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KATHY MURPHY

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••
• • • • • • • • •

THE ALABAMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF

EDUCATION

State Superintendent Search

2018-2019
 Dr. Kathy L. Murphy

March 22, 2018

Letter of Application

Dear Search Committee and Members of the Alabama State Board of Education:

The honor is mine to apply for the position of State Superintendent of Education for
Alabama. Children are my passion. Educating students is my life's mission. After eight
years of college teaching and 25 years in public education, I remain steadfast in my
commitment to serve children, to support teachers, and to guide the decision-making
process in finding solutions to the myriad of issues demanding our attention.

I have the education, experience, and expertise to serve well in the position of State
Superintendent. As you review my resume, you will see that I hold an undergraduate
degree, two master's degrees, an educational specialist degree, and a doctoral degree.
These professional qualifications and credentials are important and, in part, are
requirements for the position, but the most important qualifications I bring to you are
personal qualifications.

The job before us is great and will require a person with integrity, courage, and tenacity.
These are prominent character traits for me. Honesty and integrity will allow us to be
transparent in our conversations and actions; courage will allow us to engage in difficult
conversations and make difficult decisions; tenacity will allow us to persist regardless of
naysayers and critics.

My experiences are extensive and diverse. I have worked with students from
pre-kindergarten through graduate school. I have been a university assistant professor,
teacher, principal, and superintendent. I have served as a superintendent in one of the
poorest counties in the state, and I have served as superintendent in one of the more
affluent city school districts in the state. I have worked with struggling learners,
 where the
districts that are predominantly
white population. I worked in districts
was the only language, and l have worked in school districts where 15 or
more languages were spoken. These diverse experiences give me a unique and
comprehensive view education in Alabama.

If you are interested in someone for State Superintendent who knows there are many
complex and challenging issues, I get it. if you are interested in degrees, I have them.
If you are interested in experience, I have it. If you are interested in honesty, integrity,
courage, and tenacity, I've got it If above all, are interested in someone with a
passion for children and someone on a mission to educate students, all in.

Thank considering my credentials, commitment, and character in decision.

Your selection for the next State Superintendent is, of course, important because this
decision impact children and public education in this state for years to come. i know
you will interview an excellent cadre of candidates, and I wish you wisdom through the
process.

Sincerely,

Dr, Kathy L Murphy

 Name: Murphy Kathy Lynn Date: 3/22/2018
Last First Middle

Address:
Street City State Zip

Phone:
Home Business

Present Superintendent Hoover City Schools (Hoover, AL)

Schoo! District:
Position:
Number of
District
14,000 Certified/Classified 18 5o
Enroliment:
Staff:

Annual
$168,000,000 $207,900

Name and Location of

Degree:
.Institution Attended:
Auburn University
Educational
Montgomery 1995 Educational Leadership
Specialist
Montgomery, AL
Auburn University
Master of
Montgomery 1994 Educational Leadership
Education
Montgomery, AL
Auburn University Doctor of Physical Edu/Emphasis Program
1987
Auburn, AL Education A.dm & Cur Dev

Auburn University Master of

1982 Physical Education
Auburn, AL Education

Troy University Bachelor of Health, Physical Education,

1981
.Troy, AL Science Recreation, & Dance

1, Do you hold a superintendent license for this position? [X] YES [ ] NO

2. Are you eligible for a superintendent license for this position? [X] YES [ ] NO

Indicate leadership responsibilities relevant to the position.

