Mendham Twp. Super Stepping Down In June

Mendham Township’s loss is Irvington School District’s gain as Kristopher Harrison, the Townships K-8 schools superintendent, will be exiting at the end of June to tackle a K-12 district in Westchester, New York.

“This really is an excellent opportunity for me,” Harrison said. “Both personally and professionally. This district is a K-12.”

Harrison’s departure comes at an interesting point for the school districts in the area. Regional superintendent Anthony di Bautista is in the final days of his tenure and Mendham Borough super Janie Edmonds is set to retire at the end of the school year. Large vacancies in leadership at the top of each district that the school boards will need to swiftly fill.

For his part, Harrison is very proud of the work he was involved in since coming to Mendham from Maplewood. “I really am very appreciative of the opportunity I’ve had in Mendham and of the work we’ve done in the past four years,” Harrison said. “I am so thankful that I have received the trust and support of the Board here as well as the community.”

Harrison is quick to point out the soaring achievement levels in the district and the many accomplishments made by the students, staff and administration. But also the hard work done by the Board in difficult times. “We were very fiscally responsible in difficult times,” Harrison said. “We put together a 0% budget and we cut our utility costs.”

As the Township moves forward in a search to replace Harrison, he leaves behind a legacy of enthusiasm and cooperation that have become a signature in his career.

Large shoes to fill.