About Matthew J. Murphy, Ed. D.

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” — John Dewey

Dr. Murphy has proudly served as Superintendent of the Ramsey Public Schools since 2012, and brings broad educational experience to the role. He began his career in Wyckoff, New Jersey, as a teacher, a building-based technology coordinator, and as Vice Principal. He then served as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Elementary Education and Principal in the Westwood Regional School District. Prior to his superintendent’s role in Ramsey, Dr. Murphy was the School Superintendent of River Vale Public Schools.

Dr. Murphy is also an adjunct professor at Ramapo College, where he teaches in the Educational Leadership program, designed to equip prospective educators and administrators with essential content knowledge and skills for contemporary leadership in curriculum and supervision.

Born and raised in Pearl River, New York, Dr. Murphy earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Rhode Island. He received a master’s of science/technology from Long Island University, and completed his doctorate and professional diploma at Fordham University.

The Ramsey Public School District has a hard-earned reputation for excellence, and has received recognition at the county, state and national levels. Under Dr. Murphy’s leadership, the district has been awarded the Apple Distinguished Program designation for “innovation, leadership, and educational excellence, and demonstration of exemplary learning environments.” He also helped implement the district’s 21st Century Learning Initiative, which identifies and fosters specific higher level competencies and dispositions that Ramsey graduates will need in both college and career paths, through the utilization of cutting-edge technology integration, and innovative workshops and courses.

An emphasis on using and applying content thoughtfully and productively, thinking critically and creatively, and demonstrating social and civic responsibility all make Ramsey education a source of distinction and pride. Dr. Murphy credits the district’s success to the support of its dedicated school board and a talented leadership team, all of whom embody a shared mission: to achieve excellence, one student at a time.