Mercer Island High School Principal takes Bellevue School District Position

Principal John Harrison has accepted an administrative position in , according to an Oct. 4 MISD press release.

Harrison, who came to Mercer Island from Canada in 2005, will be leaving his post at the end of the day on Oct. 13.

"I continue to support John in his journey of professional growth. His new position in Bellevue is an important step in attaining his career goals," said Superintendent Gary Plano.

Harrison spent much of his career serving in administrative capacities in a number of schools in British Columbia, Canada, with most of his experience as high school principal beginning in 1994. 

Dr. Plano named retired Mercer Island administrator, Patricia Blix, as Interim Principal, to replace Harrison. Patricia Blix has 18 years experience in secondary administration. She served as long-time middle school principal in the Renton School District. Blix also served in international schools as secondary principal in Israel, England and the Philippines. Pat was Interim Principal at West Mercer Elementary from 2006 until 2008. According to the school district, she is presently studying Spanish on a study trip to Guatemala. She plans to return to Washington to begin her new position on Nov. 4. Craig Olson will be acting principal beginning on Oct. 14 until Ms. Blix arrives.

"Pat Blix is an outstanding educator, and I feel fortunate to be able to work alongside her again" said Plano. "Our high school team is fortunate to have an able and willing leader to step in as interim principal with such short notice."

According to the MISD press release, the superintendent hopes to work closely with the high school staff and students, our parent community, and his management team to begin the search process for the next high school principal, whose planned start date is July 1, 2012.