By By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
July 22, 2003
R.D. Harris, a former deputy state superintendent of education, will return to Meridian High School this fall as its new principal a job he held from 1979-1993.
Harris spoke today during a press conference at the Meridian Public School's administrative office. Harris said he is ready to make improvements at MHS.
At the state department, Harris worked with developing plans for school improvement.
Harris has worked with struggling schools in Mound Bayou and North Panola, where test scores improved greatly after he stepped in.
Harris originally left his job as principal of Meridian High in 1993 to become deputy state superintendent for the state Department of Education. He left the state department in 2002.
In January 2003, Harris served as a consultant to the principal at West Oktibbeha County High School.
Harris also is a former English teacher at Meridian High School.
Autry said she "begged and cajoled" Harris to come back to Meridian.
Autry said Harris has signed a two-year commitment with the district.
Staff writer Penny Randall contributed to this report.