San Carlos school district names new superintendent

“Dr. Harmeier is an exceptionally well-rounded leader who has passion for our vision and the ability to take our schools to the next level in implementing our strategic plan. Besides her deep experience as an instructional leader, she brings significant operational experience, including collaborating with colleagues to solve tough problems,” board President Eirene Chen said in a press release.

The board met earlier in a closed session to vote on the selection, and then approved the superintendent’s contract in the public board meeting that immediately followed the closed session. The decision followed several earlier meetings where the board considered a wide range of information, including feedback from staff meetings at each of the district’s eight schools, as well as meetings with community members, parent leaders, teachers and district office staff. In addition, the board reviewed results of 164 surveys submitted by staff and more than 500 surveys submitted by parents and community members, according to the press release.

Prior to serving as assistant superintendent of Human Resources for Anaheim Elementary School District, Dr. Harmeier served as director of Human Resources for the San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District. Her 25-year career in education includes six years as a classroom teacher, a middle school assistant principal and 12 years as a site principal, with a balance of elementary and middle school leadership experience, according to the release.

She is replacing Craig Baker, who left in July to take a similar job in Cupertino. Mary Jude Doerpinghaus has been serving as interim superintendent since.

There will be a welcoming reception in the Heather School MUR 7 p.m. April 23.