Call me Josh
New Leadership Delivering Results for Our Community
Dear Community,
As a lifelong member of our school district and a proud graduate of District 163 and Rich East High School, I’m excited to share that I’m running for a seat on the School District 163 Board of Education. This community helped shape who I am, and I’m ready to give back in a meaningful way.
I invite you to take a moment to read my page and learn more about my journey—from student to staff member, and now candidate. My experiences in our schools and my continued work in education have prepared me to serve with purpose, compassion, and a focus on what matters most: our students.
Thank you for your time, and I hope to earn your support!
Warmly,
Joshua Harrison
About Me.
As a proud alumnus of Park Forest–Chicago Heights School District 163 and a lifelong resident of Park Forest, I am deeply committed to the success and well-being of our students. Raised as the middle child of eight by my single mother, I experienced firsthand the strength and resilience of our incredible community.
My educational journey began right here in District 163, where I attended kindergarten through 8th grade—an experience that laid the foundation for my academic and professional pursuits. I continued on to Rich East High School until its closure in 2020, at which point I transitioned to the Fine Arts and Communications Campus, where I proudly graduated.
From 2021 to 2024, I had the privilege of serving within District 163, starting as the Head of the High School Tutor Program. My dedication and leadership led to subsequent roles as Secretary and Discipline Assistant, where I worked closely with students, faculty, and administration to foster a positive educational environment.
Currently, I contribute to Rich Township High School as an Assistant to Educational Services and as a Night School Instructor. These roles have allowed me to engage with diverse student populations and address varying educational needs.
Academically, I hold an Associate of Science in Business Management from Prairie State College. I am also pursuing a bachelor’s. degree in Secondary Education with a focus on Mathematics at Grand Canyon University, reflecting my commitment to continuous learning and educational excellence.
My candidacy is driven by a passion for education and a desire to give back to the community that shaped me. I aim to bring a unique perspective to the School Board, combining firsthand experience as a student, educator, and leader within our district.
Education
2008-2018
K - 8th
21st Century
Blackhawk
Michelle Obama
I attended K-3 at 21st century primary center, with a short stent at Blackhawk while renovations at 21st Century. But I had Mrs. Pierce as my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Gervase, who is now the principle of 21st century as my 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Gordon as my 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Zarlengo go as my 3rd grade and Mrs. Daley at Blackhawk intermediate center as my 4th. With a combination of teachers from 5th to 8th and Michelle Obama school.
2018-2022
9th - 12th
Rich East High School
Rich Township High School
I attended the Rich East campus from 2018 till 2020 when the campus was unfortunately shut down. I attended Rich Township remotely through COVID-19 2020 to 2022 where I observed a lot of skills I use till this day in modern my job
2021-2023
AS of Science Business Science
Prairie State University
Thanks to Rich Township and the Prairie State Upward bound program. I was able to obtain this and many trainings as well. I think my mentors Dr. Jermaine Morales and Ms. Tabitha Drake for their efforts input to this program to help me achieve this degree.
2023-2027
BA of Arts Secondary Education (Mathematics)
Grand Canyon University
I am currently in year two of this degree at the Grand Canyon University and I am appreciative of every opportunity. This gives me I hope to further my education in the future and hopefully my masters of educational leadership and a doctor and educational leadership as well.