The Chesterfield County School Board appointed Dr. John Murray as superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools, effective Jan. 17, 2025. After a nationwide search, Dr. Murray was selected for his commitment to academic excellence, exceptional leadership skills and innovative vision. 

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.

Known for his dedication to student success and his collaborative approach, Dr. Murray’s deep roots in Chesterfield County are sure to benefit the school division as it continues to move forward under his steady leadership. 

“This is a full circle moment for me,” Dr. Murray said upon his appointment as superintendent. “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.

“There is outstanding work being done in Chesterfield County Public Schools, and that is why I am here. My primary goal as superintendent is to ensure that every decision we make is strategic and centered around our students’ needs. Every decision should move students forward on their path to success. Working together, we can continue to improve academic achievement throughout Chesterfield County Public Schools. I am confident that we will thrive, and I look forward to what we will accomplish,” he said.

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)

Dr. Murray’s wife, Tammie, is a school counseling coordinator for CCPS. Their children, Emerson and Grant, attend Chesterfield County Public Schools.

Dr. John T. Murray
Superintendent