Recovery Plan
In December 2012, the Pennsylvania Department of Education designated the Harrisburg School District as one of several school districts in moderate financial recovery status, resulting in the development of a Financial Recovery Plan to support financial management, academics and student stability. The Pennsylvania Department of Education appointed a Chief Recovery Officer to develop and implement the recovery plan.
In June 2019, the Pennsylvania Department of Education petitioned the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas and received approval for the Harrisburg School District to enter receivership with the goal of further supporting the financial management, academics and student stability of the School District. The Receiver is equivalent to the School Board of Directors and assumes responsibility for governance of the School District, while keeping the School Board informed and engaged. The Receiver is also responsible for the monitoring and implementation of the Amended Financial Recovery Plan, which was revised and updated by Dr. Janet Samuels, and approved on July 20, 2021. Dr. Lori Suski was appointed Receiver effective January 29, 2022 by the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas.
On May 23, 2022, the Pennsylvania Department of Education petitioned the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas to extend receivership for a period of three years and to reappoint Dr. Suski as Receiver.
On June 17, 2022, Judge William T. Tully signed a court order extending the receivership and reappointing Dr. Lori Suski as Receiver from June 17, 2022 - June 17, 2025.
Acting Secretary of Education Eric Hagarty appointed Dr. Travis Waters as the new Chief Recovery Officer effective August 29, 2022. Dr. Waters will serve as an advisor to the Receiver and assist with the implementation and oversight of the Amended Recovery Plan.