The school board members approved a three-year contract with Harris that will pay him $195,000 the first year.
When asked about the selection, Board of Education President Andy Johnson said, “Dr. Harris’ experience in a similar sized district and dealing with challenging situations made us very comfortable that he would be able to lead our district with professionalism and the highest regard for our mission of inspiring all students to excel. He impressed us with his enthusiasm and obvious passion for teaching and learning.”
With the assistance of Acting Superintendent Baker, the board developed the candidate search and selection process. Dr. Harris was one of two finalists who emerged from a group of eight established by the board. Members of the board conducted site visits of the finalists’ districts, and Dr. Harris was their unanimous choice.
Dr. Harris brings a wealth of experience to District 200. Currently he is an area assistant superintendent for 6-12 education in
In his present position, he is responsible for supervising three middle school and two high school principals, the daily operations of 6-12 education, and overseeing the human resources department.
He was an assistant superintendent for learning and teaching from 2005 to 2007 and began his tenure in
Prior to joining St. Charles, he served as junior high school principal in Mt. Prospect Elementary District 57, a middle school associate principal and curriculum coordinator in Barrington CUSD 220, and was a middle school teacher, coach, and assistant principal in Yorkville CUSD 115.
Dr. Harris began his career in 1987 as a social studies teacher at
Notable among Dr. Harris’ accomplishments are his presentation at the National Board Certified Teachers Convention on the subject of how to promote master teachers, and an article written by him and published in The Journal of School Business Management entitled, “State Statutes vs. Characteristics of Optimal Professional Development of Teachers.”
Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Harris said, “I am honored to be selected as the new superintendent in District 200. I look forward to working with the community, parents, staff, and students to continue the tradition of inspiring excellence. I believe my background has prepared me well for this position. My experience in other large suburban unit districts is a good fit for the responsibilities of superintendent in District 200.”
Dr. Harris earned a Bachelor of Science degree in teaching from the
Born in
Budget Woes
At that same meeting, district officials continued to focus on the problems created by a projected $8.6 million deficit in the 2010-2011 budget. More than 130 people attended as the board revealed a revised list of about $6.7 million in recommended cuts.
While a final decision will not happen until next month, many expressed their displeasure with the recommendations.
The most recent version of the cost-reduction proposal eliminates 20 full-time teaching at the elementary school level, resulting in a savings of an estimated $1.2 million.
Another $1.5 million could be saved by eliminating 25 full-time teaching positions at the four middle schools, and $480,000 could be saved by slashing eight full-time teaching positions at the two high schools.
The board is well aware that a reduction in the number of teaching jobs would increase average class size at all grade levels and result in the elimination of kindergarten physical education and the PACE reading program in the elementary schools.
Several residents objected to reducing the number of teachers on the one hand, while approving salary increases at the same time.
Other proposed savings could be achieved by reducing spending for high school athletics by $100,000 and eliminating activity bus routes to save $90,000.
The school board did not respond to any of the comments, but did convey its gratitude for the feedback being received from the public.
The board is scheduled to vote on the final list of budget reductions at its March 24 meeting.
