Dr. Jay Harris was announced last week as the next superintendent of the Platte County School District.
Harris will begin service on July 1, 2022, succeeding Dr. Mike Reik, who announced his retirement from the district at the end of June, after serving 13 years as superintendent, and 21 years total at the district.
Dr. Jay Harris
Harris has served as R-3’s executive director of operations since 2016, and has been in public education for 30 years.
The decision was announced via press release on Thursday, Nov. 18, following a superintendent interview process conducted by the Board of Education.
“Given Dr. Harris’s experience in our district and with the board, I am confident that we have selected a high quality candidate who has an established relationship with our Pirate family,” said board president Buffy Smith. “Dr. Harris fully understands and reflects our vision, mission, and values. Jay’s leadership and performance have already had a great impact on our district, so I am excited to see him carry on the great work and foundation that Dr. Reik has provided.”
With a master’s degree in secondary school administration, an education specialist degree in school administration/superintendency and a doctorate in school district leadership, Harris brings more than 20 years of district and building leadership experience, and many years of teaching and coaching experience as well.
“I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to serve as superintendent of the Platte County R-3 School District,” Harris said. “I look forward to working with our school community to uphold our strong traditions while also continuing our focus on improvement. Through a relentless pursuit of academic and program excellence combined with a healthy culture, we can ensure that our students’ future days are their best days.”
Prior to joining the leadership team at R-3, Harris spent 16 years in the Raymore-Peculiar School District, serving as high school assistant principal and director of support services, before 10 years as the assistant superintendent of administrative services. He also was an assistant principal and activities director at Harrisonville High School, after starting his public education career teaching social studies, coaching multiple activities and facilitating at-risk services in Topeka, Kan. and Harrisonville.
He received a bachelor’s degree from Baker University. A native of Baldwin City, Kan. Harris and his wife, Jennifer (also an educator), have seven grown children.
According to the district, Harris will have several community introduction events over the course of this school year to listen to the school community and develop a vision for the future. Harris plans to have conversations with staff parents, and community members to set the foundation for student success and organizational achievement.