The Island Trees Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Charles Murphy as its new superintendent of schools. In a unanimous vote on Wednesday, June 24, Dr. Murphy was appointed with a start date of Aug. 17. The community members who were present provided a warm welcome for its new superintendent.
The Superintendent Search Committee, which consisted of district administrators, teachers and parents, elicited input from the community via a written questionnaire. Questionnaire responses were used to guide the interview process and will be shared with the new superintendent as well. The Superintendent Search Committee interviewed many fine candidates and was very impressed with Dr. Murphy’s experience and credentials.
Dr. Murphy comes to Island Trees from the Sachem School District where he served in several capacities over the past 11 years. For the past four years, Dr. Murphy was the superintendent of Sachem Schools. Prior to that, he was the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction and the assistant superintendent for personnel. He also spent five years as the principal of the Hiawatha Elementary School.
Dr. Murphy earned his Doctor of Education from Fordham University Graduate School of Education. His two prior degrees, Master of Science in Teaching and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, were also earned at Fordham University.
Dr. Murphy is married and has an almost 3-year-old daughter.
At the same meeting, the school board also voted to ask current Superintendent James Parla, to remain for an additional month as interim superintendent/school business official to ensure there would be a smooth transition period.
