We’re wrapping up National Principals Month with Greg Welch, principal of Bagley Middle School.
Mr. Welch is in his 27th year in education and his fifth year as principal of Bagley. Before moving into administration, he taught physical education at Eton Elementary.
For him, the best part of the job is building relationships with students and families. He says the people at Bagley are what make the school feel close-knit and give it that sense of belonging.
Outside of school, Mr. Welch enjoys spending time with his family and their dog, Merritt. He also likes playing golf and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.
Every day on the announcements, students hear the same message from him: “If no one has told you they love you today, Mr. Welch and Mrs. Stone love you.”
It’s a simple message, but it says a lot about the kind of school community he wants Bagley to be.
Thank you, Mr. Welch, for helping make Bagley a place where students know they matter. And thank you to all of our principals for the work they do every day across Murray County Schools!
Mr. Welch is in his 27th year in education and his fifth year as principal of Bagley. Before moving into administration, he taught physical education at Eton Elementary.
For him, the best part of the job is building relationships with students and families. He says the people at Bagley are what make the school feel close-knit and give it that sense of belonging.
Outside of school, Mr. Welch enjoys spending time with his family and their dog, Merritt. He also likes playing golf and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.
Every day on the announcements, students hear the same message from him: “If no one has told you they love you today, Mr. Welch and Mrs. Stone love you.”
It’s a simple message, but it says a lot about the kind of school community he wants Bagley to be.
Thank you, Mr. Welch, for helping make Bagley a place where students know they matter. And thank you to all of our principals for the work they do every day across Murray County Schools!
It's rivalry week across Murray County Schools, and Dr. Wright's phone has been ringing off the hook!
Watch the video!
Gladden vs. Bagley - Thursday at 5 PM
North Murray vs. Murray - Friday at 7 PM
Come out and support our teams!
https://youtu.be/Dgb_HcVZMoo
Murray County Schools will be providing suicide prevention education for high school students in accordance with Georgia House Bill 268.
These lessons are designed to help students recognize signs of emotional distress and understand how to seek help for themselves or others.
Parents and guardians will receive a letter from their child's school with additional information about the lessons, including the option to decline participation.
Opt-out deadlines:
North Murray High School: October 30
Murray County High School: November 5
We encourage families to review the letter and contact their school's counseling office with any questions.
These lessons are designed to help students recognize signs of emotional distress and understand how to seek help for themselves or others.
Parents and guardians will receive a letter from their child's school with additional information about the lessons, including the option to decline participation.
Opt-out deadlines:
North Murray High School: October 30
Murray County High School: November 5
We encourage families to review the letter and contact their school's counseling office with any questions.
Chatsworth Elementary is celebrating a principal who knows the school from both sides of the desk. Audre Allen attended CES as a student and now leads it as principal.
Mrs. Allen is in her 24th year in education, and she’s done a little bit of everything along the way. Before becoming a principal, she worked as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, YMCA Activities Director, and even a bank teller.
What she loves most about the job is helping people get what they need to be successful. At CES, that means removing barriers whenever possible and living out the school motto: “Nothing but success at CES!”
She also loves that CES is such a big part of the community. Whether it’s helping families with food or showing up at local events, she says the real magic of the school is the people.
Outside of school, Mrs. Allen is a mom to three boys, three dogs, and a cat. She also once tried out for Wheel of Fortune, won a car a couple of years ago, and can still knock out the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song in under 15 seconds.
Most of all, she hopes every student and teacher at CES knows how much she loves them and how proud she is of them.
Thank you, Mrs. Allen, for helping make CES a school that truly feels connected to its community.
Mrs. Allen is in her 24th year in education, and she’s done a little bit of everything along the way. Before becoming a principal, she worked as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, YMCA Activities Director, and even a bank teller.
What she loves most about the job is helping people get what they need to be successful. At CES, that means removing barriers whenever possible and living out the school motto: “Nothing but success at CES!”
She also loves that CES is such a big part of the community. Whether it’s helping families with food or showing up at local events, she says the real magic of the school is the people.
