Title
To honor and recognize Dr. Gene T. Harris on the occasion of her retirement from Columbus City Schools.
Body
WHEREAS, Dr. Gene Harris became the nineteenth superintendent of Columbus City Schools in 2001, continuing her lifetime of distinguished service to the children and families of our community; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Harris is a proud graduate of Linden-McKinley High School who began her career as a teacher in the Columbus City Schools District and went on to serve the district as principal, supervisor of principals, and deputy superintendent before assuming her duties as superintendent; and
WHEREAS, under Dr. Harris's leadership, Columbus City Schools undertook ambitious capital campaigns, built or renovated dozens of facilities, and founded two gender-based middle schools, a new international high school, a new K-8 international studies program, and a district-wide STEM program; and
WHEREAS, during Dr. Harris's tenure, Columbus City Schools entered into innovative partnerships with institutions of higher education, resulting in the Seniors to Sophomores program, the Africentric Early College at Columbus State Community College, the DeVry Advantage Academy, the Columbus Teaching Academy on the Ohio State University campus, and the Schoenbaum Family Center in Weinland Park; and
WHEREAS, in addition to her years of service to Columbus City Schools, Dr. Harris has been a public servant through her involvement with the Columbus Rotary, Action for Children, Ohio University, Mount Olivet Baptist Church, and other organizations and charitable causes; and
WHEREAS, with her retirement from Columbus City Schools, Dr. Gene Harris will begin the next chapter of her life and service; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby honor and recognize Dr. Gene T. Harris on the occasion of her retirement from Columbus City Schools.