Jan M. Murphy Appointed Principal at West Elementary School

The New Canaan Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Jan M. Murphy as the next principal of West Elementary School. Ms. Murphy will begin at West on July 1, 2014.

Jan Murphy comes to New Canaan Public Schools from Wallingford Public Schools where she most recently served as Principal K-2 at the Cook Hill School. Prior to taking a sabbatical leave, Jan served as Principal at Cook Hill School from 2008 to 2012. Her sabbatical year was devoted to exploring 21st Century Innovation as part of a team for the Wallingford Public Schools.

Ms. Murphy is a graduate of Eastern Connecticut State College where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She holds a Masters of Education from the University of Houston, a 6th year degree from University of Connecticut and 7th year degree from the University of Bridgeport. Her education includes an emphasis on Mathematics Education and Gifted/Talented Education. Ms. Murphy's professional background as an educator includes experience as a STEP Teacher (Gifted/Talented Gr. 3-5), Math Specialist (Gifted/Remedial) and Grade 5 Teacher. She has been recognized as Wallingford Administrator of the Year 2009, Connecticut State Teacher of the Year Semifinalist 2005-06 and Wallingford Teacher of the Year 2005-06.

Upon Ms. Murphy's acceptance Dr. Mary Kolek said, "we are excited to welcome such an accomplished educational leader as a member of our district. Jan has been consistently characterized as a caring, highly effective, innovative educator and highly collaborative team member and promises to be a strong fit for a leadership team that values such attributes and efforts."

Gary Kass, NCPS Director of Human Resources, led the elementary principal search committee. The committee was comprised of representative members of the school community which included Jill Correnty, Assistant Superintendent Curriculum and Instruction; Darlene Pianka, Assistant Superintendent Pupil and Family Services; Greg Macedo, Principal of Saxe Middle School; Joanne Rocco, Principal of South Elementary School; Glenda Green, Language Arts Coordinator; Scott Gress, Board of Education member; Janet Fonss and Caryn Kelly, West School PTC Presidents; Joanna Tamburro and Francine Gurtler, West School teachers; Courtney Langford and Patty Zoccolillo, East School PTC Presidents; Anne Gesauldi and Claudia Monaco, East School teachers.