Blaine County School District Curriculum Director Matt Murray has been selected as superintendent for the Glenns Ferry School District.
Murray confirmed Wednesday that he has been offered the job and expects to sign a contract within the next few days.
Murray has been with the Blaine County School District for three years. In addition to directing the curriculum, he has also been in charge of the district's Dual Immersion program, in which students are instructed half the time in English and half in Spanish.
Murray said the program is popular and "more robust than ever." Now in its ninth year, it has almost 600 students in grades K-8 and will be expanded next year to Wood River High School.
The program teaches English-speaking students to become proficient in Spanish and Spanish-speaking students to become proficient in English. Test results show that after being enrolled in the program for several years, the students scholastically outperform other students who haven't had the benefit of a two-language program.
Murray, a Harvard University graduate, came to the Blaine County School District from Long Beach, Calif., where he also worked in dual immersion programs.
He said he is reluctant to leave the Blaine County district, but made a choice he decided was best for his career.
"For me, it's been a pleasure to work in this district," Murray said. "I think it's an outstanding district and I have nothing but good things to say about the people I've worked with."
Murray's resignation was accepted at the May 11 meeting of the district board of trustees. It becomes effective June 30. He said his start date in Glenns Ferry will likely be July 1.
Katie Palmer, Blaine County School District director of human resources, said a nationwide search will be started in a few days to find a new curriculum director.
Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com
Matt Murray
