Apr. 16, 2014:  Bronxville Elementary School will welcome a new principal on July 1. 

After a comprehensive search involving district administrators, and a screening committee made up of board of education members, parents, and teachers, Patricia A. Murray, assistant to the principal of Putnam Valley Elementary School, emerged as the top candidate among 179 applicants.

Superintendent Dr. David Quattrone will nominate Murray for the elementary school principal position at the board of education's April 22 meeting.

Prior to assuming her current position in 2008, Murray taught elementary school in District 2 of the New York City Department of Education, where she completed her administrative internship. District 2, which encompasses Manhattan's East Side south of 97th Street and its West Side south of 59th Street, contains some of the city's best-performing schools.

A graduate of the University of Michigan, Murray earned master's degrees in education from New York University and the Aspiring Leaders Program at Baruch College, a program designed to foster innovation and reform in the New York City public school system.

Quattrone noted that Murray's presentation to the district administrative team focused on building and sustaining a strong foundation with parents through listening, respecting input, supporting parents, and establishing clear and consistent communication.

Murray's colleagues describe her as smart, deliberate, and caring and as a thoughtful decision maker. They commended her instructional and problem-solving skills, as well as her strong knowledge of curriculum and her commitment to all students.

Jean Vendice, elementary school council chair of The Bronxville School PTA, said, "I was wowed on the site visit to Putnam Valley. Murray greeted students by name. She really knows and cares about each and every one of her students."

According to Vendice, Putnam Valley Elementary School teachers described Murray as an inspiration to them, a leader for whom they strive to improve their own teaching. Teachers described her as a mentor who will come to the classroom when they need help and model lessons for them. "They love to watch her teach," Vendice said.

Vendice reported that, although to a person Putnam Valley parents, teachers, and administrators are sorry to see Murray leave their school, they are happy for the opportunity she has to further her career at The Bronxville School.

Quattrone stated that, during the search process, district administrators interviewed nine candidates from the pool of 179 applicants and forwarded their five strongest candidates to the screening committee, which selected three candidates for further consideration. The candidates participated in additional interviews, a presentation to administrators, and a teacher evaluation exercise.

"I believe we have found a diamond in the rough," Vendice said, "someone on the cusp of her career."

Murray expects to participate with the Bronxville faculty in year-end professional development activities.

Pictured here:  Patricia A. Murray, nominee for Bronxville Elementary School principal.

Photo courtesy Dr. David Quattrone, Superintendent of the Bronxville Schools