The Columbia School District is inviting all area residents to meet new Superintendent Jason Harris.
Harris, who officially took office on July 1, will be honored with a welcome reception from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on July 25 at the Marion County Development Partnership’s offices located at 412 Courthouse Square.
Harris, 42, served as principal at Tupelo High School for the past six years. According to reports, he has helped guide the District to an “A” rating with the Mississippi Department of Education and increased graduation rates.
Harris replaces longtime Superintendent Marietta James-Mattox, who retired on June 30.
Harris has a variety of experience in education from classroom experience to coaching. He became principal of Tupelo High in 2011.
Harris will have children attending schools in the Columbia School District.
“My oldest daughter graduated this year (from Tupelo),” he said in an earlier interview. “We went out together. But I’ll have three younger children coming into the primary and elementary schools.”
Harris said then he was anxious to get started with his job in Columbia.
“When a community supports a bond issue by a margin of 87 percent, you can tell that there is excitement about the schools,” he said. “It’s very similar to my time in Tupelo. Tupelo has a longstanding tradition of supporting the public schools. I think it is going to be a very good fit for the school system for me.”
Harris also gave credit to James for her efforts and longevity in the District.
“To stay in the District for 15 years when the average span is about three years is a testament to her efforts,” he concluded. “There is a great foundation that has been established there. I just want to come in and press the accelerator a little bit and get some excitement and do the best I can. Like I told the board, my No. 1 priority is the students. I want to make student-centered decisions; that’s why the board hired me. I’m excited.”
Pictured Above: New Superintendent Jason Harris discusses items with the Columbia School District Board of Trustees. | Photo by Mark Rogers
