NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – After a months-long search, the Neenah Joint School District has named a new superintendent.
At a special meeting Monday, the Board of Education approved the selection of Dr. Steve Harrison. He will replace Mary Pfeiffer, who is retiring after 20 years in the district. Harrison’s duties officially begin July 1.
Harrison has worked for the Appleton Area School District since 2015. He’s spent the past five years in the role of Assistant Superintendent for Assessment, Curriculum and Instruction.
Although he has never worked within the NJSD, Harrison says he does have a connection to the district. His mother, Barb, was a reading specialist at Spring Road Elementary School in Neenah from 1981-2003.
“In many ways, this feels like I’m coming home. I spent a lot of time in my mom’s classroom while growing up and it fueled my desire to work in education,” Harrison said in a news release. “It’s exciting to come back to a district that has given so much to my family. It’s really a dream come true.”
Harrison resides in Winneconne. He and his wife, Margo, have four children: Grant (21), Will (19), Dayne (18) and Olivia (11).
“Steve brings a fresh vision and energy to Neenah. His strong background in curriculum and instruction set him apart as a candidate. He also brings an inclusive mindset to build a connected culture across the entire District,” said Board of Education President Brian Epley in a statement.
Harrison, who was one of three finalists for the position, spent a “Day in the District” last month as part of the selection process. Community focus groups and surveys were also utilized.
“I’m really looking forward to connecting with students, families and community members to build a foundation of trust and transparency. Neenah is a special place and it’s where I want to be to finish my career in education,” Harrison said.
Harrison is just the 10th NJSD superintendent since 1903.
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