Superintendent of Schools
Emporia Public SchoolsAnderson-Harder named superintendent by the USD 253 Board of Education.
For Immediate Release – February 24, 2021
After in-person interviews on Monday and Tuesday, the Emporia Public Schools Board of Education voted on Wednesday evening to hire Dr. Allison Anderson-Harder as the next superintendent of USD 253. The responsibilities as superintendent for Anderson-Harder who has served as the interim superintendent since November 24, 2020, will begin immediately. She will also continue to serve as the Executive Director of Special Services until the end of June.
Anderson-Harder brings with her a wealth of educational and leadership experiences from her established career in education. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Fort Hays State University, a Master of Science degree, a Specialist degree, a District Leadership Licensure and Building Licensure from Emporia State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Southwestern College.
Anderson-Harder began her career as a school psychologist with the Flint Hills Special Education Cooperative and has held a variety of administrative positions throughout her tenure in education.
“I am both honored and excited to be selected as the next superintendent for Emporia Public Schools,” said Dr. Anderson-Harder. “I look forward to strengthening the goals the district has established and working diligently with the outstanding staff we have while moving Emporia Schools forward. Additionally, I want to build on the relationships I have developed with our students, staff, and community stakeholders while increasing transparency and communication throughout the district.”
“The board was extremely pleased with the strong pool of candidates that were interested in leading our district,” said Mike Crouch, board president. “We are very enthused to select Dr. Allison Anderson-Harder as our next superintendent. We are confident in her ability to lead our district and we will utilize her remarkable leadership in
making USD 253 the best it can be.”
Anderson-Harder and her husband Fred enjoy hiking, attending sporting events, and many other outdoor activities. Together they have four adult children.
Dr. Anderson-Harder replaces Kevin Case who resigned in November of 2020 after almost 4.5 years as the superintendent.
Office of the Superintendent
Mary Herbert Education Center
1700 W 7th Ave.
PO Box 1008
Emporia, KS 66801
Phone: 620-341-2201
Fax: 620-341-2205
Allison Anderson-Harder
Superintendent
Casey Jones
Secretary to the Superintendent & Clerk of the Board