Peters Township school board appoints new superintendent
The current deputy superintendent of Peters Township School District will take over as the superintendent next school year.
The board of school directors voted 8-1 at a special meeting Monday to name Dr. Jennifer Murphy as the superintendent on a three-year contract. Alexandra Binsse was the dissenting vote.
The decision came after Dr. Jeannine French announced over the summer her intention to retire at the end of this school year.
“I’m really humbled by this opportunity and overwhelmed by the positive outpouring I’ve received from the community, staff, parents and board members,” Murphy said in an interview Wednesday.
Murphy will step into the role next July, and will receive an annual salary of $225,000.
She has been with Peters Township School District since 2013 and has served as assistant and deputy superintendent. She previously worked in Pittsburgh Public Schools as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.
“Dr. Murphy is a proven, student-centered leader whose thorough knowledge of our schools and community will ensure a smooth and successful transition,” said Rebecca Bowman, president of the board of school directors, in a press release. “Her record of partnership with families, staff, and administrators, built over more than a decade in Peters Township, positions the district to build on our strengths and reach new goals.”
Binsse did not respond to an email seeking comment regarding her vote against hiring Murphy.
Going forward, Murphy said that the rise of artificial intelligence will be among the biggest challenges facing the district and education as a whole.
“How do we use it, and how do we teach students to use it ethically?” Murphy said.
She added that the district is also committed to make sure its schools remain a safe place for students to receive an education.
“We always have a lens on school safety, making sure we are maintaining the safest learning environment for our students, staff and teachers,” Murphy said.
She credited her predecessor for helping her prepare to take the next step as the district’s leader.
“I felt like I was prepared to do so because Dr. French is an amazing mentor, and it has been a great opportunity to work with her and the entire team for the past decade plus,” Murphy said.