Outside of school, Mrs. Allen is a mom to three boys, three dogs, and a cat. She also once tried out for Wheel of Fortune, won a car a couple of years ago, and can still knock out the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song in under 15 seconds.
Most of all, she hopes every student and teacher at CES knows how much she loves them and how proud she is of them.
Thank you, Mrs. Allen, for helping make CES a school that truly feels connected to its community.
For Elizabeth Selvage, leading Pleasant Valley Innovative School is about making sure students can see a future full of possibilities.
Mrs. Selvage has spent 28 years in education, including 25 with Murray County Schools. She’s in her eighth year at Pleasant Valley and her second year in her current role as principal. Before moving into administration, she spent 11 years teaching sixth-grade math.
What she loves most is seeing students take advantage of the opportunities around them and use those resources to build the future they want. She says PVIS works hard to keep as many doors open as possible for every student.
She’s also quick to give credit to the staff, calling them the best tool in the school’s toolbox and a huge part of what makes Pleasant Valley work.
Away from school, Mrs. Selvage proudly embraces her nerdy side. She loves comic books, fantasy novels, science fiction, and keeping up with Formula 1 racing.
She hopes every student knows they are part of what makes Pleasant Valley special and that they truly are Pioneers.
Thank you, Mrs. Selvage, for helping students see what’s possible and encouraging them to take advantage of every opportunity in front of them.
Mrs. Selvage has spent 28 years in education, including 25 with Murray County Schools. She’s in her eighth year at Pleasant Valley and her second year in her current role as principal. Before moving into administration, she spent 11 years teaching sixth-grade math.
What she loves most is seeing students take advantage of the opportunities around them and use those resources to build the future they want. She says PVIS works hard to keep as many doors open as possible for every student.
She’s also quick to give credit to the staff, calling them the best tool in the school’s toolbox and a huge part of what makes Pleasant Valley work.
Away from school, Mrs. Selvage proudly embraces her nerdy side. She loves comic books, fantasy novels, science fiction, and keeping up with Formula 1 racing.
She hopes every student knows they are part of what makes Pleasant Valley special and that they truly are Pioneers.
Thank you, Mrs. Selvage, for helping students see what’s possible and encouraging them to take advantage of every opportunity in front of them.
As National School Bus Safety Week comes to an end, we're sharing a few important reminders for drivers, students, and families.
From knowing when to stop for a school bus to practicing safe habits at the bus stop, we all have a part to play in keeping our students safe.
From knowing when to stop for a school bus to practicing safe habits at the bus stop, we all have a part to play in keeping our students safe.
Woodlawn Elementary is starting a new chapter with Katie Mason, and she’s excited to be leading a school community that already means a lot to her.
Mrs. Mason is in her 16th year in education and her first year as principal of Woodlawn. She spent 10 years in the classroom before moving into instructional coaching and administration, experiences she says helped shape the leader she is today.
What she enjoys most about the job is getting to serve the people who make up Woodlawn. She loves building relationships, seeing students grow, and celebrating the moments that make school feel special.
For Mrs. Mason, Woodlawn stands out because of the pride people take in the school and the way the community shows up for one another. She describes it simply: they work hard, love big, and support each other.
When she’s not at school, Mrs. Mason enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their three children, especially when they’re exploring somewhere new together.
She wants every Timberwolf to know that she cares about them, believes in them, and will always be cheering them on.
Thank you, Mrs. Mason, for bringing that same energy and encouragement to Woodlawn every day.
Mrs. Mason is in her 16th year in education and her first year as principal of Woodlawn. She spent 10 years in the classroom before moving into instructional coaching and administration, experiences she says helped shape the leader she is today.
What she enjoys most about the job is getting to serve the people who make up Woodlawn. She loves building relationships, seeing students grow, and celebrating the moments that make school feel special.
For Mrs. Mason, Woodlawn stands out because of the pride people take in the school and the way the community shows up for one another. She describes it simply: they work hard, love big, and support each other.
When she’s not at school, Mrs. Mason enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their three children, especially when they’re exploring somewhere new together.
She wants every Timberwolf to know that she cares about them, believes in them, and will always be cheering them on.