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 4j9/2018 Murphy, Kathy Application

Memberships-School Superintendents of Alabama (Board of Directors, Past President

Dis{rict 5 served 12 south Alabama school districts, now President District 1 serving 17
central AL school districts); Council for Leaders in AL Schools; American Association of
School Administrators; National Association of Secondary School Principals, Alabama
Association of Secondary School Principals; Recent community activities ... Visited schools
for International Day, Wax Museum Celebration of Black History, and recognition programs
for Finley Character Award winners; Called two community forums to discuss school safety
in Hoover City Schools; Shared school district safety measures at a School Safety Summit
with Alabama Legislators; Keep school board, city, civic, and school organizations up to
date via presentations; Ongoing engagement with stakeholders to include groups such as
the Superintendent's Advisory Council and Hoover Parent & Teacher Council; Developed and
shared with board members and our community a Three-Year Longitudinal Review of school
district successes and challenges; Shared at two community meetings the plans for a skill
trades center to open in August 2019; Ongoing communication with the Dept of Justice,
Legal Defense Fund, and attorneys regarding Unitary Status; Continually keeping our
community informed about Unitary Status and Green Factors; Continually communicating and
collaborating with Mayor and City Council on school district needs and providing input on
clly cumvr.ehe11slve plan; Selected a company to develop an Impact Study for our school
district in order to plan for student growth to include the possible need for school
additions and/or new schools; Developing and sharing the plans for the rezoning of our
school district; Reviewing and implementing our Capital Outlay Plan including the recent
completion of field turf and track surfacing and the selection of alternates on a new
band room at one of our high schools; Attending Legislative Committee Meetings and
interacting with-legislators on matters of importance to educators; Participating in
AdvancEd training with school leaders in preparation for our accreditation review.

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 '+J~ILU I0 Murpny, Kamy Appucauon

Employment Experience
List in consecutive order beginning with the most recent position.

Supervisor's
Dates Position/Institution/Location Supervisor's Name/Title
Phone
; To: Position Name (Business)
:current Superintendent Earl Cooper

From: Institution/Location Title

(Home)
• June 1, Hoover City Schools (Hoover, AL) President of Hoover City
2015 School Board
! Reason For Leaving (Please be specific)
District Enrollment
i i am the Superintendent of Hoover City Schools. I would be honored to serve
14,000

To:
_
~~:--~~~-~: s~~~=-~~=::.~~-=~=~----------- -~
Position
------------------ ---- ----------- -------------·---- ---. --- ------~-
Name (Business)
May 31, Superintendent Patsy Black
2015
From: Institution/Location lltle
(Home)
July 1, Monroe County Schools (Monroeville, President of Monroe County
2011 AL) School Board
Reason For Leaving (Please be speciiic) District Enrollment
Job offer to become Superintendent of Hoover City Schools. 3000

Position Name (Business)

30, Principal Dr. Linda Felton Smith

institution/Location Title
(Home)
2010 Charles Henderson High School Superintendent Troy City
Schools
Reason For Leaving (Please be speciiic) District Enrollment
Job offer to become Superintendent of Monroe County Schools. 2000
Position Name (Business)
Executive/Adm Assistant to the Dr. Mike Looney
Superintendent
Institution/Location Title (Home)
Butler County Schools Superintendent
Reason For leaving (Please be specific) District Enrollment
Job offer to become Principal at Charles Henderson High School. 3000

References
Provide the names of four persons who can discuss your experience and qualifications in detail.

Name/Official Position Cell Phone

Dr. Ruth Ash

Retired Deputy Supt SDE & Former Dean School of Edu
jsamford University
I •

!
Dr. Jack Hawkins
:Chancellor Troy University
l
--·-- --··---------------- ·- ----~----- ____ ,_- --- ----. --~--------- --~-------- ----- ---!

;
Mrs. Patricia M. Black
:Monroe County Schools President of the Board

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 4/9/2018 Murphy, Kathy Application

Beth Chapman
,Alaba~aSecretary of State Emeritus

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 4/9/2018 Murphy, Kathy Appl!catton

ac!cfiticn to tf:e

If rn{ESn .is selected in response to an.,t1 a detailed

result in denial of an offer of' vvili

i. Have you ever been convicted of, admitted committing, pleaded no contest, or are you awaiting trial for any crime (excluding
only minor traffic violations that do not involve any allegations of alcohol, drugs or reckless driving) or have any civil charges
previously or pending involving allegations of child abuse or spousal abuse? You must answer "YES" if true, even if the matter
was later dismissed, deferred, reversed, or vacated. If you answer "YES" you must provide dates of the proceedings, the name
and address of the court where the proceedings occurred, a statement of the accusation against you and the final disposition of
the case(s).

