“A Familiar Face in a New Role: Chad Harrison Begins Journey as Scott County Superintendent”
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By Cheryl Owens
Mississippi Spirit
In 1995, Chad Harrison walked into a Scott County classroom as a teacher and coach. More than 30 years later, that same commitment to students and education has led him to the superintendent’s office.
Following the retirement of Superintendent Alan Lumpkin, effective June 30, 2026, Harrison will begin serving as superintendent of the Scott County School District on July 1. Lumpkin’s retirement concludes four years of dedicated service to the students, staff and families of Scott County, as well as more than 30 years of service in public education.
For the past 32 years, Harrison has dedicated his career to Scott County schools, serving in nearly every level of leadership along the way. From teacher and coach to athletic director, assistant principal, federal programs director, interim curriculum director and assistant superintendent, each position has prepared him for the responsibility he now assumes.
The Scott County School Board recently announced Harrison’s appointment as superintendent, citing his experience, integrity and longstanding commitment to the district.
Since joining the district in 1995, Harrison has helped oversee accreditation, personnel, curriculum and instruction, federal programs, testing, athletics, safety and security, facilities and overall district operations. His leadership extends beyond the district as well. He serves as president of the Mississippi High School Activities Association and its Executive Committee and is an active member of several state and national educational organizations. In 2021, he was named Scott County School District Administrator of the Year and received the district’s Superintendent’s Commitment to Excellence Award in 2023.
Although his résumé is impressive, Harrison says becoming superintendent is about something much deeper than advancing his career.
“Serving as superintendent is truly the honor of my professional life,” Harrison said. “While I have always lived in Union, I have dedicated the past 32 years of my career to serving the students, employees, and families of the Scott County School District. This district has become an extension of my family, and I have been blessed to work alongside outstanding teachers, administrators, support staff, students, parents, and community members.
“I don’t see this position as simply the next step in my career. I see it as an opportunity to give back to a district that has given so much to me. I know our schools, our communities, and our people because I’ve spent my career working beside them through both challenges and successes.
“I am deeply grateful to our Board of Education for placing their confidence in me. I will lead with integrity, transparency, humility, and a servant’s heart, always keeping students at the center of every decision.”
A Career Built One Step at a Time
Long before entering education, Harrison learned valuable lessons in finance and accountability while spending a year working for Tony G. Chance, CPA. Looking back, he believes that experience helped shape the administrator he would later become.
“Before beginning my career in education, I spent my first year after college working for Tony G. Chance, CPA. That experience gave me an appreciation for finance, accountability, organization, and responsible stewardship of public resources—lessons that continue to serve me well today.
“After entering education, I’ve been fortunate to serve Scott County School District in a wide variety of leadership roles over the past 32 years. I’ve been a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, acting principal, federal programs director, district test coordinator, interim curriculum director, assistant superintendent, and now superintendent.
“Each role taught me valuable lessons. Coaching taught me leadership, teamwork, and motivation. Teaching reminded me that relationships always come first. School administration taught me how to support principals, teachers, students, and families, while district leadership provided experience in finance, curriculum, strategic planning, facilities, accountability, and personnel.
“Those experiences have prepared me to understand our district from many different perspectives because I’ve had the privilege of serving in many different capacities.”
After more than three decades serving Scott County schools, Harrison has witnessed significant changes in education since he first stepped into the classroom as a teacher and coach in 1995.
“Education has changed tremendously,” Harrison said. “Technology has transformed classrooms. Accountability expectations have increased. Career and technical education has expanded dramatically, and today’s students have opportunities that simply didn’t exist when I began teaching.”
While many aspects of education have evolved, Harrison said the foundation of successful schools remains the same.
“What hasn’t changed is what matters most,” he said. “Students still need caring teachers. Parents still want safe schools. Communities still expect schools to prepare children for successful futures.”
“The tools may change, but our purpose remains the same,” he said.
Three Priorities That Will Guide Every Decision
As Harrison prepares to officially assume the superintendent’s office, he says every decision he makes will center on three priorities.
“Everything we do begins with three fundamental responsibilities, Harrison said.
“First, we must provide a safe learning environment. Students and employees deserve to come to school each day knowing they are in a secure, well-managed environment.
“Second, every student must know they are genuinely loved, valued, and cared for. Positive relationships are the foundation of successful schools.
“Third, we must provide an outstanding education that prepares every student for success in college, careers, military service, and life.
“Those three priorities will guide every decision we make.
