He’ll step in when Mike Reik retires in June
Dr. Jay Harris will become the next superintendent of the Platte County School District (PCR-3) and will officially begin serving in this capacity on July 1, 2022.
He will succeed Dr. Mike Reik, who previously announced his retirement from the district effective at the end of June, after serving 13 years as superintendent and 21 years at PCR-3.
Dr. Harris has served as PCR-3’s executive director of operations since 2016, and has been in public education for 30 yaers.
Dr. Harris’s appointment follows a superintendent interview process conducted by Platte County School District Board of Education.
Buffy Smith, school board president, shared comments on behalf of the board: “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. 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 of education in school district leadership, Dr. Harris brings more than 20 years of successful 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,” Dr. Harris shared. “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 PCR-3, Dr. 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, Kansas, and Harrisonville, Mo.
He received a bachelor of science in education from Baker University. A native of Baldwin City, Kan., Dr. Harris and his wife, Jennifer (also an educator), have seven grown children.
Dr. Harris will have several community introduction events over the course of this school year to listen to the school community and to collectively develop the district’s vision for the future. Dr. Harris has indicated he plans to have conversations with staff, parents, and community members to set the foundation for high levels of student success and organizational achievement.