Rye City School District names Dr. Patricia “Tricia” Murray superintendent, 7-0 vote

The Rye City School District Board of Education on April 8 voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Patricia (Tricia) Murray as superintendent, effective July 1, 2025, for a term ending June 30, 2028.

The action came after the board pulled agenda item 7.02 for separate consideration and then approved the resolution by voice vote (7–0). The resolution authorizes the board president to execute the employment agreement, which the board said had been reviewed in advance.

Board members and the superintendent search consultants described Murray as the finalist from a competitive field. The board said 58 candidates applied or were recruited and that search consultants from HYA presented six finalists for board interviews.

Murray has worked in the district for four years in roles focused on curriculum and instruction, the board said. The board cited her lead role in developing the district’s new elementary literacy program with an emphasis on phonics and data-based instruction, implementation of Next Generation Science standards, and her role in introducing new offerings at Rye High School including AP Capstone Distiction and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

Murray told the board she is honored and looks forward to continuing work with faculty, staff, students and the community, and said she will invite community members, faculty, staff and students to meetings this summer and fall as part of her entry plan.

The board scheduled a public reception to celebrate Murray’s appointment on April 29 at 6:30 p.m., and said additional announcement details will follow.

Votes at a glance: The board recorded the appointment vote as 7 yes, 0 no, 0 abstentions. The formal resolution text read that Dr. Patricia Murray is appointed superintendent effective 07/01/2025 for a term to expire 06/30/2028 and that the board president is authorized to execute the employment agreement.