Dr. Carl Harris

Dr. Carl Harris joined McPherson & Jacobson in 2023.

Dr. Carl E. Harris has more than 30 years of experience working in public schools as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of Education and superintendent in Durham and Franklin County North Carolina. In both districts he provided curriculum and instructional leadership focused on advancing academic achievement, fostering relationships with parents, business and community, and improving school leadership.

Dr. Harris understands LEA support systems and the context and status of ongoing education reform. He has experience providing high-quality technical assistance and facilitating communities of practice. During Dr. Harris’ tenure as Superintendent of Durham Public Schools he provided leadership in implementing aligned assessments to state standards that would provide teachers individual student feedback regarding their grade level/college ready status. This work included strategic focus on increasing academic outcomes of students in the lowest performing schools, increasing graduation success, and increasing Advanced Placement participation and identification of Academically Gifted Students.

Dr. Harris’ educational contributions have been widely recognized. He has received numerous awards and distinctions for his contributions to education, including the Central Carolina Regional Superintendent of the Year Award, the National Association for Gifted Children Educator Award, and the Franklin County Living Black Legend Award. He is a graduate of The Broad Superintendent’s Academy. He also received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, the most prestigious civilian award presented by the Governor of North Carolina.

In addition to his roles as classroom teacher, coach, and district office administrator, Harris has served on the leadership teams of various professional organizations, including the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Steering Committee for Advanced Certification for School Administrators, the Central Carolina Regional Education Services Alliance, and the NC School Technology Commission. He is a past president of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators.

Harris received his doctorate degree in Education Administration from North Carolina State University, where he has also served as an adjunct professor. He holds a Master of Arts in Education, a Master of Administration, and an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from East Carolina University, along with a B.S. in Health and Physical Education from Southwest State University.