“We’ll continue strengthening academic achievement, expanding career and technical education, growing our STEAM initiatives, investing in our employees, maintaining strong fiscal responsibility, and building meaningful partnerships throughout Scott County.”
Looking Ahead
Harrison believes Scott County schools are well-positioned for continued success and sees exciting opportunities on the horizon.
“I believe Scott County’s future is extremely bright.
“We have outstanding teachers, dedicated employees, strong principals, supportive communities, and students with tremendous potential. We have opportunities to expand career pathways, strengthen our STEAM Academy, continue growing FIRST Robotics and career academies, and build even stronger partnerships with local businesses and industries.
“One thing I’ve learned is that a district doesn’t have to be the largest or wealthiest to be exceptional. When people share a common vision and work together, remarkable things happen.
“Our goal is not simply to keep up with change but to lead it whenever possible.”
With more than three decades invested in Scott County schools, Harrison says he is ready to help guide the district into its next chapter while building on the strong foundation already in place.
Leading by Serving Others
When asked what he hopes his leadership style will bring to the district, Harrison’s answer reflected the servant-leader philosophy that has been a common thread throughout his career.
“I hope people see a leader who listens carefully, communicates openly, treats people fairly, and makes decisions based on what’s best for students.
“Leadership isn’t about titles or authority. It’s about serving others.
“I want to be visible in our schools, accessible to our employees and community, and willing to make difficult decisions when necessary while always treating people with dignity and respect.
“If people know I genuinely care about students and employees, then I believe trust will follow.”
Rather than leading from behind a desk, Harrison says he wants to be present in schools, visible throughout the district and accessible to those he serves.
A Community Effort
Harrison believes the success of Scott County schools extends well beyond the classroom walls. He says parents, churches, businesses and community organizations all play an important role in helping students succeed.
“Community involvement is essential.
“Schools are strongest when parents, businesses, churches, civic organizations, and community members work together with a shared purpose.
“I encourage everyone to become involved by volunteering, mentoring students, attending school events, celebrating our successes, and supporting the incredible work happening in our classrooms every day.
“Our schools belong to the entire community, and together we can accomplish far more than any of us can alone.”
For Harrison, education has always been a partnership, one built on the shared commitment of families, educators and the community working together for the benefit of children.
Harrison and his wife, Dr. Nicole Flint Harrison of Union, have two children, Dylan and Julia. They are active members of First Baptist Church Union, and Harrison remains involved in numerous civic and community activities. Those who know him say his commitment to serving others extends well beyond the school day.
A Message to Scott County
As he prepares to begin this new chapter, Harrison offered a heartfelt message to the students, parents, faculty and staff of Scott County.
“Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me.
“I promise to work hard every day to earn that trust.
“My commitment is simple.
“We will strive every day to provide safe schools, ensure every student knows they are loved and valued, and deliver an outstanding education that prepares students for successful futures.
“I truly believe the best days of Scott County School District are still ahead, and I look forward to working alongside our employees, students, parents, Board of Education, and community as we remain Committed to Excellence.”
Those words summarize the vision Harrison hopes to bring to the district—a commitment to safety, strong relationships and academic excellence while building on the foundation already established throughout Scott County.
Looking Toward the Future
When asked how he hopes people will remember his years as superintendent, Harrison didn’t mention awards, accomplishments or recognition. Instead, his answer once again focused on the people he serves.
“I hope they say that I loved this district and the people it serves.
“I hope they say I led with integrity, treated people fairly, listened before making decisions, and always put students first.
“I hope they remember that during my time as superintendent our schools became even safer, our students had greater opportunities, our employees felt supported, our communities were engaged, and Scott County School District became stronger than ever before.
“Most of all, I hope they say that every decision was guided by one simple question:
‘What is best for our students?’
“If they can honestly say that, then I’ll know I fulfilled the responsibility I was entrusted with.”
As Harrison prepares to take the reins of the Scott County School District, one thing is clear: his vision reaches far beyond managing day-to-day operations. It is rooted in service, strengthened by relationships and focused on providing every student with the opportunity to succeed.
After spending more than three decades serving Scott County schools, Harrison now begins a new chapter—not in a new place, but in the community he has dedicated much of his life to serving. Guided by experience, faith and a servant’s heart, he says his focus will remain where it has always been: on the students, employees and families who make up the Scott County School District.
For Harrison, the title may have changed, but the mission remains the same—doing what is best for students and continuing to move Scott County schools forward, one child at a time.