[ X] NO [ ] YES, please explain below

2. Have you ever been dismissed (fired) from any job, or resigned at the request of or pressure from your employer, or left
employment while charges against you or an investigation of your behavior was pending or been refused tenure, reappointment
or continuing contract from any employer? You must answer "YES" if true, even if the matter was later resolved with any form of
settlement or severance agreement, regardless of its terms. If you answer "YES" you must provide the date of termination or
resignation and other action concerning tenure reappointment or continuing contract denial and the name, address and
telephone number of the ernployer(s) and a statement of the alleged reasons for termination or resignation.

[X] NO [ ] YES, please explain below

3. Have you ever had any license or certificate of any kind (teaching certificate or other professional license) revoked, suspended,
or reprimanded, or have you in any way been sanctioned by or is any charge or complaint now pending against you before any
licensing, certification or other regulatory agency or body, public or private? If you answer ''YES" you must provide the dates of
proceedings, name, address and telephone number of the agency or body where proceedings took place, a statement of the
accusations against you, the final disposition and/or status of the charge or complaint

X] NO [ ] YES, please explain below

4. Are you now being investigated for any alleged misconduct or other alleged grounds for discipline by any licensing, certification
or other regulatory body (teacher certification or otherwise) or by your current or any previous employer? if you answer "YES"
you must provide the name, address and telephone number of the employer or licensing body and statement of the accusation
against you.

[X] NO [ ] YES, please explain below

5. Have you ever been involved, or are you currently involved, or do you anticipate involvement in litigation either as the
plaintiff/complainant or defendant/respondent?

[X] NO [ ] YES, please explain below

6. Have you ever filed a grievance/complaint of any kind against an employer?

[X] NO [ ] YES, please explain below

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 4,'9/2018 iviurphy) Kathy Application

(Please read

The information in the for is correct, and complete to the best of

that I have answered all questions to the best of my and I have not withheid any that vvould
unfavorably affect my for I acknowledge that any misrepresentation or omission of any fact in
my application, resume, or any other or during any interviews, n1ay be the cause for my rejection from
or may result in my subsequent dismissal if I am hired.

Lynn Murphy 3/22/2018

Date

I request that my application file remain confidential pursuant to and in accordance with the State laws. If I am
interviewed, I request that it be held in a closed session pursuant to State laws. For your information to be reviewed by
the Board in closed session, your signature and date is required.

Kathy Lynn Murphy 3/22/2018

Signature Date

Please Direct All Inquiries,

Applications and Supporting Materials To:

4403 First Avenue Suite 407

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402-3221
319-393-3115 Phone
319-393-4931 Fax
E-mail: glr@rayassoc.com
Website: \AIWW.rayassoc.com

DO NOT CONTACT THE DISTRICT OR BOARD MEMBERS DIRECTLY

2018

Neither the client nor any member of Ray and Associates, Inc. discriminate on the basis of disability, race, religion, sex,
national origin, or age in access to, employment in, or in the provision of any programs, benefits or activities.

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 Dr. Kathy L. Murphy

Executive Profile
Visionary school leader focused on student growth, academic achievement, and college and career readiness.
Committed to leading with integrity and courage. Responsive to the many challenges facing public education.

