No. 6
Sylvia Autry named superintendent, Harris returns as principal

By By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
Jan. 1, 2004
Personnel issues topped news from Meridian public schools this year: The school board halted its search for a new superintendent, and R.D. Harris returned as Meridian High School principal.
Meridian School Board members decided in early December to name Sylvia Autry as the school district's superintendent at least for one year.
Autry took over as interim superintendent July 1 after former Superintendent Janet McLin retired. Before that, Autry had served as assistant superintendent of supervision and instruction under McLin.
School board members said they plan to resume their superintendent search next year.
At the same time, Autry said her time leading the school district has been rewarding. She said she believes the district needs "someone who knows the district and the strengths of the staff and the community."
Meanwhile, Harris returned to Meridian High last fall as its new principal a job he held from 1979 to 1993. Harris is a former Meridian High English teacher and a former deputy state superintendent of education.
Harris' return was part of the Meridian school district's effort to improve student achievement and raise standardized test scores. Autry said she "begged and cajoled" Harris to come back to Meridian.