David B. Harman - Headmaster from 1991-1996
David Harman’s appointment as the school’s sixth headmaster was based in large part on his commitment “to the children,” a common bond that has held the Rivers community together. Rivers also welcomed Mr. Harman for his leadership skills, his grace, and humor
In 1991, Mr. Harman used the school’s recently-written mission statement and core values to rally Rivers around a comprehensive strategic planning effort, which, he promised, would involve all constituencies at the school. He helped guide Rivers as it discussed and shaped change and growth on campus, in preparation for the 21st century. In particular, the school community praised him for helping grow and develop Rivers’ co-educational program.
Mr. Harman also initiated the school’s Capital Campaign which, by 1996, had raised $2 million, and focused on maintaining and growing enrollment, and strengthening the school’s finances. “Fiscal responsibility is important,” he said, “but must be accomplished without curtailing the excellence of the Rivers experience.”
In an interview with The Riparian, he praised the openness and friendliness of students, and encouraged Rivers to continue to assess its programs and policies to reflect a changing world. Changes at Rivers, he predicted, would include adoption of a cooperative learning environment, and more diversity on campus to mirror the community at large.
At Rivers, Mr. Harman was also an advisor, English teacher, and independent study instructor for speech. He did not keep himself distant from school activities; students often commented on his attention to academics, sports events, and the arts program.
In an interview with The Riparian, he praised the openness and friendliness of students, and encouraged Rivers to continue to assess its programs and policies to reflect a changing world. Changes at Rivers, he predicted, would include adoption of a cooperative learning environment, and more diversity on campus to mirror the community at large.
At Rivers, Mr. Harman was also an advisor, English teacher, and independent study instructor for speech. He did not keep himself distant from school activities; students often commented on his attention to academics, sports events, and the arts program.
Before his appointment at Rivers, he was Upper School director and English teacher at the Chadwick School in California for the previous six years. A graduate of the Middlesex School, he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Harvard University, and began his teaching career on the East Coast, first at St. Paul’s School, and then at Milton Academy.
Mr. Harman left Rivers in 1996 and is headmaster of Poly Prep Country Day School in New York. At the time of his departure, he told students and faculty that the school was demonstrating stability and growth, and increased pride in itself. A reporter for The Rivers Edge wrote that Mr. Harman would be remembered for being “a true cheerleader for Rivers in many ways.
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