Justice superintendent is more than just an educator to district's students

“I like to take off around 4:30 (p.m.) on Friday,” said Harrison, 62.

Harrison says he gets to work about 6:15 a.m. because that's when he gets most of his work done. However, Harrison has encouraged some parents to drop their children off at the school as early as 6:30 a.m. so they can commute to their jobs.

Harrison graduated from East Central University in 1973 and started his teaching career at Justice. He taught third- and fourth-grade students for half a day, and remedial reading and math the rest. In 1975, he became the superintendent.

He has been a father figure to countless students and the parents trust him implicitly. Carol, his wife, runs the school's after-school and lunch programs.

Harrison, who had coached most all sport activities, said he has “always enjoyed teaching and playing with the kids.”

The many hats he has worn include superintendent, principal, bus driver and counselor. He also has been known to answer the phone when his staff is unavailable.

“I have also been the cook,” Harrison said. “When you are in a small school, you do everything.”

Harrison said he doesn't leave the school grounds until all three buses return from their routes.

“I feel the kids are mine,” he said. “I worry about them getting home. If they miss the bus in the morning, I will go pick them up. After all, if I (have to) be here, so do they.”