Trait & Skill Highlights

• Visionary Leader
• Experienced Educator
• Student-Focused
• Shared Leadership
• Results Driven
• Takes Initiative
• Accepts Accountability
• Strong Oral and Written Communication Skills
• Strong Knowledge of School Finance
• Strong Knowledge of School Law
• Strong Knowledge of Curriculum & Instruction
• Positive & Proactive
• Record of Success

Education
• 1995- Educational Specialist Degree, Educational Leadership, Auburn University Montgomery
• 1994- Master of~Education, Educational Leadership, Auburn University Montgomery
• 1987- Doctor of Education, Department of Physical Education (Emphasis Program Administration &
Curriculum Development), Auburn University
• 1982- Master of Education, Physical Education, Auburn University (AU Montgomery Female Athlete of
the Year)
• 1981- Bachelor of Science in Education; Health, Physical Education, Recreation, & Dance; Troy
University {George C. Wallace Leadership Scholarship, Inducted into 5 Honor Societies, Outstanding
Senior Award, President of Major's Club, Graduated Magna Cum Laude}
• 1977- High School Diploma, Greenville High School (AL)
Hoover Schools
Hoover, AL
2015-Present

fv1onroe County Schools (Superintendent)

Monroeville, AL
2011-2015

Auburn University Montgomery (Adjunct Professor)

Montgomery; AL
Spring 2011

Charles Henderson High School (Principal)

Troy, AL
2010-2011

Butler County Schools (Administrative Assistant to Superintendent}

Greenville, AL
2008-2010

Greenville High School (Principal)

Greenville, AL
2002-2008

Greenville r\1iddle Scf1ool (Principal)

Greenville, AL
1993-2002
Featured in ACSAS Leadership News article, "A New Role for School Leaders: Working on Student Work at
Greenville Middle School"
Named one of the most effective principals in Alabama by A+ Research Foundation

University of West Georgia (Assistant Professor)

Carrollton, GA
1988-1993
Wrote several university grants, received funding for research, presentations in GA, TX, KY, & CA

Judson College (Assistant Professor)

Marion, Al
1985-1988
Received the Thompson Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching

2
 Dr. Kathy L. Murphy

Auburn Junior High School (Physical Education Teacher)

Auburn, AL
1984-1985

Auburn University (Graduate Teaching Assistant)

Auburn, AL
1982-1984

Auburn University Montgomety (Graduate Teaching Assistant)

Montgomery, Al
1981-1982

Alabama Highway Department (Part-time field work with engineers, secretarial responsibilities,
& payroll; Worked my way through undergraduate school)
Troy, AL
1977-1981

Professional Membership
• School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA)- Board of Directors, Served as District 1 President, Currently
Serving as District 5 President
• American Association of School Administrators
• Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)
• National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
• Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP)
• American Association of University Professors (AAUP member when teaching at university level;
selected as the AAUP President at University of West Georgia)
• Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development (ASCD)

Professional Commitments
• Transformational Leadership Academy (Samford University, 2014-present)
• Alabama State Department of Education Committees
Alabama Course of Study, Physical Education, 2018 Appointment
Previous Appointments include:
Adapted Physical Education & 504 Committee
Alabama Council for Leadership Development (ACLD)
Governor's Congress on School Leadership
Governor's Congress on School Leadership If
Professional Development Committee
Social Promotion/Retention Committee

3
 Dr. Kathy L. Murphy

Course Content for Personnel Evaluation

• University Appointments & Service
Dean's Education Advisory Council, Troy University (2017-present)
Dean's Education Advisory Council, Samford University (2016-present)
Dean's Education Advisory Council, Judson College (2016-present)
Doctoral Dissertation Committee, Samford University (2017-present)
Camp McDowell Education Programs Council (2017-present)
AUM School of Education AdvancEd/SACS Accreditation Support
AUM Instructional Leadership Redesign Advisory Board
AUM Dean's Development Advisory Council & Executive Committee
AUM School of Education Scholarship Committee
• National Beta Club Board of Directors (Served 10 Years)
First Female to Serve on the Board
First Female to Chair the Board of Directors
Board of Directors Liaison to the Staff
Chair of the Internal Affairs Committee
Chair of the Executive Committee
Council Chair for Alabama Beta Club
• Gubernatorial Appointment
Governor's Commission on Physical Fitness
• AdvancED/SACS
Alabama State Council (2015-present)
Approve Engagement Review Reports
Served on a Quality Assurance Review Team

