Schools

York High School Has a New Athletic Director

Ron Murphy comes to District 205 from Oswego East High School, where he is wrapping up his duties as assistant AD, head basketball coach and teacher.

Ron Murphy, a teacher and assistant athletic director at Oswego East High School since 2005, was confirmed by Elmhurst District 205 School Board Tuesday as the new York High School athletic director.

Murphy was selected after an extensive search that involved York administrators, student athletes, parent Boosters, the interim athletic directors and coaches, District 205 Superintendent David Pruneau told the School Board Tuesday.

"It is my pleasure tonight to recommend to the board that Ron Murphy be the next athletic director in District 205," he said. "We're pleased to bring this to the board tonight."

Murphy was assistant football coach at Oswego East from 2005-2010, assistant basketball coach from 2008-2012 and head coach since 2012. He has been assistant athletic director at Oswego since 2010 and a social studies teacher since 2007. Oswego East is one of two high schools in Oswego Community Unit District 308

Prior to his work at Oswego East, he was an assistant football coach at Lisle High School (1999-2005).

He also worked at the Chicago Bulls Training Academy from 2000 to 2010 as facilitator for the Explosion Strength Conditioning program, a camp facilitator and a travel coach.

Murphy holds a bachelor of arts degree in history from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and is enrolled in two master's programs. He is on track to graduate from National Louis University with a master's in teaching in June and a master's in educational administration in November.

He was chosen from among 12 candidates.

"He is highly recommended by his principal and well-respected by athletic directors in our area," York Principal Diana Smith said in a letter to York families on Wednesday. "The committee responded enthusiastically to Mr. Murphy, citing as strengths his communication skills, his experience in athletic coaching and teaching, and his student-centered approach to administration."

Murphy's position at York becomes effective July 1, but he has hit the ground running. He spent the day at York on Wednesday with the administrative team and interim athletic directors, Washington Bush and Mike Morris. The three will work as a team for the next several months to facilitate a smooth transition, Smith said.

Murphy also will work alongside Assistant Principal Rob Wagner, parents, students and staff to continue the work of the York Extracurricular Advisory Council, which was formed to clarify the goals and priorities for extracurricular programs.

"In my view, one of Mr. Murphy's key attributes is his focus on open and frequent communication with our stakeholders, including parents," Smith said.

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