New Rye School Boss on Michigan Football, Taylor Swift & Her 5th Grade Teacher

On Tuesday, Board of Education announced Dr. Patricia (Tricia) Murray will become the next Superintendent of Rye City Schools. Our readers want to know any new boss in town, so we asked Murray about Michigan Football, Taylor Swift, her favorite teacher and – oh yeah – her priorities in her new role.

Your name: Tricia Murray

Your new job: Superintendent of Schools, Rye City School District

MyRye.com: What was your first job? 

Murray: I was as a server at a local family restaurant when I was 16. I worked there a few nights a week. I enjoyed the fast pace of working in a restaurant, so I did that throughout college, as well.

Who was your favorite teacher growing up?

Murray: My favorite teacher growing up was Mrs. Holmes, my fifth grade teacher. She was the kind of 5th grade teacher who made every student feel valued and understood. She turned lessons into fun, hands-on experiences and always brought energy and care into the classroom. More than just a teacher, Mrs. Holmes created a space where kids felt safe, inspired, and excited to learn.

Where did you grow up?

Murray: Saginaw, Michigan

How old were you when you went to your first Michigan football game at the Big House?  

Murray: I didn’t go to my first Michigan football game until my first year of college, but once I finally did, I realized what I had been missing. Being in the Big House is an experience like no other. The sheer size of the stadium is overwhelming in the best way, and then you add in the energy of the student section, and it’s unmatched. The whole atmosphere pulls you in and makes you feel like you’re part of something much bigger than yourself.

What would you like to publicly tell Board of Ed trustee Tom Stein about his misdirected and unfortunate support of Ohio State? 

Murray: Michigan has claimed 12 national championships, while Ohio State trails behind with just 9. Not only that, but Michigan holds the record for the most all-time wins and has more Big Ten titles. As the District’s “Data Queen,” I’d say the numbers speak for themselves.

What are your top three priorities going into your new role? 

Murray:

• Further develop our courses and instruction to emphasize critical thinking, collaboration, creative problem solving, and communication
• Increase the amount of student voice in our classrooms and in our schools
• Enhancing our school culture and climate so students feel a sense of connection, while broadening support for student wellness

Beyond what they can read in our story from Tuesday and our 2021 interview with you, what should Rye residents know about you? 

Murray: That I put a lot of thought and care into the work that I do, with the overall goal of doing what is best for students.

What year was your first Garnet football game? 

Murray: My first Garnet football game was the Rye-Harrison game in 2022, which we hosted. Before the game, a Rye alum skydived onto the field, adding a memorable touch to the event. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, and it was amazing to see that level of school pride at the high school level. It truly showcased the strong sense of community and pride that this town has in its schools.

Will you have a weather station (and corresponding hat) like Eric Byrne?

Murray: Eric has been a wonderful mentor to me, including his vast knowledge of meteorology that he has shared. I have taken notes on all of his various weather apps and have a tide chart already hanging in my office. I can only hope that Eric will pass along his weather hat to me, as well. Fingers crossed!

Why are you known as the district’s “Data Queen”? 

Murray: As a leader, I use data to help identify a path forward. This could be with individual students, within a school, or at the district level. I believe that in order to know the best next steps to take, you have to fully understand a situation and all of that goes back to the data. A certain board member, who shall remain nameless, also shares the same passion for data and is the one who gave me the nickname (and a crown and sash).

We understand you are a Swiftie. What is your favorite Taylor Swift song? 

Murray: I wasn’t a Swiftie until I took my daughters to the Eras Tour two years ago. It wasn’t even her music that inspired me initially, it was the way that she created such a positive culture within the stadium. Surprisingly, there was a very diverse crowd there and she was able to create an environment that made everyone feel that they belonged. That’s an incredible skill to have. In terms of my favorite song, I need to go with “22,” because it’s a feel-good song with a positive message.

Do you, your husband or your daughters sing this or other Taylor Swift song aloud? 

Murray: Me? Yes. I sing Taylor Swift songs daily. My husband? No. My daughters? Not always. They’ve moved on to newer pop artists, unfortunately.

Thanks Tricia! Go Blue. And Go Garnets!