New School Leaders at Washington Community Schools
- Personnel
Washington Community Schools is pleased to announce new principals for the 2024-2025 school year.
Washington Community Schools is pleased to announce new principals for the 2024-2025 school year. Board members approved the hires of Kristen Murphy for Washington Primary, Rhiannon Fry for Washington Upper Elementary, and Jay Wildman, who will now serve as principal at Washington Veale Elementary and Assistant Principal at Washington Intermediate.
Kristen Murphy has been a part of the Washington Primary team since 2016, serving as a 6th-grade teacher, data coach, and dean of students. She earned her bachelor’s degree from USI and her master's and MBA from Indiana University’s Kelly School of Business Woodrow Wilson cohort.
“I'm so excited to join Washington Primary School as principal, especially for our little ones in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade. This role is personal to me; it's about our students, our staff, and our community,” she said. “At Washington Primary, we're all about embracing the Kids at Hope philosophy, where we see each child's incredible potential. Together, we'll create a warm, supportive environment where every child feels valued and eager to learn. I'm looking forward to working with our fantastic team to ensure every student's journey is full of growth, discovery, and lots of smiles.”
Rhiannon Fry is beginning her 14th year with Washington Community Schools. She began at Lena Dunn Elementary as a life skills teacher and taught at Griffith Elementary for 7 years. She also served as dean of students at Washington Intermediate and Washington Upper Elementary. She earned her bachelor’s degree from VU and also earned her master’s degree and MBA from IU’s Kelly School of Business Woodrow Wilson Cohort.
“I am honored and privileged to serve as the Principal of Upper Elementary here in the community that I grew up in and deeply cherish. My passion for helping and nurturing children has been the driving force throughout my career, and I am eager to continue making a positive impact on the lives of students, families, and educators in Washington," she said.
Jay Wildman has served as a classroom teacher for 9 years and has been a principal for 18 years with Washington Community Schools. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Oakland City University and a master’s from Indiana Wesleyan University.
“While I will miss the students and staff at Upper Elementary I am eagerly looking forward to working with the students and staff at both Veale and Intermediate Elementary schools. I have plenty to learn about both buildings and that excites me and will hopefully help keep my brain sharp. I have heard many wonderful things about both schools and am beyond excited to get to work with and learn from all of the fine people in both buildings,” he said.
Superintendent Kevin Frank is proud to name each of these individuals as principals in their respective buildings. “Mr. Wildman is one of our most experienced principals in the school district. He will pick up the reigns from Mrs. Butcher to continue to lead Veale Elementary and provide support to Mr. Cherry at Washington Intermediate School.
Mrs. Fry has been training to be a principal for several years. Between her experience as an Indiana University Woodrow Wilson scholar and her time as a dean, she is well-prepared to be the principal of Washington Upper Elementary School. Mrs. Fry has a special interest in the 5th and 6th grade age group and we are excited for the direction she will lead this building.
Mrs. Murphy has been training to be a principal for several years as well. She has experience as a dean of students and is also an Indiana University Woodrow Wilson scholar in educational leadership. We are excited for her to continue to grow the many programs at Washington Primary School.”
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