Awards
Recent:
• Outstanding Leadership in School/Community Relations Award -Alabama School Public Relations
Association, March 2018
• Female Movers & Shakers in Birmingham -Two Eighty Lifestyle Magazine, May 2018 Release
• Distinguished Service Outside the Profession Award, Alabama Art Education Association, 2014

Publications
• Wrote Education Articles for the Monroe Journal, Troy Messenger, and Greenville Advocate
• ASAHPERD Journal
• Gatherings (University of West Georgia)
• Whatever It Takes (Wrote articles and designed the publication layout for Butler County Schools)

4
 Dr. Kathy L. Murphy

Presentations
Recent:
• Student Organizations- National Beta Club, National Business Honor Society
• Civic Organizations- Hoover Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Hoover Service Club, Kiwanis
• Community Organizations- Regions Bank Leadership Team, Leadership Hoover, Leadership
Birmingham
• Professional Organizations- Alabama Superintendents Academy, Troy University Scholarship Brunch,
Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools Secretaries Conference

Community & Civic Commitments

• Member of Southside Baptist Church, Greenville, Alabama
• The Finley Awards (Character) Committee
• Hoover City Schools Education Foundation
• Kiwanis International (Greenville & Monroeville Chapters), Chair of Reading is Fun
• Board of Directors for Monroe County Education Foundation
• Monroeville City Education Planning Committee
• Monroeville Business Promotion & Retention Committee
• Board of Directors for Monroeville United Way, Co-chair for 2014-2015 Campaign
• Weekly Radio Program on WMFC in Monroeville, Alabama
• Board of Directors for Monroe County HIPPY (Home lnstrt,Jction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters)

References
Dr. Ruth Ash
Former Dean of the School of Education Samford University
Retired Deputy State Superintendent Alabama

Mrs. Patsy Black

Monroe County Board of Education, Former Board President

5
Dr. Jennifer Brown
Former Dean of the School of Education Auburn University 1\llontgomery
Retired Interim Provost Auburn University Montgomery

~"'Irs. Beth Chapman

Secretary of State Emeritus

Mr. Earl Cooper

Hoover City Schools, President of the Board

Mrs. Barbara Dean

Monroe County Board of Education, Former Board Member

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr.

Chancellor Troy University

Mr. Craig Kelley

Hoover City Schools, Vice-President of the Board

!Vir. Derrick !v1urphy

Hoover City Schools, Former Board President
Hoover City Councilman
City of Hoover Education Liaison

6
 Dr. Kathy L. Murphy

Mr. Stephen Presley

Hoover City Schools, Former Board President

Dr. Mike Reed

Retired Superintendent Butler County Schools

Dr. Linda Felton-Smith

Retired Superintendent Troy City Schools
Retired Alabama State Department of Education, Office of Learning Support

Dr. Jean Thompson

Retired Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Greenville Campus Director
:1

7
Ruth C. Ash, Ed.D.

Re: Letter of Recommendation for Dr. Kathy Murphy

March 19, 2018

To Whom It May Concern:

I am delighted to provide a letter of recommendation for Dr. Kathy Murphy for the
position of Alabama Superintendent of Education. My comments are based upon the
personal and professional knowledge I have of Dr. Murphy and her work in Alabama
education. I have known Dr. Murphy since 1993 when she became principal of
Greenville Middle School, where she was named one of the most effective principals in
Alabama by the A+ Research Foundation. At that time, I was dean of the Samford
University School of Education, and as I gave presentations around the state, I often asked
Dr. Murphy to appear with me and talk about the outstanding leadership she provided as
principal at the middle and high school levels.

I continued to note Dr. Murphy's contributions and achievements during my 12 years as

Dean of the Samford University School of Education and my service as Alabama's
Deputy State Superintendent ofEducation. She has served as principal of Greenville High
School and Charles Henderson High School, assistant to the superintendent of Butler
County Schools, and superintendent of Monroe County Schools and Hoover City Schools.
She has also prepared educators and leaders at Judson College, the University of West
Georgia, and Auburn University at Montgomery. She has the perfect experience and
expertise to serve as Alabama's Superintendent of Education.