Thank you, Mrs. Mason, for bringing that same energy and encouragement to Woodlawn every day.
Our Good News Spotlight series is back and we're kicking off our first spotlight with Jennifer Cuenca, Family Engagement Student Support Coordinator for Murray County Schools.
Hailey Dale nominated Jennifer for the incredible support she's provided at MCHS this year. Whether it's stepping up when extra help is needed or finding a simple solution to a difficult situation, Jennifer has made a difference for the students and staff around her.
Thank you, Jennifer, for all you do!
Hailey Dale nominated Jennifer for the incredible support she's provided at MCHS this year. Whether it's stepping up when extra help is needed or finding a simple solution to a difficult situation, Jennifer has made a difference for the students and staff around her.
Thank you, Jennifer, for all you do!
It's Digital Citizenship Week! 💻
Being a good digital citizen isn't complicated. A little common sense and kindness can go a long way online.
We're sharing a few reminders to help our students (and the rest of us!) make better choices when using technology.
Being a good digital citizen isn't complicated. A little common sense and kindness can go a long way online.
We're sharing a few reminders to help our students (and the rest of us!) make better choices when using technology.
Today is Georgia School Bus Driver Appreciation Day, and it's also the start of National School Bus Safety Week!
A big thank you to our Murray County Schools bus drivers for the care they show our students and for getting them safely to and from school each day.
And to everyone sharing the road with our buses, please slow down, stay alert, and help us keep our students safe!
A big thank you to our Murray County Schools bus drivers for the care they show our students and for getting them safely to and from school each day.
And to everyone sharing the road with our buses, please slow down, stay alert, and help us keep our students safe!
Spring Place Elementary has been part of Burt Ridley’s story for a long time. He spent six years there as a student, and now he gets to lead the school as principal.
Mr. Ridley is in his 23rd year in education and his first year as principal. What he enjoys most is getting the chance to make a difference for students every day, even if it’s something as simple as a smile in the hallway or taking a few minutes to listen.
He loves seeing former Tigers bring their own children back to Spring Place or return to work there themselves. That sense of community is a big part of what makes the school special to him.
When he’s not at school, Mr. Ridley enjoys spending time with his family. He’s a Georgia Bulldog fan, a marathon runner, and a former quiz bowler who still loves trivia. And as a huge Star Wars fan, he’s also hoping those Jedi mind tricks eventually work on students or teachers.
If there's one thing he wants every Tiger to know, it's that they are known, valued, and supported.
Thank you, Mr. Ridley, for giving back to a school and community that have meant so much to you.
Mr. Ridley is in his 23rd year in education and his first year as principal. What he enjoys most is getting the chance to make a difference for students every day, even if it’s something as simple as a smile in the hallway or taking a few minutes to listen.
He loves seeing former Tigers bring their own children back to Spring Place or return to work there themselves. That sense of community is a big part of what makes the school special to him.
When he’s not at school, Mr. Ridley enjoys spending time with his family. He’s a Georgia Bulldog fan, a marathon runner, and a former quiz bowler who still loves trivia. And as a huge Star Wars fan, he’s also hoping those Jedi mind tricks eventually work on students or teachers.
If there's one thing he wants every Tiger to know, it's that they are known, valued, and supported.
Thank you, Mr. Ridley, for giving back to a school and community that have meant so much to you.
The Salvation Army has several upcoming life skills classes for Murray County families who still need to meet the class requirement for Angel Tree Christmas assistance.
Families must complete one qualifying life skills class during 2026 to be eligible for assistance.
Check out the flyers below for upcoming class dates and details!
Families must complete one qualifying life skills class during 2026 to be eligible for assistance.
Check out the flyers below for upcoming class dates and details!
Northwest Elementary School feels like home to Amy Petty, and that’s exactly the kind of school community she works to build every day.
Mrs. Petty has spent 27 years in education and is now in her fifth year as principal of Northwest. Before stepping into administration, she taught first and second grade and later served as an instructional coach.
One of her favorite parts of the job is visiting classrooms and hearing students talk about what they’re learning. She especially enjoys seeing students excited to come to school and be part of Northwest.
