During the March 24, 2022, Special Board Meeting, the Riverview School District School Board of Directors named the following individuals as finalists for the role of Superintendent for Riverview School District.
Dr. James Crawford
Heidi Harris
Dr. Susan Leach
Each finalist will participate in a series of interviews and discussions individually on March 28, 29, and 31, 2022, consisting of the following four components:
An online, hour-long community Town Hall, featuring Riverview School District students, will be live-streamed each evening at 7:00 p.m. for our Riverview Community to view. A Vimeo link for each candidate’s Town Hall event is linked below their bios on the Superintendent Finalists homepage. We also invite our community to share feedback on each candidate following their Town Hall event. A feedback opportunity will be available on the day of each candidate's event.
An interview/discussion with the Riverview School District’s Administrative Team.
An interview/discussion with the Riverview School District Staff.
A final interview with the Riverview School Board of Directors during an Executive Session Special Board Meeting each evening.
The candidates are featured below, in the order they will be participating in district events.
For more information on the Superintendent Search, please click here.
Heidi Harris March 28, 2022
Heidi Harris’ experience includes fifteen years teaching and fifteen years of district leadership. She has been an assistant superintendent since 2014. As a life-long learner, Heidi earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, master's degree in curriculum design, and Executive Leadership Superintendent certificate. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree.
Heidi creates coherent systems and sound budgetary practices. She’s a visible leader in the community, contributing to the successful passage of multiple levies and bonds. Heidi oversees $48 million in state and federal funds, and has secured multi-millions in competitive grants. Her community involvement includes: Civil Service Commissioner, active member in the Arts Commission, Lions Club and Delta Kappa Gamma.
Her equity centered leadership focuses on school improvement, resulting in National and state recognition. Under Heidi’s leadership, three schools won the National Title I award, and five awarded Schools of Distinction. Mrs. Harris was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for dedicated humanitarian service.
She and her husband, Martin, an elementary school teacher, have four adult children and two fur babies. Foodies and explorers at heart, the Harris’ love the outdoors and to experiment with new recipes at home and to try locally owned restaurants wherever they visit.
Dr. James Crawford March 29, 2022
Dr. James Crawford has served in public education for 20 years and is currently engaged in executive leadership service as a Superintendent-in-Resident. Crawford has served rural, suburban, and urban school districts. His service includes adjunct faculty/field supervision, central office, principal, assistant principal, instructional coach, and teacher.
Serving in Federal Way Public Schools since 2010, his previous role was Chief Academic Officer where he led all aspects of teaching for learning. Focused efforts on equitable systems and culturally responsive teaching practices led to increased growth in mathematics and English language arts.
As a building principal, focused efforts on systems, culture, and instruction led to an increase of 17% of students exiting English Language services.
These record levels of achievement led to multiple honors. In 2015, Crawford was named National Emerging Leader by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. He was also named Everyday Hero by the Kiwanis Club of Federal Way in 2016 and received the Whole Child Advocate Award from his PTSA in 2014.
Crawford earned his doctorate and superintendent certification from Washington State University. His doctorate earned the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the Washington Educational Research Association in 2019.
He loves hiking, traveling, tennis, skiing, and reading.
Dr. Susan Leach March 31, 2022
Dr. Susan Leach began her career as a school psychologist in Harborcreek, Pennsylvania. She currently serves as Chief Officer of the Student Success Division for Jeffco Public Schools, in Golden, Colorado. The Student Success Division consists of several departments, including special education, student engagement, student services, health services, gifted and talented, and discipline and truancy. She is a member of Jeffco’s cabinet-level Academic Leadership Team and serves on several boards. Dr. Leach was chosen to lead the District’s American Recovery Plan efforts, a spending package she developed by working extensively with a broad array of district stakeholders. Previously, she served as a Director of Special Education in Jeffco.
Prior to Jeffco, Dr. Leach was with Duval County Public Schools in Jacksonville, Florida. She held multiple administrative roles in Duval County. Dr. Leach holds a Doctor of Psychology degree in School Psychology, as well as post-graduate certifications in Educational Leadership and Education Finance. She is a lifelong learner and servant leader who enjoys engaging with the community.
Susan is a mother of four adult children. In her free time, she enjoys scuba diving, hiking, travel, and exercise.