October 10th the Harrisonville Board of Education accepted letters of retirement from two long-time district administrators. Harrisonville Early Childhood Center Principal Becky Campbell and Harrisonville Middle School Principal Chris Grantham will both be retiring at the end of the 2023-24 year after 32 years in education.
Becky Campbell began her career
in El Dorado Springs as a middle school social studies teacher. She taught at
Harrisonville Elementary School for a couple of years before going to Belton
for seven years at their middle school. She returned to Harrisonville 21 years
ago as the principal at ECC.
Chris Grantham began his career
at Odessa High School teaching math and social studies, as well as coaching
football and wrestling. He also worked at Belton and O’Hara before coming to
Harrisonville High School in 2001 as a social studies teacher and football
coach. He was named assistant principal at Harrisonville Middle School in 2006,
then became principal in 2008.
Like Becky, Chris does not have
set plans for retirement. “I would like to continue on in education in some
capacity either teaching adults, or students. I am not sure but I am excited
for the new challenges that await me.”
Superintendent Chastain said,
“I have had the opportunity to work with Mr. Grantham for over half a year now.
It has been an honor to work with a principal so passionate and caring about
all that he does and the people he serves. I wish him well in his next journey
and know that he will always find a way to help and educate others. Thank you
Chris.”
The district will recognize
Mrs. Campbell and Mr. Grantham during retirement recognition events in the
spring.
The district will plan to post
for the principal positions, interview candidates in December, and hopes to
announce hirings in January 2024.