A Lower Burrell man who is a Freeport Area School District educator is the newest member of the Burrell School Board.
Robert W. Harris was appointed by the board to fill a vacancy, said Superintendent Shannon Wagner.
“I have committed my life to public education, as it is something that I wholeheartedly believe in,” said Harris, who works as an instructional technology coordinator at Freeport Area. “I have taught learners of all ages, worked on programming and curriculum and want to continue my journey in public education by serving my community and being a voice for our kids.”
Harris was one of five people interviewed by the school board to fill a vacancy left by Jean Schager. Board members Rick Kaczor, Tim Vinkovich, Tom Deiseroth, Pam Key, Tricia Shank and Gretchen Beveridge voted for Harris; President LeeAnn Guido and member Nikki Watson voted for Tamara Girardi.
Harris’ term runs until December 2027.
Harris said his experience in public education has provided him with knowledge of teaching, school law, policy and finances.
“I believe that schools are best when we are ‘kid-first’ while balancing the thoughts of all stakeholders,” he said.
Harris is not new to the district. He participated in a volunteer task force of parents and school staff last winter that reviewed and recommended schedules and layouts at Bon Air Elementary and Huston Middle schools following the closure of Stewart Elementary last year.
A priority for Harris is for the district to continue developing curricular and extracurricular programming that lets students find and explore what they are passionate about.
“I hope to continue this work while also focusing on preparing our kids for life after high school, while balancing the fiscal responsibility that is needed in a time of decreasing student population and shrinking tax base,” he said.
Also important to Harris is supporting the district’s teachers.
“Our teachers make such an amazing and positive impact on our kids day-in and day-out in an increasingly difficult and stressful profession,” he said. “I am looking forward to working with them, the administration and all stakeholders in our school district community.”