Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Jay Harris
[email protected]
Dr. Harris began his employment with Platte County School District as Executive Director of Operations in 2016, and has been in public education for 30+ years. Beginning with the 2022-23 school year, Dr. Harris became Platte County R-3's 14th Superintendent of Schools.
Prior to joining the leadership team at PCR-3, Dr. Harris spent 16 years in the Raymore-Peculiar School District, serving as High School Assistant Principal and Director of Support Services, before 10 years as the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services. He also was an Assistant Principal and Activities Director at Harrisonville High School, after starting his public education career teaching social studies, coaching multiple activities, and facilitating at-risk services in Topeka, Kansas, and Harrisonville, Missouri.
Dr. Harris grew up in a family of educators and had the privilege to watch his parents have such a positive influence in the lives of others. In awe of their life’s work, he decided he wanted to do the same. After graduating high school from Baldwin City, Kansas, he received his Bachelor of Science in education from Baker University and later earned a master’s degree in secondary school administration, an education specialist degree in school administration/superintendency, and a doctorate of education in school district leadership.
"A growing community with strong tradition, involved parents, committed educators,
Platte County is a place to thrive and to flourish. It’s a blessing I get to work here, live here, and
contribute to the growth and progress of this amazing school community."
Deputy Superintendent
Dr. Drew White
[email protected]
Dr. Drew White started his career in the Blue Springs School District as a teacher at the Blue Springs Freshman Center and a football coach at Blue Springs High School. Dr. White then moved to the North Kansas City School District in 2015 as the AVID Coordinator at Staley High School. He started his career in administration as the assistant principal for Winnetonka High School where he led building-wide professional development, the safety and security team, and various efforts for student achievement. In 2019, Dr. White became the associate principal for North Kansas City High School, serving in this capacity for a one-year transition before assuming his current role as building principal. He has led his staff, students, and community through the implementation of school-wide college and career pathways, to higher student achievement and graduation rates, and in the development and execution of his building’s strategic improvement plan.
Dr. White earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from William Jewell College, and continued his education by earning a Master of Education from the University of Missouri, and an education specialist degree from William Woods University. In 2018, Dr. White graduated from William Woods with his Doctorate of Education in educational leadership. Dr. White is a passionate educator who works tirelessly with students, staff, and community members to ensure all students succeed at the highest level. He is extremely excited to serve in Platte County as Deputy Superintendent and will work to provide our students with the highest quality education possible, preparing them for success both in and out of the classroom. He is committed to working with our dedicated staff and community to achieve great things and continue to uphold the standard of excellence for which Platte County Schools are known. Dr. White is originally from Harrisonville, Missouri, and he grew up in a family of educators. His father was a teacher who later served as a Superintendent. His mother was an elementary school teacher for 28 years including ten years in the Platte County School District. His wife, Callie, is currently a kindergarten teacher at Compass Elementary, and together, they have three children, Quinn, Ella, and Cara. Dr. White and his family love being a part of the Platte County community!
"The rich tradition, unwavering pride, and forward-thinking vision of the Platte County School District make it a destination for educators, families, and community members. By providing an unparalleled educational experience, we empower our students to make a profound impact on our community and shape a brighter future for themselves and our world. It is a great honor to serve the students, staff, and community in Platte County Schools."