As a local school superintendent, Dr. Murphy consistently and continuously improved the
school districts in which she served. In her years as superintendent of the Monroe County
School System, she instituted many improvements, including an increase in technology
devices, the use of those devices to facilitate learning, and a robotics program that was the
only Alabama program invited to the 2012 President's Annual Science Fair in Washington
D.C. She also increased the general fund, supported the education foundation, and
implemented a pre-school program.

During Dr. Murphy's tenure as superintendent of Hoover City Schools, scholarship offers
increased, the district's positive balance increased, and Hoover residents passed tax
renewals with 93% approval. Dr. Murphy is focused on curriculum and instruction and is
committed to increasing student achievement. In a recent New York Times article, it was
noted that after five years of instruction in Hoover City Schools, the average student has
5.8 years of academic growth which placed the school district at the 94 percentile
nationally. She led the board in updating policies and led the district through a rezoning
plan which will be implemented this next academic year. She held numerous community
meetings, developed a strategic plan, and planned and implemented district-wide rezoning
with significant community input.

Dr. Murphy is an outstanding communicator. In her positions as principal and

superintendent, I observed her constantly effective communication with board members,
school leaders, faculty, staff, students, parents, and community members. In fact, in
Monroe County, she initiated additional methods of communication with board members
to ensure that they had up-to-date and accurate information at all times. Dr. Murphy has
continued her focus on effectively communicating with board members in Hoover.
During her recent annual evaluation, she was acknowledged by the board for consistently
demonstrating a high level of performance in communication and interpersonal skills.

Dr. Murphy is the recipient of leadership and service awards and has served on numerous
boards and statewide and national committees. She is highly respected, both regionally
and nationally, by educators and policy makers. She has spoken to national and regional
groups and school systems, which indicates (as I know from hearing her on numerous
occasions) that she has strong communication skills and is quite knowledgeable.

Dr. Murphy has a comprehensive knowledge of the field of education. She applies sound
management principles, thinks strategically, and has a continuously positive outlook.

I have had many opportunities to observe Dr. Murphy's work and professionalism. On
every occasion, she has demonstrated a natural and effortless leadership ability. Dr.
Murphy shows a sincere interest in people and is constantly fair in dealing with them. She
uses objective evaluations to arrive at decisions, making sound choices even under
pressure. She is invariably dependable and accurate in carrying out responsibilities to a
successful conclusion and can be consistently counted on to achieve positive results.

During her years in Alabama public education, she became known throughout the region
and the nation as an outstanding administrator and educational leader. In addition, I have
noted, throughout her career, her love of children and her belief that all children deserve a
quality education. Dr. Murphy is the kind of highly respected, highly credible,
outstanding educator and leader that I would be happy to see as Alabama Superintendent
of Education.

As a leader, Dr. Murphy is committed to supporting and realizing continuous

improvement in the organizations she leads. In fact, in her positions as superintendent,
she has led staff to make such gains in numerous areas that I have suggested to her that the
districts should apply for the prestigious Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award. If
she were Alabama Superintendent of Education, I would expect the same kind of growth
in the state's education system and would make the same recommendation for the state.
 I
a former BalcL.ridge J!. no state
department of education has won

Dr, Murphy continue Alabama's forward momentum education would, I

move state's education system to a position of national leadership. She is
obviously a strong and sophisticated educational leader. She would represent the state in a
highly positive light

In summary, I cannot thiP.Jc of anyone I would more highly recommend for the position as
Alabama State Superintendent of Education than Kathy Murphy. The education
profession is truly fortunate to have Dr. Murphy as one of its own.

Please me know if I can provide any further information. My address and telephone
number are listed below.

Sincerely,

Ruth C. Ash, Ed.D.

