The Chesterfield County School Board has appointed Dr. John Murray as the new superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools, effective Jan. 17. After a nationwide search, Dr. Murray was selected for his commitment to academic excellence, exceptional leadership skills and innovative vision. During a Jan. 16 meeting, the School Board voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Murray to lead central Virginia's largest school system.
Dr. Murray is the first superintendent since at least 1921 to have been a student in Chesterfield County Public Schools. He attended Chalkley Elementary, Jacobs Road Elementary and Manchester Middle before graduating from Manchester High.
“After a nationwide search, no one even came close to our very own Dr. John Murray,” said Ann Coker, School Board chair and Bermuda District representative. “Over the past few months with Dr. Murray as our interim superintendent, we have seen tremendous energy and positive momentum to move our school division forward. There is no doubt that he is the right person to lead Chesterfield schools.”
Dr. Murray’s selection by the Chesterfield County School Board came after a monthslong nationwide search that included multiple opportunities for input from families, school employees and community partners. That input showed that Chesterfield County wants as superintendent a strong, exceptional educational leader who is engaging and collaborative and who connects with all stakeholders to build on the school district’s academic success.
“I am honored and humbled to accept the position of superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools. This is a full circle moment for me, and it is deeply personal,” Dr. Murray said. “I grew up in Chesterfield schools, where my mom was a teacher and administrator. After college, I returned to Chesterfield County Public Schools to start my work in education, and I have spent my entire career here. Throughout my life, this school system has provided remarkable opportunities. ‘Thankful’ does not begin to describe how I’m feeling right now.”
Dr. Murray earned his bachelor’s degree from Longwood University and his master’s degree and doctorate from Virginia Commonwealth University. Throughout his career, he has held increasingly responsible positions in Chesterfield County Public Schools:
interim superintendent (September 2024-January 2025)
deputy superintendent (July 2024-August 2024)
executive director of constituent services (December 2021-June 2024)
director of middle school leadership (July 2020-November 2021)
principal of Matoaca High (July 2017-June 2020)
principal of Carver Middle (July 2015-June 2017)
assistant principal at Matoaca Middle (August 2011-July 2015)
assistant administrator at Matoaca Middle (2009-10 and 2010-11 school years)
assistant administrator at Robious Middle (2007-08 and 2008-09 school years)
seventh grade American history and language arts teacher at Robious Middle (2006-07 school year)
seventh grade American history teacher at Falling Creek Middle (2004-05 and 2005-06 school years)
“The decision to name Dr. Murray as superintendent reflects the School Board’s commitment to find a leader who can navigate the complexities of our growing district with vision and dedication. We look forward to continuing our work with Dr. Murray and have no doubt his leadership will bring a fresh perspective, strategic approach and innovative solutions to our district,” said Lisa Hudgins, School Board vice chair and Midlothian District representative.
Dot Heffron, who represents the Clover Hill District on the School Board, said, “It is such a joy to be able to share this incredible news. Dr. Murray has a reputation for his focus on educational excellence, and we feel certain he is the right leader for Chesterfield County Public Schools. Dr. Murray’s vision and dedication align with the goals of our School Board and the needs our community has voiced so clearly.”
Dominique Chatters, who represents the Dale District on the School Board, said, “Dr. Murray was chosen for many reasons, but one of the things that stands out is his genuine approach to fostering equity and a supportive environment for both staff and students. His ability to lead with transparency, collaboration and a focus on the whole child aligns beautifully with the values and priorities our community expressed throughout this process.”
Steven Paranto, who represents the Matoaca District on the School Board, said, “We explored many strong candidates, but in the end, we knew Dr. Murray was the right choice for this role. He brings a depth of experience in educational leadership, particularly in his ability to connect with students, staff and the community in meaningful ways.”
Dr. Murray’s wife, Tammie, is a school counseling coordinator for CCPS. Their children, Emerson and Grant, attend Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Dr. Murray succeeds Dr. Mervin Daugherty, who retired Aug. 31 after nearly 50 years in education, including almost six years as Chesterfield superintendent.
About Chesterfield County Public Schools
Chesterfield County Public Schools is the largest school system in central Virginia, fifth largest in Virginia and among the 65 largest in the nation. More than 64,000 students attend 67 schools: one prekindergarten, 40 elementary schools (grades K-5), one virtual school (grades K-8), 12 middle schools (grades 6-8), 11 high schools (grades 9-12), which include 13 specialty centers, and two career and technical centers. The school system’s vision is to create a better tomorrow, and its mission is to ignite passion in all through captivating and authentic experiences. Integrity, equity, teamwork and ingenuity are the core values of Chesterfield County Public Schools. Learn more at oneccps.org.