great work. Lancaster Mennonite is a place where students are being formed and cared for. We're here to help our students on their academic and faith journeys."

For additional information about Lancaster Mennonite School, go to http://www.lancastermennonite.org/.