Superintendent Eric Turman at a March press conference
The Harrisburg School District may soon lose one of its top officials.
Superintendent Eric Turman announced on the district website on Friday that he may be leaving his post, as he is the finalist to become the superintendent of Central Dauphin School District.
“It has truly been my great honor to work in the Harrisburg School District over the last three years,” Turman said in a statement. “While I am excited about new professional opportunities, it’s very difficult to consider leaving a school community like Harrisburg that cares so deeply for its students.”
Turman was appointed to his role in June 2021 by the previous district receiver Janet Samuels. Turman had formerly served as the principal of Reading High School for 10 years.
The Central Dauphin school board is slated to vote on its appointment for superintendent at a meeting on Monday, May 20.
If Turman is appointed at Central Dauphin, Harrisburg Receiver Dr. Lori Suski will share a leadership transition plan in the coming weeks, including a timeline, Turman said.
During Turman’s three years in Harrisburg, the district navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual learning, moved forward with a school reconfiguration plan, decided to reopen Steele Elementary School and held meetings to determine the future of the William Penn building, which the district ultimately decided to save instead of demolish.
Additionally, the district was set to exit its three-year state receivership in 2022, but the state control was ultimately extended through 2025 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
“I have been touched by the commitment and passion of our faculty, staff, and community to providing the best possible education and support for our young people,” Turman said. “I know the entire administrative team is deeply driven to do all we can to support them. Our administrative team is strong and shares many responsibilities for the daily work of our school district. I am very confident that we will continue to work together to support our schools and students.”
For more information, visit the Harrisburg School District’s website.
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