Principal

Phone: 503-859-2154

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Undergraduate BS in Elementary Education from WOSC Graduate MS Special Education from WOU Initial Administrator Portland State University Continuing Administrator Currently in Progress from Concordia University

Jeri Harbison ~ Principal

Growing up in a small town with lumber/paper as the primary industry impacted my love for the Lyons community. Having the great fortune to work with students with disabilities in high school influenced my decision to pursue a teaching degree in Special Education.  After graduating from St. Helens Senior High school, I went to Western Oregon State College in Monmouth, Oregon.  While at WOSC, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.

My daughter was born that same year.  As a single parent, I went to work as a house manager for a facility that supported adults with disabilities living in the community of Salem, Oregon.  Marriage took me to the Island of Guam.  There I taught first grade.  After the birth of my twin boys, I returned to Oregon.  While my family was growing, I worked as a substitute teacher and as a core instructor at MacLaren School for Boys in Woodburn, Oregon. 

In 1995, I became the Learning Resource Teacher at Mari-Linn School.  I knew right away this was my new home. My own children became Hornets and finished through the 8th grade at Mari-Linn School.  I truly believe that the foundation they received at Mari-Linn School helped contribute to their success as adults.  While teaching at Mari-Linn School, I earned my Masters of Science in Special Education.

Ten years ago, I was approached by the then Associate Superintendent to become the District Intervention Coach and Special Education Coordinator.  During that time, I completed my Initial Administrator's Licensure Program.  In 2009, I became the Principal of Mari-Linn School and the Special Education Director for North Santiam School District 29J. 

My free time is generally spent laughing with my family and watching my granddaughter, Willow, explore her world.  I enjoy being outside hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking, and camping.

Being is this position has allowed me to pursue my lifelong goal to positively contribute to a community and society. I absolutely love watching all of our students at Mari-Linn School grow and learn.