Garth Harries was named superintendent of New Haven public schools in a Board of Education election meeting Monday night.
Harries currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Portfolio and Performance Management. He has previously served as the architect of the New Haven School Change Initiative, which aims to improve the city’s graduation rate and ensure that students are properly prepared for college, according to school officials.
He was one of three finalists selected at a Superintendent Finalists Community Forum held Saturday. The community meeting drew a crowd of 200, including parents, teachers, students and community members, school officials said.
“Garth Harries has demonstrated a passion for this community, innovative leadership around school reform and a commitment to collaboration that is unmatched anywhere in this country. I am confident he will lead this school district in a bold new direction,” said Board of Education president Dr. Carlos Torre.
Torre said the board considered each finalist’s strengths and weaknesses, in addition to community feedback, in making their selection. The board voted unanimously to appoint Harries for a one-year term while a contract is negotiated.
Harries will replace former superintendent Dr. Reginald Mayo, who retired after 21 years as superintendent and 46 years with the district.
