Natasha Murray for School Board

This from Natasha Murray:

Mrs. Natasha Murray, current Educational Consultant and Research Analyst for the Kentucky Department of Education formally announced her candidacy for Fayette County School Board Representative for District 4. The general election will take place on November 4, 2014.

After graduating the University of Kentucky with a Master’s degree in Higher Education, Natasha has demonstrated a passion to serve students, families, and communities throughout Kentucky and other states. “I fully understand the importance of providing our youth equitable opportunities that prepares them for a college or career pathway,” Mrs. Murray said. “I am pursuing this board seat with a commitment to maximize student achievement while promoting a collaborative working environment between the district and community stakeholders.”

After overcoming obstacles throughout her childhood, she was determined not to let her zip code define her future. “I know that education can unlock many opportunities that otherwise are not accessible,” Mrs. Murray said. “For this reason, I plan to address access and opportunity issues to enhance the educational experience of all youth. Fayette County has made great effort to provide new and innovative experiences to students, but more work is needed to ensure that the distributions of these efforts are equitable. Further, I firmly believe that student and teacher inclusion is imperative to formulate strategic planning. The Board of Education is thirsting for leadership who can accomplish a transformation that will enhance the collaboration and results for all stakeholders.”

As Fayette County School Board District 4 representative, she will be one of five voices that will play a significant role in shaping the vision of what public education will be for our children. 

Particularly, her campaign platform includes:

•  Foster relationships and communication to allow for collaboration that will positively impact student achievement.
• Increase fiscal responsibility by prioritizing needs.
• Build programs and models that continue to make Fayette County schools trendsetters in the state.

She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Kentucky with a research focus in Quantitative Methods/Educational Psychology. She has been a passionate community participant and recently completed her term as the Vice President for a national nonprofit organization advocating on behalf of underserved youth. During her advocacy on the national council in 2008 she was able to open two Augustus F. Hawkins Literacy centers in the Lexington and Louisville area with support from state and local leaders such as; former Congressman John Yarmuth, former Kentucky Board of Education member Ms. Bonnie Lash Freeman, former Mayor Jim Newberry, and CEO of Bethune Institute Dr. Lynn Smith. “Collaborating with national leaders, educational partners, and community stakeholder groups along with experience within the education system, equips me with a unique perspective of what can and should be done to improve school systems while maintaining high academic standards and quality,” Mrs. Murray said.  “Kentucky has been a model to other states demonstrating that collaboration at all levels is crucial to meet the needs of all children.” 

Being elected to Fayette County School Board will give her the opportunity to continue to make a difference to children and families in this community.