During the September board meeting, the Reading School Board voted to appoint Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Murray to serve as interim superintendent.
The appointment, which takes effect immediately, comes in Murray’s 23rd year working in Reading School District. She will assume full responsibility for the role following Dr. Khalid Mumin’s last day on Oct. 8.
“Ever since I joined the district as an elementary school teacher 23 years ago,” Murray said. “I have had the good fortune to work with hundreds of dedicated educators and support staff members — who always put children first. We have been through a lot, and never has that been more true than the last 18 months, as we have worked to connect with our students and families, and each other, during a worldwide pandemic.”
The board began discussing transition plan options when Mumin announced his resignation in August to take a role in another school district. A full plan for the superintendent search will be announced at a later date.
“The appointment of Dr. Murray as the interim Superintendent of Schools is exciting, as it speaks to the school district’s commitment to ensure sustainability, during this time of transition,” Dr. Mumin said. “With over 20 years of experience in the Reading School District, Dr. Murray possesses great knowledge of the students, families, staff and community needs. Dr. Murray is the consummate professional, who leads from a student-centered vantage point with expert head and heart alignment to foster sustainable student success. I am elated, and look forward to Dr. Murray successfully leading the Reading School District towards greater innovation and success for all students in the Reading School District.”
Murray said she is excited to draw on her experience, knowledge and skill set to lead the Reading School District.
“This school year is about reconnecting with our Red Knights and re-engaging our learners. We understand there is no more important relationship than that between our staff members and our students when it comes to learning. We have asked so much of our teachers and staff during the past year, and moving forward all of our efforts will be in support of their tremendous work.”
Reading School Board President Robin Costenbader-Jacobson expressed strong confidence in Murray’s ability to lead the district through the leadership transition and ensure continued learning and growth among students, teachers and staff.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Dr. Mumin for the past seven year and we thank him for inspiring our community, championing our students and putting Reading School District on the map in such a positive way,” Costenbader-Jacobson said. “While we are sad that his time in our district is winding down, we are thrilled to have Dr. Murray take on this new leadership role. She is a talented and committed professional with longtime experience in helping our students achieve academic success. We look forward to working with her in the coming months.”
Learn More about Dr. Jennifer Murray
Grew up in:
Bucks County
Family:
Married for 25 years and has 3 children: Sarah, 24, flies the E2 Hawkeye for the Navy; Ellie, 22, a chemist for a large cosmetic company; and Rocco, 18, a freshman at Drexel, studying computer science
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree, West Chester University
Master’s Degree, Gwynedd Mercy College
Doctorate, Immaculata University
Teacher who inspired me:
Ms Garafolo, who used humor in her classes and built relationships that went beyond the classroom. She was one of those teachers you always went back to see years later.
You might not know this about me:
I love to do home improvements by myself. Tile, drywall, redo bathrooms — I love all of it. (Thanks, YouTube!)
What I’m currently reading:
Language at the Speed of Sight by Mark Seidenberg
My first job:
At 14 years, I began working at an old ice cream shop, dishing soft-serve ice cream. I can still make the biggest cone!
My favorite subject in school:
Math
My catchphrase:
I have a plan…. I have an idea!
The emoji I use the most:
🤣 x 😂
On my bucket list:
Learn to speak fluent Italian
Skill I would love to learn:
Anything! I love learning about anything, from how to do something to how something works.
Time period I would visit in history:
The 1950s because I love the cars.
If I had 25 hours in a day, I would spend the extra hour:
Spending time with my family
Things that make me #RSDproud:
Each and every person who is passionate about helping our kids succeed. Go Red Knights!