Outside of school, Mrs. Petty and her husband are trying to visit as many National Parks as they can. She loves hiking and traveling, and when she’s home, there’s a good chance she’s outside throwing a frisbee or ball for her dog.
She hopes every student leaves Northwest knowing they were cared for and with great memories of being part of the school.
Thank you, Mrs. Petty, for helping make Northwest a place where students feel at home.
Mrs. Petty has spent 27 years in education and is now in her fifth year as principal of Northwest. Before stepping into administration, she taught first and second grade and later served as an instructional coach.
One of her favorite parts of the job is visiting classrooms and hearing students talk about what they’re learning. She especially enjoys seeing students excited to come to school and be part of Northwest.
Outside of school, Mrs. Petty and her husband are trying to visit as many National Parks as they can. She loves hiking and traveling, and when she’s home, there’s a good chance she’s outside throwing a frisbee or ball for her dog.
She hopes every student leaves Northwest knowing they were cared for and with great memories of being part of the school.
Thank you, Mrs. Petty, for helping make Northwest a place where students feel at home.
Our next National Principals Month spotlight is Andrea Morrow, principal of Murray County High School!
Mrs. Morrow is in her 25th year in education and her fifth year as principal of MCHS. She has spent most of her career at MCHS, working as a teacher, curriculum facilitator, assistant principal, and now principal.
One of her favorite parts of the job is helping create a school culture where students actually want to be there. She loves the pride people have in MCHS and the way everyone contributes to making the school what it is.
Mrs. Morrow is originally from Florence, Alabama, and came to Georgia planning to stay for just two years. Twenty-five years later, that plan clearly didn’t stick. Outside of school, she loves animals, talks about her dogs probably more than she should, and is happiest spending time with family and friends near a beach or in the mountains.
More than anything, she hopes every student at MCHS knows they matter, they belong, and that people at the school believe in them.
Thank you, Mrs. Morrow, for helping make MCHS a place students can be proud to call their school.
Mrs. Morrow is in her 25th year in education and her fifth year as principal of MCHS. She has spent most of her career at MCHS, working as a teacher, curriculum facilitator, assistant principal, and now principal.
One of her favorite parts of the job is helping create a school culture where students actually want to be there. She loves the pride people have in MCHS and the way everyone contributes to making the school what it is.
Mrs. Morrow is originally from Florence, Alabama, and came to Georgia planning to stay for just two years. Twenty-five years later, that plan clearly didn’t stick. Outside of school, she loves animals, talks about her dogs probably more than she should, and is happiest spending time with family and friends near a beach or in the mountains.
More than anything, she hopes every student at MCHS knows they matter, they belong, and that people at the school believe in them.
Thank you, Mrs. Morrow, for helping make MCHS a place students can be proud to call their school.
Next up in our National Principals Month spotlight is Dr. Daphne Johnson, principal of Eton Elementary School!
Dr. Johnson has spent 26 years in education, including 15 years as an administrator, and is now in her second year leading Eton. Before becoming a principal, she taught elementary school and worked as a literacy coach.
What she enjoys most about the job is helping others be successful. She says Eton is a special place because students are known for who they are, celebrated for their strengths, and encouraged to keep growing.
That belief in students is at the heart of her leadership. She wants every child at Eton to know that she believes in them and knows they can be successful in whatever they set out to do.
Outside of school, Dr. Johnson has two dogs, Pumpkin and Layla, and her family owns a 350-acre farm in Tennessee. She also knows how to artificially inseminate a cow, which might be one of the most unexpected fun facts we hear this month. She’s also a Tennessee football fan.
Thank you, Dr. Johnson, for helping make Eton a place where students feel known and supported.
Dr. Johnson has spent 26 years in education, including 15 years as an administrator, and is now in her second year leading Eton. Before becoming a principal, she taught elementary school and worked as a literacy coach.
What she enjoys most about the job is helping others be successful. She says Eton is a special place because students are known for who they are, celebrated for their strengths, and encouraged to keep growing.
That belief in students is at the heart of her leadership. She wants every child at Eton to know that she believes in them and knows they can be successful in whatever they set out to do.
