Hello!  My name is Chris Mendel and I am thrilled to be the principal of David Harrison Elementary, Home of the Harrison Huskies!

I have been an educator since 1988 and have taught in Omaha, NE (Howard Kennedy Primary), Lee’s Summit, MO (Prairie View Elementary), as well as right here in Springfield (McGregor and Carver).  I earned my first administrative position at Jarrett Middle School in 1999 as an assistant principal.  From there, I was named principal of Sherwood and remained there for four years.  In 2005, I was named principal of Wanda Gray and remained there until December, 2008, when I was named principal of David Harrison.

When I’m not at school, you’ll find me spending time with my husband, Mark, our two children, Joey and Emily, as well as our two shih-tzu dogs, Maggie and Bandit.  Joey is a freshman at MSU where he is a redshirt on the Bears' football team.  Emily is a sophomore at Glendale High School and very active in Debate and Student Council.  Mark and I both enjoy running, as well as most outdoor activities. We love to spend our time at Table Rock Lake.

My door is always open and I value your input.  Harrison is a CQI (Continuous Quality Improvement) school and we are always celebrating what we're doing well and looking for ways to be even better. Feel free to contact me at any time!  Ruff!