A Message from the Superintendent
Welcome to Holden R-III!
Thank you for taking the time to visit our website and learn more about our district.
It is an honor to serve as superintendent of Holden R-III. After spending my first year here as assistant superintendent, I can say with confidence that this is a special place. What makes Holden exceptional isn't just our schools. It's the people. Our staff, students, families, and community care deeply about one another, and that shows in everything we do.
As we begin this school year, we remain focused on what matters most: helping every student learn, grow, and graduate prepared for whatever path they choose. Whether that path leads to college, a career, military service, or another opportunity, we want every student to leave Holden with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to be successful.
Our theme this year is Level Up! It is a reminder that we are never finished growing. We will continue building on the strong foundation that already exists, celebrating our successes while challenging ourselves to become even better for our students.
I believe great schools are built through strong relationships, high expectations, and a shared commitment to doing what is best for kids. When schools, families, and the community work together, there is no limit to what our students can accomplish.
Whether you are a current family, considering Holden for your child, or simply interested in learning more about our schools, I hope you'll see what makes this district so special. Thank you for your support and for being part of the Holden community.
I truly believe our best days are ahead, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together.
Go Eagles!
Dr. Christy Harrison
Superintendent, Holden R-III School District
Contact Us
Holden R-3 School District
1612 S. Main Street
Holden, MO 64040
Main Line: (816) 850-4444
Elementary: (816) 732-6071
Middle: (816) 732-4125
High: (816) 732-5523
Central Office: (816) 732-5568
Fax: (816) 732-4336
comments@holdenschools.org
District Office
Dr. Christy Harrison,
Superintendent
Superintendent
Tracy Shumate,
Executive Secretary & Board Secretary
Executive Secretary & Board Secretary
Ashley Tevis,
District Accountant
District Accountant
Kristie Daniels,
Business Office Clerk
Bekki Currier,
Communications Director
Communications Director
Welcome to Holden R-3!
Our District
Rooted in tradition, driven by potential — Holden R-3 is a place where students thrive, families feel connected, and the future is always in focus. Our rural PreK–12 district serves most of western Johnson County and a portion of Cass County, covering 208 square miles of Missouri countryside.
All of our school buildings — Early Childhood Center, Elementary (K–5), Middle (6–8), High School (9–12), and Alternative School (9–12) — are located together on one campus on the south side of Holden, creating a close-knit educational environment. We currently serve around 1,200 students, with approximately half participating in the free/reduced meals program.
We believe in preparing every student for success — not just for graduation, but for life. That means offering a strong, forward-thinking curriculum built on strong foundational learning, real-world skills, and a commitment to student well-being. With access to modern technology, personalized support, and dedicated educators, Holden students are well-equipped for the challenges of a changing world.
District Initiatives
- Professional Learning Communities (Since 2009)
- Standard-Based Grading
- Response to Intervention (RtI) K-12
- 1:1 Technology in Grades K-12 (Since 2016)
- BIST Behavior Intervention Strategies (K-8)
- Bright Futures Holden (Since 2012)
Our Community
Holden is a small town of about 2,200 residents — a place where neighbors know each other and the pace of life invites connection. Surrounded by crop fields, creeks, and open sky, we enjoy the charm of rural Missouri while being just a short drive from Kansas City’s shopping, dining, and recreation opportunities.
Many in our community commute to the metro for work in fields like business, science, healthcare, and the arts — but they choose Holden for its values, its schools, and its sense of home.
We have strong support from local businesses, faith communities, and civic organizations. We’re proud to be Holden Eagles — and even prouder of the relationships and partnerships that make our schools stronger every day.