As superintendent, Jacqueline Haas brought stability to Harford County public schools.
Haas served for nearly 11 years as a strong yet caring leader who championed accountability and reform after the previous superintendent had been forced out after less than two years on the job.
But with her sudden death this week, the school system now is trying to move forward while maintaining the same level of perseverance and endurance.
“We’re going to recommit to everything that she believed in, for the success of all students,” said Teri Kranefeld, schools spokeswoman.
Family will hold a memorial service today at 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Aberdeen. It is open to the public.
The school system will have a Celebration of Life ceremony at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Aberdeen High School. It is open to the public.
Haas “was a fearless leader who cared about everyone, employees and students, and everyone came first, even before her, and we need to continue forward with her vision for the school system.”
A teacher and administrator for 36 years, Haas died Tuesday after suffering a severe asthma attack at her Aberdeen home. She was the reigning Maryland Superintendent of the Year.
Haas, 59, a native of Kansas City, Kan., hoped her proudest accomplishment of the diversity she brought to the upper ranks of the school system would be her legacy, Kranefeld said.
The school board hopes to name by Monday an interim superintendent who will serve in the role until July 1, she said.
When Haas became superintendent in 1998, she replaced Jeff Grotsky, who was forced out after about 18 months because his management style clashed with the board and other officials, said Bob Thomas, a county spokesman who served as vice president of the board that hired Haas as schools chief. The board bought out his contract.
County Executive David Craig said one of Haas’ greatest contributions to the school system and county was the stability she brought after that stormy time. Others praised the reforms she made to the school system.
Andres Alonso, chief of the Baltimore City school system, released a statement that called Haas a “valued colleague and invaluable mentor” who “personified a unique combination of professional excellence and personal warmth.”
“This is part of life,” Thomas said. “There’s a beginning and there is an end. Unfortunately, she was taken from us too early; she was taken from us far too early. But nonetheless, she made a strong impact on the footprint of public education in Harford County.”
