Ellen Murphy began her tenure as Fulton County superintendent on Aug. 1. Provided photo
Ellen Murphy has started a new chapter as the new superintendent of the Fulton County School District after decades in the community as a student, teacher and principal.
“It’s my home district so I’m familiar with a lot of the faces, a lot of the students, and a lot of the teachers so it’s been very welcoming by the people in the district and my community,” Murphy said.
Murphy graduated from Fulton County High School in 1993. She was inspired to pursue a career in education by her high school biology teacher, Susan Taylor, who she says, “always knew I would be a teacher.”
Her 26-year academic journey began when she received her undergraduate degree from Murray State University before earning her master’s in administration from the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Murphy began teaching chemistry and biology in Fulton County before moving to Tennessee.
In 2005, she returned to Fulton County to resume teaching biology. After teaching, Murphy began her tenure as principal in 2014.
“I’m very fortunate that I have been trusted to lead,” she said. “High school principal is one of the hardest jobs in the district. I’ve had to deal with lots of different issues. I had to be flexible. I had to be patient.”
Murphy emphasized that working with students, parents and teachers has allowed her to build relationships that will help set the district up for success.
“I care about this district, I care about my community, and I want the best for the students here,” she said.
Transitioning into the superintendent’s office, Murphy said her most significant challenge is district finances and learning how to manage larger budgets than in her previous roles.
She insists that financial decisions must always be made in the best interest of students.
Murphy said she was inspired to become superintendent because she believed Fulton needed consistency.
“We’re in a very small, rural community … people come, and people leave and we need consistency for our kids,” she said. “We need someone to invest in them who’s going to be here. I care about them, and I want good things for them. I felt like I was called to be that for them.”
Murphy described her educational philosophy as wanting to provide opportunities for all students.
“It doesn’t matter to me who you are, I want high expectations for all kids. I want all kids to learn and I want us to be the best for every kid in this district,” she said.
Murphy’s priorities for her first year are to improve school facilities, elevate academic performance and increase student enrollment.
“We’re the best-kept secret in Western Kentucky, and I want to get the word out on how great we are,” she said.
Congratulations to Ellen Murphy! Well deserved! You will do a great job! Loves her job and her students. Knows the importance of investing in her students and faculty. Fulton County is blessed to have her leadership.