RYE, NY (April 9, 2025) — The Board of Education of the Rye City School District unanimously appointed Dr. Patricia (Tricia) Murray as the next Superintendent of Rye City Schools during a meeting on Tuesday, officials announced.
Dr. Murray, who has served as Rye’s Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment since 2021, brings 24 years of experience in public education to the role. She holds a B.A. in Education from the University of Michigan, an M.A. in Elementary Education from New York University, and an Ed.D. from Fordham University. Before joining Rye, Dr. Murray was the Principal of Bronxville Elementary School, overseeing instruction for nearly 700 students in grades K-5. She also served as Assistant Principal of Putnam Valley Elementary School in Putnam Valley, New York, for six years, and worked as an elementary school teacher at Public School 11 in Manhattan, as well as a middle school mathematics teacher and elementary teacher in Randolph, Massachusetts.
The Board engaged Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates (HYA) in October to conduct a comprehensive search process. HYA facilitated focus groups and interviews with 106 stakeholders, including community members, teachers, administrators, parents, union leaders, and students, while 453 others provided feedback through an online survey. The process identified desired qualities for the superintendent, including being a strong, strategic instructional leader and communicator who fosters teamwork, prioritizes student well-being and growth, and engages actively with the community.
Since joining Rye City School District, Dr. Murray has developed a new elementary literacy program emphasizing phonics and data-based instruction, which has shown significant student progress. She also collaborated with the Science Department to implement the Next Generation Science Standards district-wide and led the introduction of new offerings at Rye High School, including the AP Capstone distinction and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
“Dr. Murray is known as a strong curriculum leader who builds respectful and productive relationships in a collaborative, professional, and compassionate way,” said Jane Anderson, Board of Education President. “Her strategic approach and clear communication are aligned with what the RCSD community values.”
Dr. Murray was selected from a pool of 58 candidates. After extensive screenings and interviews, HYA presented six highly qualified candidates to the Board, and Dr. Murray emerged as the finalist following several rounds of comprehensive interviews.
“I am so honored to have been selected as the next Superintendent of the Rye City Schools,” Dr. Murray said. “I am incredibly grateful to the Board of Education for placing their trust in me and look forward to continuing to focus on our students with the help of our talented and dedicated faculty, staff, administrators and supportive community.”
Dr. Murray will work with Dr. Byrne to ensure a smooth transition. The community is invited to a reception to congratulate Dr. Murray on April 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Multi-purpose Room at Rye Middle School, prior to the Board of Education meeting.
