The Cherokee County School Board has appointed one of its long-term administrators to be the new chief operations officer of the district.

Debra Murdock, a past Georgia High School Principal of the Year, currently is executive director in the Office of School Operations and for the last six months has headed the district’s new Social and Emotional Learning initiative. Her appointment takes effect this spring. She will succeed Trey Olson, who is retiring April 1.

“Not only is Dr. Murdock renowned for how deeply she cares for and advocates for every student, she also is an experienced and effective leader who can rally teams through transitions and growth,” school Superintendent Brian V. Hightower said.

Murdock will oversee schools and principals and the Transportation Department, responsible for issues ranging from enrollment to student services and discipline, according to a school district announcement. A Cherokee County native and graduate of Cherokee High School, Murdock has served 23 years in public education, all in the district.

Murdock has been principal of Cherokee High School and Teasley Middle School, assistant principal at Cherokee High and the former Chapman Intermediate School, and a science teacher at E.T. Booth Middle School. She has a bachelor's degree in education from Kennesaw State University and has earned masters, specialist and doctorate degrees in the field. Information: https://bit.ly/2TAMKFq

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