Dr. Harshman dedicated her life to education. Over a span of more than 30 years she held a variety of positions that included elementary teacher, program specialist, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction and superintendent of a large urban school district.
Karen excelled in all the positions she held and as superintendent gave to the community as well as the school district.
As a breast cancer survivor she led the district in sponsoring and hosting the large RELAY FOR LIFE event for many years. She was an advocate for the causes she believed in and actively participated in those causes.
Among her many accomplishments as Superintendent, Karen created an elementary music program and promoted art in education. She believed in educating the ‘whole’ child with experiences in art, music and the sciences.
Dr. Harshman was an advocate for early childhood education and led the district in building and implementing one of the largest public preschool programs in the state. She impacted children and students in her community and district from ages 3 to 18.