By James Feichtner
The School Board of the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township has added two new additions to their faculty recently. The Lawrence schools welcome Mr. Andrew Harsha to the position of Principal at Belzer Middle School and Dr. Kathleen Rieke to the position of Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education.
Mr. Harsha will transitioned to this role from that of Freshman School Principal at Lawrence North High School. Before transitioning to school administration, Harsha worked as an English teacher and coach at Craig Middle School from 2001-2010 and then an English teacher at Lawrence North from 2010-2012.
“I am humbled to be named principal of Belzer Middle School and am very anxious to serve in this capacity,” says Harsha. “I look forward to working with staff, students, parents and community members to elevate the level of excellence that already exists at Belzer.”
Originally from Merrillville, Ind., Harsha attended Andrean High School, graduating in 1996. He holds a B.S. Ball State University and earned his Master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2004. He completed the Educational Administration Licensure program at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) in 2008.
Dr. Rieke will transitioned to this role from that of Assistant Superintendent of Learning for the Fayette County School Corporation. Previously, she held multiple leadership roles in the MSD of Washington Township. Dr. Rieke brings 32 years of educational experience to the position and is a firm believer collaborative and supportive leadership.
“The MSD of Lawrence Township appeals greatly to me as an innovative school community that is willing to do what it takes to ensure students are prepared for today’s global society,” says Rieke. “I am excited about the opportunity to return to a large, metropolitan school district that has a strong focus on personalized student learning.”
Dr. Rieke holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Junior High/Middle School Education from Illinois State University and a Masters of Education in Secondary Education from Butler University. She completed her administrative license at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis and her Doctorate of Education at Indiana University Bloomington with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction.
