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Principal Dr. Esther Seward
I have a passion for children and strive to make a positive impact in the lives of the students I encounter daily. My career as an educator began 20 years ago in the Broward County Public Schools as a 6th grade teacher. I taught middle school for eight years, which includes serving students at Fruit Cove and Pacetti Bay Middle. Prior to coming to Murray, I served as an Assistant Principal here in St. Johns County for six years at John A. Crookshank, Cunningham Creek, and The Webster School. My administrative experience also extends to the secondary level where I served for three years in Jacksonville, Florida for Duval County Public Schools. Schools at Highlands Middle School, and two years in Northern Virginia for Prince William County Schools at Rippon Middle School. My educational experience includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Barry University in Miami, Florida; Master’s Degree in Math Education, Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership, and a Doctorate Degree in Education with a major in Organizational Leadership and a minor in Human Resource Development from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I am thrilled to be part of a community committed to and invested in the success of our student body. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the students, parents, staff, and community of R. J. Murray Middle School. One Team!!! No Limits!!!
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Assistant Principal Mr. Ryan Velsor
I am proud to be a member of the Bulldog family! It is my belief that every student has the untapped potential to achieve excellence. I strive to provide all students with a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment. With a deep passion for education and student success, I look forward to building a strong relationship with every student, family, and community member. I am committed to providing our students with the best opportunities and resources that can be used to help guide their future. As a former basketball coach, I know what working as a team can accomplish and I look forward to bringing that mindset to the Bulldog community. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Florida International University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida. My educational career began as a substitute teacher in St. Johns County. I transitioned into teaching second and third grade at Crookshank Elementary School for five years. I was then given the opportunity to serve as Dean of Students at Palm Valley Academy for four years. Most recently, I have served as Dean of Students at Tocoi Creek High School. I look forward to applying my 12 years of educational experience in SJCSD to better the already incredible Murray Middle School. As a St. Augustine native and graduate of St. Augustine High School, it is an honor to serve in the same community in which I was raised and will raise my own child in. I hold firm in my belief that the best investment is that of our youth. I am beyond thankful and proud to now serve the students, families, and community members of R.J. Murray Middle School! Go Bulldogs! One Team! NO Limits! |
Assistant Principal Ms. Holly Smith
I am excited to be part of the R.J. Murray Middle School Bulldog team. My passion as an educator is driven by the belief that students can dream, believe, and achieve when provided with a nurturing environment surrounded by champions for children. Each child deserves our very best everyday to help them become their very best, and that is my commitment to every student who walks the halls of Murray Middle School. I began my career in Duval County at Wolfson High School before I moved to Highlands County, Florida. I taught English/Reading and International Baccalaureate, Theory of Knowledge at Sebring High School for 13 years before moving to Fred Wild Elementary as an Instructional Literacy Coach. The following year I was named Assistant Principal at Lake Placid High School where I remained for five years before moving back home to St. Johns County to serve as an Assistant Principal at Nease High School. My education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a second Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from University of North Florida. I completed my Master’s in Educational Leadership from American College of Education in Indianapolis, Indiana. My passion for serving students has led me to R.J. Murray Middle School. The staff welcomed me with open arms, and I cannot wait to do the same for each Bulldog this school year. I am a servant leader at heart. It is with this mentality that I aim to provide support to the staff, students, parents, and community we serve to ensure our students become the best versions of themselves. One Team! No Limits! |
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Melanie Csorba – Executive Secretary/Bookkeeper Dani Fisher Computer Operator/Records Requests Enrick Joseph– Maintenance Coordinator Rhonda Ponce – Cafeteria Manager Tyler Coleman – Dean of Students |