Shift at the Top: Dr. Patrick Murphy Parts Ways with MCPS – former Deputy Superintendent No Longer Employed by the District

October 12, 2023 – 10:30AM

We got a tip yesterday that Dr. Patrick Murphy, deputy superintendent is no longer employed by MCPS. Murphy was one of the high-ranking school officials who participated in the County Council Meeting about two weeks ago.

He is still listed as the Deputy Superintendent on the MCPS website as of 10/12/23 10:30am. This comes less than a week after we broke the news that a key figure in the Beidleman case got a promotion.

MCPS Message to Staff

We asked MCPS about Murphy and received the following update that we were told was sent to staff yesterday evening:

Dear Colleagues:

I am writing to provide you an update regarding personnel changes in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Dr. Patrick Murphy, deputy superintendent, is no longer employed by the district. I want to thank Dr. Murphy for his service to MCPS and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Within the Office of School Support and Well-Being (OSSWB), Dr. Donna Redmond Jones and Dr. Eugenia (Jeanie) Dawson are currently on leave. To minimize any disruptions, Dr. Peter Moran, associate superintendent, and Mr. David Adams, acting associate superintendent, will be providing supervision to the schools and other staff under Dr. Redmond-Jones and Dr. Dawson in the days ahead. They will follow up with additional details tomorrow, October 12, 2023.

I recognize that leadership transitions may be challenging, and we will continue to update you on any additional staffing changes.

In addition, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Brian Stockton, chief of staff, with any questions at Brian_S_Stockton@mcpsmd.org.

Thank you for your commitment to our staff, students, and communities.

Sincerely,

Monifa B. McKnight
Superintendent of Schools

Follow Up

We received this letter directly from MCPS and they won’t give more (“it’s a personnel issue”).

There are some rumors of course but these are just vague leads at this point.

We followed up with asking the following question to MCPS communications: “Is there a reason why Diane Morris Acting Chief of School Support and Well-Being isnt mentioned here only those below her in this list? https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/otls/“

And received the following response from MCPS: “Ms. Morris was placed on administrative leave previously and previously communicated to appropriate staff. This note addresses other personnel actions.”

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