From an announcement on the Lopez Island S.D. website

Ed Murray Named New Superintendent of Lopez Island School District

Ed Murray has been named the new superintendent of the Lopez Island School District in Lopez Island, WA, effective July 1, 2021. Murray’s wife, Joey (a native of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), and two four-legged family members, Riley and Alfie, will join him in the move to Lopez Island. “We are excited about this opportunity to be a part of the Lopez Island Community,” said Murray. “We look forward to building relationships and making new friends as we work together to make Lopez Island School District a model of success on every level.”

Murray started his 35-year career in education as a financial aid administrator and school director for vocational schools. The transition to public education took place in 1999 when the high school Murray’s son (Richard) attended was in desperate need of math and science teachers. He offered to help fill the gap, and the Galt Joint Unified High School District in Galt, CA, asked him to teach physics. In addition to his experience in Galt, Murray has taught in Richland School District One in Columbia, SC, and Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five in Orangeburg, SC.

While in Orangeburg, Murray transitioned into school administration. He served as the assistant principal at North Middle-High School and Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School (O-W). When the Board of LCSD 55 selected his principal at O-W, Dr. Stephen Peters, to serve as their superintendent, Peters asked Murray to join him. Murray has served Laurens County School District #55 (LCSD 55) in Laurens, SC for the past five (5) years as the Chief of Staff and Director of Personalized Learning and Public Relations. One of Murray’s signature accomplishments was overseeing the strategic planning process in 2018 to identify the district’s new mission and vision statements and assist the Board of Trustees in establishing specific goals and objectives for LCSD 55’s future. Murray also served as the district athletic director for four (4) years and is the District 2 President for the South Carolina Parent Teacher Association (SCPTA).

Educationally, Murray has a B.A. in History from California State University, Sacramento. He later earned his M.Ed. in Cross-Cultural Teaching from National University, followed by another Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and his Superintendent Certification from the University of Texas at Arlington. Currently, Murray is working toward an educational doctorate (Ed.D.) in Education Systems Improvement Science at Clemson University. He expects to complete this terminal degree in the summer or fall of 2022.

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