Schools
Novi School Board VP Continues Active Role Since '97
January is School Board Recognition Month, a time to acknowledge those who serve the district.
In honor of School Board Recognition Month, Novi Patch is highlighting the seven people who volunteer their time — which is often consumed with hours-long meetings and endless documents — for public education.
We'll post profiles of Novi's school board members one day at a time until the end of January. Today's subject: Bobbie Murphy.
Bobbie Murphy — Vice President, Novi School Board
How long have you been on the school board?
I was elected to serve my first term in 2007 and was sworn in to my second term in 2012.
What is your role?
I am currently the Vice President, the liaison to the Novi Educational Foundation and the board representative for Oakland County Grassroots Task Force.
Why did you join the school board?
I was initially encouraged to run by several people in our community. My husband and I have four children, two recent graduates of Novi High school, and two currently enrolled in Novi Public Schools. Our family and our children’s educations are directly impacted by the policies and decisions of the school board. I have a huge personal stake in assuring that all our schools are successful. My passion for education, children and public education seemed to make running for school board a natural decision for me. I am a service-minded volunteer in many areas of our community, almost all focused on children and youth.
Could you tell us about your personal or professional background, relevant to this position?
I received a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Bowling Green State University, and Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan with a school social work certification and an emphasis on clinical practice with children and adolescents. I have worked in several areas that have contributed to my knowledge of and commitment to the education of children including: a public school, an advocacy agency for persons with special needs, training parents in special education law, attending Individual Educational Planning meetings, and as a therapist for children and youth. Personally, I have four children that have been or are currently enrolled in the district. I have been actively involved in the schools since 1997.
What about the Novi Community School District makes you proud?
The commitment that we have from all of our stakeholders to do and provide what is best for students, the consistent support from this community, the dedication of our staff, the caliber and quality of our families and the achievement and involvement of our students.
What are your goals for the district?
Our District Goals:
1. The Novi Community School District will ensure that each student will make no less than one year's growth in one year's time.
2. The Novi Community School District will ensure that all students achieve at a high level. (There will be no achievement gaps.)
3. The Novi Community School District will evaluate and enhance opportunities for students while maintaining a minimum 10% fund balance.
4. The Novi Community School District will improve organizational quality and customer service by creating common standards, systems, and principles.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I feel blessed to be a part of this great district, and am honored to serve this community on the school board.
Find more about Murphy at her website www.bobbiemurphy.com.
Check back with Patch Monday for the next board member profile.
Previous Novi school board profiles:
Dennis O'Connor Wants to Connect Novi Schools to Area Businesses
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