GREIGSVILLE, NY — The York Central School community welcomed Dr. Daniel Murray as the new superintendent of schools Jan. 4. Murray’s first day on the job, was marked by many introductions, meetings, and welcome posters from the students. Murray was officially introduced to the way of the Golden Knights when the elementary students presented him with a YCS shield.

Murray is a native of Mt. Morris. He attended St. John Fisher College where earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in psychology and certification as an elementary school teacher. He went on to complete a Masters Degree in Education and a Certificate of Advanced Studies at the State University at Brockport. In 2008 he graduated from the University of Rochester with a Doctorate in Education.

Murray spent nine years as a classroom teacher at the Fairport Central School before becoming the assistant elementary principal at LeRoy Central School. He broadened his experience beyond the elementary level when he became the K-12 Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Wheatland-Chili Central School and later, the middle school principal at the district for the six years prior to his arrival at YCS.

Murray says the entire month was spent meeting the staff and students.

“All month I've been meeting with groups, individuals and departments, just listening and learning from the people here about their passions and concerns,” he explained.

“The staff is very passionate and committed; they want York school to be the best it can be. They’re ready to take it to the next level; they want to see it be the greatest school,” Murray added.

Having grown up in a small community himself, Murray says he understands the interest and support that the community has with the school.

“The school is the center of the community. People want the school to succeed,” remarked the superintendent.

The first order of business toward fulfilling that expectation Murray says, is to take stock of what, how and why things are being done at YCS, to evaluate what things have not been terribly successful and eliminate them and to focus on what things are working well and develop ways to do them even better.

“I will provide supportive and positive leadership to give them direction but also allow them to do what they want to do,” he said, before segwaying in to describing his leadership style as positive, approachable and empowering.

“I’m not a micromanager. I like to trust and empower other people,” he explained.

He is confident in the YCS staff and his own ability to lead them. He says his strong background and understanding of how schools operate stems from his years as a classroom teacher and more recently a principal.

“I think I know what I need to do to make our school successful.”

A successful school is not measured by the biggest budget, the latest technology or the most extra-curricular activities, according to Murray.

“I absolutely realize what happens in school is not what happens in my office, it’s the interactions with the students, the nurse, the bus driver, the classroom teachers, etc.”

He doesn’t allow himself to get too far from that reality. He takes daily walks to the cafeteria and in the halls to continue communicating with the students.

“It re-energizes me to interact with the students,” remarked Murray.

Murray, his wife Elizabeth and four daughters live in Scottsville.