Mark Harris Recommended for SIS Principal Job

Shorewood High School Assistant Principal Mark Harris has been recommended as the new principal of Shorewood Intermediate School.

The Shorewood School District selected Harris as a result of a collaborative community interview process. The School Board will formally approve his contract at a future meeting. 

The interview process included several input sessions with students, staff and parents to discuss the attributes and characters of the SIS principal, as well as to share and discuss the school’s strengths and challenges.

Following the input sessions, the feedback was shared with the interview panel members, who summarized the information into eight main attributes, which were referenced throughout the internal interview process. After the final interview, Harris attended another community input session on June 26, where parents, residents and staff members gave feedback on Harris’ qualifications.

“During the feedback session on June 26, the district received many positive comments about the choice of Harris as SIS Principal,” Shorewood Superintendent Marty Lexmond said. “After those comments, it was clear that he’s the right choice for the position.”

“Although the high school will miss Mark in his role as Assistant Principal, the high school will continue to benefit from his leadership at SIS,” SHS Principal Matt Joynt added.

Harris has worked for the Shorewood School District for four years as SHS Associate Principal, and previously worked as an Assistant Principal at Gilmore Middle School, a social studies teacher at United Community Center Middle School and a pre-college counselor for Marquette University’s Upward Bound program.

Harris earned his Bachelor of Science degree in History, along with a teacher certification, from Marquette University in 1997. While at Marquette, Harris also played on the school’s basketball team. In 2008, he earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Policy and Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University.

The SIS principal position became available in May, when SIS Principal and Special Education Director Anthony Strancke announced his resignation. Strancke had been at the school for six years.

In order to keep the summer hiring processes moving forward, the Shorewood School Board is considering a special meeting to approve the recommendation to hire Harris as SIS principal. Details about the possible special meeting will be posted on the District website, shorewoodschools.org, as they become available.