Outside of school, Dr. Johnson has two dogs, Pumpkin and Layla, and her family owns a 350-acre farm in Tennessee. She also knows how to artificially inseminate a cow, which might be one of the most unexpected fun facts we hear this month. She’s also a Tennessee football fan.
Thank you, Dr. Johnson, for helping make Eton a place where students feel known and supported.
Murray County Schools will be closed Monday, October 12, for a staff and student holiday in observance of Columbus Day.
We'll see everyone back at school on Tuesday!
We'll see everyone back at school on Tuesday!
Book Vending Machines are making their way into Murray County Schools! 📚
Chatsworth Elementary, Coker Elementary, Bagley Middle, and Gladden Middle are among the first schools to receive their new Book Vending Machines!
These machines give students a fun way to get books of their own while encouraging a love of reading.
A special thank you to Instructional Technology Director Adriane Ellis and Federal Programs Director Donna Eskut for helping bring this longtime goal to life!
We also appreciate Chris Crow and Jamie Dunn from our Maintenance Department for making sure the machines were delivered and safely installed at each school.
And we're not finished yet! More Book Vending Machines are on the way!
Chatsworth Elementary, Coker Elementary, Bagley Middle, and Gladden Middle are among the first schools to receive their new Book Vending Machines!
These machines give students a fun way to get books of their own while encouraging a love of reading.
A special thank you to Instructional Technology Director Adriane Ellis and Federal Programs Director Donna Eskut for helping bring this longtime goal to life!
We also appreciate Chris Crow and Jamie Dunn from our Maintenance Department for making sure the machines were delivered and safely installed at each school.
And we're not finished yet! More Book Vending Machines are on the way!
Today’s National Principals Month spotlight is on Kristy Campbell, principal of Coker Elementary School!
Mrs. Campbell is in her 26th year with Murray County Schools and her third year as principal at Coker. Her connection to Coker is especially meaningful because she spent nine years teaching kindergarten there before moving into special education, instructional coaching, and administration.
She says one of the best parts of being a principal is helping her students and staff grow, while also learning from them along the way. What makes Coker special to her is the way the whole school community works together to support students.
Outside of school, Mrs. Campbell loves traveling with her family and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. And if there’s one thing she hopes every student at Coker knows, it’s simple: she loves them.
We’re proud to celebrate Mrs. Campbell and the positive impact she continues to make at Coker!
Mrs. Campbell is in her 26th year with Murray County Schools and her third year as principal at Coker. Her connection to Coker is especially meaningful because she spent nine years teaching kindergarten there before moving into special education, instructional coaching, and administration.
She says one of the best parts of being a principal is helping her students and staff grow, while also learning from them along the way. What makes Coker special to her is the way the whole school community works together to support students.
Outside of school, Mrs. Campbell loves traveling with her family and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. And if there’s one thing she hopes every student at Coker knows, it’s simple: she loves them.
We’re proud to celebrate Mrs. Campbell and the positive impact she continues to make at Coker!
A big thank you to Open Door Lighthouse Church of Dalton for supporting Murray County Schools!
The church recently held a coat drive and donated more than 30 coats to help students across our district stay warm this season.
We’re grateful for their generosity and support of our students and families!
The church recently held a coat drive and donated more than 30 coats to help students across our district stay warm this season.
We’re grateful for their generosity and support of our students and families!
Georgia Pre-K Week is underway and Senator Chuck Payne helped kick things off with a visit to Woodlawn Elementary School, where he read 'Every Amazing Song'.
This year’s featured book was co-authored by Coy Bowles of the Zac Brown Band and former UGA football player and Super Bowl champion Malcolm Mitchell. The book helps children build music and active listening skills while encouraging confidence and self-expression.
A great way to kick off a week celebrating our youngest learners!
This year’s featured book was co-authored by Coy Bowles of the Zac Brown Band and former UGA football player and Super Bowl champion Malcolm Mitchell. The book helps children build music and active listening skills while encouraging confidence and self-expression.
A great way to kick off a week celebrating our youngest learners!
