MCD Partners

Bodine School Announces New Head of School

Bodine School’s Board of Trustees announced the appointment of John S. Murphy as Bodine School’s new Head of School, effective July 1, 2016. Murphy, who is currently the Dean at St. Dominic School in Memphis, is a highly regarded educational leader with more than twenty-five years of experience as an administrator.

“We are fortunate to have an individual of this caliber join our school,” said Jill Giles, Board Chair. “John’s life-long commitment to education, his years of experience in independent school administration, and his outstanding record of accomplishments embody the essential characteristics needed in Bodine’s next Head of School.

“The Board of Trustees is confident that John will provide great leadership for Bodine as it continues to help children in the Mid-South learn to read and succeed. We also know he is the right person to lead the growth of Bodine’s outreach program, which has already had a life-changing impact on hundreds of children in the Mid-South.” I would like to extend my sincere thanks the members of the Search Committee for their time and commitment to finding the right leader, and Dr. Mary C. McDonald, President of MCD Partners, for guiding us through this executive search process.

Current Head of School Josh Clark announced in October that he accepted an offer to serve as Head of School at The Schenck School, a school in Atlanta with a number of similarities to Bodine. Clark’s last day with Bodine will be June 30, 2016. Murphy will assume the Head of School role beginning July 1, 2016.

“I am thrilled about this opportunity,” Murphy said. “After nearly 30 years with St. Dominic, I knew I could only leave for a position that would truly make a difference. When I learned about the opening at Bodine School, I felt certain that this was a school where I could spend the next phase of my career. The focused-mission set forth by the Board of Trustees, along with such a dedicated faculty and staff, has had a huge impact in the Mid-South. It will be an honor and privilege to continue the great work of Bodine School, where strong, confident readers are developed every day.”

Murphy, who is widely recognized as an engaging leader and visionary educator, received his Bachelor of Science degree from Rhodes College, and his Masters in Educational Administration from the University of Memphis. He serves on the Board of Directors at Christian Brothers High School, is a member of the International Boys’ School Coalition, a featured speaker at educational conferences both locally and nationally, and has been the recipient of various awards for his outstanding contributions to the field of education.

About Bodine School:

Bodine School is an independent school for students in grades 1-6 who are dyslexic. With a highly-skilled faculty and staff, the school offers an inclusive community of thinkers and doers committed to fostering the intellect and character of its dyslexic learners. Since 1972, Bodine has drawn strength and resilience from the vast accomplishments of its students and the organization’s collective impact on the Memphis community. With unyielding compassion, Bodine imparts what no other school in the state or region can provide: A life changing experience. Bodine School is the only school in the Mid-South and in all of Tennessee that is solely committed to teaching children with dyslexia and other reading-related learning differences to read and succeed.


Leaders in Educational Consulting and Models for Success
© 2018 MCD Partners