Education Solutions
 .t\ssociates
Executive Leadership Search
Alabama State Superintendent

To Whom lt Concern:

Please consider this lcltter us my most enthusiastic recommendation Dr. Kathy

tvlurphy for the position of Alabama State Superintendent. Dr. Murphy is a graduate of
Troy University who has excelled at every level of public education. She has
demonstrated, in exemplary fashion, our university motto: "Educate the mind to think.
the heart to feel, and the body to act.''

Dr. Murphy has made the life-long commitment to educate the mind 10 think. She
holds an undergraduate degree fi:om our university and holds two l\11as1er· s degrees, an
Educational Specialist degree, and a Doctorate in Education degree. Dr. 1\·Iurphy has
committed 26 years 10 public education and eight years io college instruction in teacher
preparation.

Dr. Murphy is a servant-leader with a caring heart who puts t11e welfareor
students first, whether serving impoverished communities and afl1ucnt communities. She
has designed and implemented strategies to increase opportunities for quality Preschool
Programs, Fine Arts, Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, International Baccalaureate,
Credit Recovery, Extended Learning. and Career Technical Education. including
opportunities in skill trades. This broad-based experience with different curricula will
serve her well as State Superintendent.

Dr. i\1urphy possesses a strong \Vork ethic and a willingness to go the extra mile
to get !he job done. 1\Ioreover, as an undergraduate physical education major. Dr. Murphy
has made a life commitment to maintain her physical fitness, thus she has the cn<.?rgy and
stamina to meet the demands of this challenging position.

Dr. ?v1urphy is an experienced, knowledgeable educator,, \.vho understands

challenges L1cing Alabama public education, She will work with her team to plan
strategically to meet these challenges. Dr. Kathy ~~1urphy make an excellent
Superintendent of Education. Please give her application every possible consideration.
 BETH CHAPMAN
Alabama Secretary of State, 2007-2013
Alabama State Auditor, 2003-2007

March 16,2018

Dear Search Committee:

Dr. Kathy Murphy has been a personal friend of mine since childhood and a role model
for me throughout my life. Everything she does is done with excellence and her character
is above reproach. She expects no more of those who work with her than she is willing to
do herself.
Educating our children has been a passion of Kathy's since we were young people. She
taught youth classes at the Parks and Recreation Center and at our church. She worked
her way through undergraduate school all the way through post-graduate school to
achieve her doctorate.
Hard work is the only work Kathy knows and honesty is her only policy. She is not into
political correctness, just correctness. She believes in doing things the right way and
serving all people fairly. She has worked with the poorest families in our state and the
most affluent- with some of the lowest test scores in our state and with National Merit
Scholars. Her service and leadership has been the same. She has served with fairness
and excellence.
She works with complete transparency and her only agenda is to educate and serve the
children with which she works and the school system she leads. She has the experience
and management style to do both. There are two of her accomplishments I would like to
point out that give evidence to this point.
Although the state-of-the-art skills trade center for the Hoover City School System will
not open until2019, Dr. Murphy has championed it since it was no more than a dream. It
will be the first time that Hoover students can pursue a skill trade as part of their
education. At the skill trade and career center, they will offer culinary arts training,
Information Technology, Fire Academy (in collaboration with the City of Hoover),
welding, building construction, and a re-design of their existing Health Science
Academy. The planning and re-design of the building will make it a model for other
schools in the state and nation. While Hoover schools have academies already in place,
the skill trade aspect is new and a much needed addition for students.
While Dr. Murphy was Superintendent in Monroe County, for the first time in the history
of the school district, all schools became AdvancEd Accredited. At the time of her
arrival, of 9 schools, only two were accredited. She led them in district-wide
accreditation through SACS/AdvancED. She put policies, processes, and programs in
place to position for more school district success to include a better chance at
accreditation. They became a better school district because they had guiding standards
they knew they had to meet, and they met them! They demonstrated on a state, national,
and international level that their schools met the criteria for accreditation.
While time and space do not allow me to boast of Dr. Murphy's many accomplishments,
just look for them and you will fmd an extensive list of them everywhere she has ever
served. I strongly recommend her to you as an outstanding candidate for Alabama's next
State Superintendent ofEducation as I know of no one who would serve better.

