Date: Fri 06-Jun-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: DOTTIE

Quick Words:

schools-Isabelle-Murray

Full Text:

ISABELLE MURRAY WON'T RUN AGAIN FOR BOARD OF ED

(with photo)

BY DOROTHY EVANS

Republican Board of Education member Isabelle Murray has declined the

opportunity to run for a fourth term in the upcoming November municipal

elections.

"I feel like it's an accomplishment, like I've spent a lifetime on the board,"

Mrs Murray said of her 12-year tenure.

In a letter written May 11 to Russell Melita, chairman of the Newtown

Republican Town Committee, Mrs Murray offered her own perspective on what

those 12 years have meant and why she feels it is the right time now to step

down.

"I have been involved in public education since 1973 when my first child

entered kindergarten. My last child will be a junior come September, and 12

years serving on the Board of Education is a substantial contribution by a

volunteer and `newcomer' to the Town of Newtown. Unfortunately, I'm not a

native Newtowner like my daughter. It is time to move on and allow other

newcomers to get involved," her letter states.

During her period on the board, Mrs Murray served on numerous committees,

including the Goals Committee, Teacher Evaluation Committee, Shared Decision

Committee, Employee Assistance Program, Substance Abuse Committee and Policy

Review Committee. She was also involved in contract negotiations for teachers,

administrators and educational assistants.

"I know the children have benefited from my decisions, and aren't they the

most important factor in education?" she said.

She mentioned, in particular, her support of technology, her support for the

building projects and her efforts aimed at "preparing the students for the

modern workplace they will face after graduation."

When Mrs Murray first took her seat on the board in January 1986, she was the

only woman at the table, a circumstance current Board Chairman Herb Rosenthal

remembers with some humor. Mr Rosenthal is the only present board member who

has served longer than Mrs Murray.

"When Isabelle came on, there were only men on the board. There had been other

women over the years. She used to kid with us, and I think she was the one who

was sensitizing us in her quiet way," Mr Rosenthal said Thursday.

He added that "some of the PTA members might have been more comfortable

speaking to her," than to the men on the board.

She was an "important link," Mr Rosenthal said.

"Isabelle is extremely dedicated to the best interest of the children. She

will be missed."