Schools

Names in the News: Bob Hardis

Find out more about the new assistant superintendent at Beachwood High School

This is the first installment of Names in the News, where we'll tell you a little bit more about someone who's making news in Beachwood.

Name: Bob Hardis

Occupation: Principal at  for the past six years. At the end of this school year as Assistant Superintendent of Beachwood City Schools.

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Hometown: Though he was born in Brooklyn, Hardis spent his childhood in Bethesda, Maryland.

Favorite thing about his job: “It’s different every day and I feel very lucky, because at Beachwood High School I’ve got a very good group of parents, teachers and faculty.”

Find out what's happening in Beachwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Proudest accomplishment: “Where the school is functioning today, it’s such a high level,” said Hardis. “We do a really good job of offering the kids a huge array of courses – and I worked had to be able to say yes to things yes to good ideas from students and teachers.”

He added, “We prepare kids for college very very well and I think there’s a culture here of achievement. Kids want to do very well. And I feel like I can’t take complete credit for that. It’s an accomplishment that cannot be accomplished without everyone, but I know I play a role in that too.”

Why he went into education: Hardis worked for a civil liberties group in Washington, D.C. doing grassroots political organizing, and often worked with kids.

“Talking to students, that part of my job was the most interesting to me, and the most challenging. It was just natural for me to look at that as more of a career than what I was doing.”

He went back to graduate school so he could teach social studies.

One thing you may not have known: He was a great saxophone player.

“I was pretty serious about it when I was younger,” he said, noting that he even won some regional awards in middle and high school.

And yes, he still has the instrument — “But no one can ask me to play it,” he added, laughing. “I don’t have the muscles anymore.”

Know someone we should feature in Names in the News? Email Nikki.Ferrell@patch.com.


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