Dr. Jay Harris, Platte County School District Superintendent, has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2026.
Upon his retirement, he will have served 10 years in the Platte County School District, four years as superintendent, and 35 years in public education.
Platte County School District Board President Shawn Chiddix shared comments on behalf of the board of education: “We would like to thank Superintendent Dr. Harris for his leadership in fostering a positive culture focused on students, staff, and our community. His committed dedication has strengthened our district and set us up for continued success for years to come. We appreciate his devotion, we thank him for his advanced notice and thoughtful planning, and wish him all the best in retirement.”
In making the announcement, Dr. Harris shared: “The greatest professional decision I have ever made was joining the Platte County R-3 School District. My impending retirement comes with bittersweet emotions. I have come to realize that Platte County R-3 is not just a place of work for me—it has truly become home.”
“This announcement comes 16 months in advance to allow the board of education time to plan for the future. I will continue to dedicate my greatest efforts to moving our district forward in a positive and productive manner through the rest of this year and all of next school year,” Harris said.
Dr. Harris began his employment with Platte County School District in the fall of 2016, acting as the executive director of operations. Beginning with the 2022-23 school year, Dr. Harris became Platte County R-3’s 14th superintendent of schools.
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, Kan., and Harrisonville, Mo.
After graduating high school from Baldwin City, Kan., he received his bachelor of science in education from Baker University and later earned 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 has been actively involved in serving the Platte County and Greater Kansas City community. He is currently serving on the Platte County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) board of directors, as vice president of the Suburban Conference of Greater Kansas City, and as an advisory board member with the Platte City Chamber of Commerce and Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce.
He is also a member of the Northland Center for Advanced Professional Studies (NCAPS) board of directors.
Dr. Harris has previously served as president of the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) KC Chapter, and is currently serving on this board as past president. In addition, Dr. Harris currently serves on the education advisory for Park University and Baker University.
Dr. Harris was recently recognized as the 2025 Missouri Association for School Administrators Greater Kansas City Emerging Superintendent Award, which is presented to an individual who has demonstrated significant leadership in the region.
The Platte County R-3 Board of Education will immediately begin the search process for Dr. Harris’s successor.
