Donna Murphy has been appointed the new assistant principal at the elementary school. She will begin work in her new position on Nov. 30.

Last spring, the School Committee said they felt having assistant principals at the elementary level was crucial even as they faced budget cuts.

Murphy has been a teacher in every grade level at Maquan, and has also been a special needs teacher for the past two years. She has worked at the school for 32 years.

“I’m very excited to come into this new role of assistant principal,” she said. “I think it will be very different and exciting.”

Stockdale said that Murphy’s strengths include leadership, curriculum and technology.

Murphy said she wants to work closely with parents.

“I want to be in the forefront for [parents,]” she said.

Her role will have her working on a range of things including discipline, bus issues and curriculum.

Murphy has been active in the teacher’s union and has demonstrated leadership skills. She was encouraged to apply for the position by other administrators.

“[Murphy] brings her experience working in the classroom and the building, as well as working with the students,” Superintendent Ruth Gilbert-Whitner said, “We were delighted she was a successful candidate because she is someone that knows the school.”

Murphy said what she will miss most about teaching in the classroom is having the opportunity to work more directly with kids and seeing their academic growth.

“I’ll see that in a bigger picture [as assistant principal,]” she said.

Stockdale said because the Maquan School has seen a lot of change recently, Murphy will bring stability and longevity.

As an assistant principal, Murphy will help ensure the safety of 490 students. Stockdale said this was something that was not doable with just one person. Murphy will be able to help Stockdale with calling parents, working on the newsletter and updating the Web site. Having a new assistant principal will help when there are events scheduled. The principal and assistant principal are also in charge of walk throughs in the classrooms.

“It’s important to try to get into classrooms everyday,” Murphy said.

Stockdale said a lot of the job entails common sense, compassion and making decisions quickly.

“People already respect Donna and her decisions,” Stockdale said.

Gilbert-Whitner said Murphy will be a good support person for Stockdale.

Working in the building for 32 years, Murphy said the overall feel of the school has never changed.

“It’s always been a very caring staff,” she said.

Over the years, Murphy said her mantle at home has become filled with cards from other staff members ranging from get wells to congratulations and happy birthdays.

Murphy hopes to share some of her strategies for working with kids of all abilities with other staff.

The school is currently undergoing a building renovation and is on the MSBA list for renovations. Murphy said down the road she would be happy to work on the building project.

“I feel very lucky to be a part of the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District and to continue to be here in a new way,” Murphy said.