Murphy named as new Sparta School principal By ROBBY LUCKE Staff The Alleghany County Board of Education on May 9 appointed Susan H. Murphy as the new principal at Sparta Elementary School. Principal John Brady had previously announced his retirement effective at the end of the school year. Murphy now serves as the school's assistant principal. The board approved Superintendent Duane Davis' recommendation of Murphy by an official vote of 4-0. Board member Gary Murphy initially cast an affirmative vote as well, but then asked for his vote to be withdrawn because he is Susan Murphy's husband. He had remained outside the conference room while the board held a 15-minute closed session prior to the vote, having asked to be excused from that discussion for the same reason.

Several of the school's teachers had attended the board's May 2 meeting. They afterward indicated that they were there as a show of support for Susan Murphy's candidacy for the principal position. That position was not included in the board's slate of personnel actions, however. The teachers did not attend last week's meeting, which was held at 11:30 a.m.

"The interview process was a very rigorous, time-consuming process," said Davis.

New principal reflects on her teaching career

Sparta Elementary School's new principal-elect is a longtime (almost native) resident of Alleghany County who sets a high priority on a caring educational environment and positive communication.

Susan H. Murphy has been assistant principal at Sparta for three years. Before that, she spent 11 years at Glade Creek School, teaching.
 
 

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