Dr. Fred Harlan, Ritenour’s Director of Technology, has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2024 after serving the district for the past 15 years. The Ritenour Board of Education accepted his retirement at its Nov. 9 meeting.
Dr. Harlan has been instrumental in helping usher in a digital age of learning in the district. His visionary leadership has been pivotal in developing a robust technological infrastructure and a reliable wireless internet network, ushering in a transformative digital age of learning in Ritenour.
Under his guidance, Ritenour has experienced a technological transformation that has enriched the experience of students and staff. The development of a strong technological infrastructure has provided a solid foundation for innovative learning approaches. During his tenure, Ritenour classrooms evolved from instruction that used chalkboards and overhead projectors to students and teachers using high-tech whiteboards connected to the internet and students regularly using computers and Chromebooks. Under Dr. Harlan’s leadership, during the 2016-2017 school year, Ritenour High School became one of the first public high schools in Missouri to go 1:1 with every student receiving a Chromebook to use for daily learning. Since 2020, Ritenour has been a 1:1 technology district, meaning that all students and staff have access to an electronic device.
Dr. Harlan has also overseen significant growth in the technology team - expanding from just a few staff members in 2009 to nearly a dozen at the time of his retirement.
Prior to his tenure in Ritenour, Dr. Harlan worked for more than 20 years in the information technology field in software development, systems analysis and management. He began his career in 1984 with Bridge Information Systems in St. Louis, working his way up from programmer to vice president of MIS before the company was purchased by Reuters America LLC in 2001. From 2001-2008, Dr. Harlan served as vice president of MIS, information systems and technology for Reuters.
Superintendent Dr. Chris Kilbride said Dr. Harlan's leadership has kept Ritenour a school district known for it's cutting-edge technology integration in the classroom and beyond.
"I want to extend my deep gratitude to Dr. Fred Harlan for his outstanding leadership and innovation in the role of Director of Technology," said Dr. Kilbride. "Dr. Harlan's vision and expertise have been instrumental in transforming our district's technological infrastructure and ensuring that our students and staff have access to cutting-edge resources. He is a strong leader in the most critical and fast-moving times for school technology in our district’s history. His tireless dedication to advancing education through technology has left an indelible mark on our district and we wish him a well-deserved retirement."