Sincerely,

Beth Chapman
Secretary of State Emeritus

809 Mill Springs Place • Hoover, AL 35244

 March 14, 2018

Search Committee Members

Alabama State Superintendent of Education
Montgomery, Alabama 36104

Dear Search Committee Members:

It is my pleasure to recommend Dr. Kathy L Murphy for the position of Alabama State
Superintendent of Education.
Since 1994 I have known Dr. Murphy when she was principal of the Greenville Middle
School and when she was the first graduate of Greenville High School to serve as principal. At
the time I was the director of Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, Greenville Campus.
Or. Murphy has numerous professional leadership areas on which I can focus; however, 1
will write in support of her positive people relations and effective communication skills.
Recently, Or. Murphy received the 2018 Excellence in Communication Award for Outstanding
Leadership in School/Community Relations from the Alabama School Public Relations
Association. As chair, she invited me to serve on the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools (SACS} Accreditation Committee for the Butler County Schools. In 2008-2010. I saw
these professional skills and talents which she possesses. She engaged the school and
community stakeholders in the SACS Accreditation process. In numerous meetings of students,
parents, teachers, administrators, community leaders and other interested people, she
exhibited effective communication and people skills that resulted in the Butler County Schools
receiving exceptionally outstanding accreditation scores by the SACS Visiting Committee.
Dr. Murphy possesses the professional qualifications, degrees and other credentials and
proven school experiences. Throughout her career in education, she has varied experiences as
secondar1 school and college teaching, as middle school, high school and school district
leadership and administration, and as superintendent of both a small and a large school system.
Dr. Murphy is a person who makes a positive difference in the lives of those she
touches. She is an exceptionally outstanding professional educator; therefore, I recommend Dr.
Kathy L. Murphy for the position of Alabama State Superintendent of Education.

Sincerely,

~(MA- a. ~f/JI>V
Jean A. Thompson, Ed.O.
Retired LBWCC Greenville Campus Director
 Patricia M. Black

March 10; 2018

Ray and Associates

Executive Leadership Search
Alabama State Superintendent Search

To Whom it May concern:

It is with great pleasure that l endorse Dr. Kathy Murphy for Atabama's State Superintendent of
Education. I've been a member the Monroe County Board of Education since 2000 and was
board president during the four years Dr. Murphy served as our superintendent. As board
president I worked closely with Kathy and saw firsthand her extraordinary leadership and
management skitls. She was a dynamic leader and an eloquent and courageous advocate for
our Monroe County public schools.

One of the first projects Kathy tackled was to bring school, business, and community leaders
together to develop a working system-wide strategic plan. We then monitored results and data
at the monthly board. meetings.

Kathy spearheaded and completed an update of the Board Policy and Procedure manual- a
project that had dragged on for several years prior to her arrivaL Under her leadership we
developed system-wide job descriptions, and combined the student handbooks from all the
individual schoots into a system~wide student handbook and code of conduct. We also
developed handbooks for teachers, principals, bus drivers, and substitute teachers.

W11en results of a feasibility study indicated our district needed to close two schools, she
worked tirelessly to educate the communities involved, gained their cooperation in this difficult
endeavor, and successfully dosed the schools.

Dr. Murphy is a gifted writer and speaker. While here, she had a popular weekly radio program
and also wrote a weekly column for our local paper. She was a well-respected member of our
community, involved with the local Kiwanis Club, and often addressed this group as well as
other community organizations on behalf of our schools.
 She increased

AdvancEd Distdrt-VVide accreditation

Dr. vvho do not corne along very She

is a energy, and ethic to rnake
State Superintendent of Education~

Pl!onroe Countv Board of Education, Piace Four