The new school year starts next month, and for Clarke County Public Schools, that means welcoming a new superintendent.

Dr. Mike Murphy is heading Clarke County Public Schools. He has been on the job just one week.

Murphy says it's been a whirlwind, but he's enjoying getting to know the ins and outs of Clarke County. The long-time educator made the cross country move from Washington state, and is settling in to his new location and new position. Murphy says the positive attitude of everyone he has met is encouraging.

"I think there's an air of optimism, people are hopeful. There's a lot of conversation about a new high school, and putting together a new high school and what that might look like for the future. There's lots of challenges. There's always challenges in a new school district, but overall I think people are excited and optimistic about the future," says Murphy.

He has worked in public education more than thirty years, in positions including industrial arts teacher, director of secondary education, and executive director of educational programs. Murphy brings expertise and experience to his current position and is hoping to make an impact in the area.

"I think the number one hope is that at the end of the school year, we can look back and know that every child in our school division learned to their greatest potential," he says.

When asked about the new high school, and stepping into the controversy surrounding the plans, Murphy says getting a full and clear picture of the issue is the most important part.

"When you step in, the first thing you realize is that you have to be objective. You have to listen to both sides of the story, or every side of the story. So I've spent a lot of time listening and trying to hear each side of the story, and hear different viewpoints, so that I can assist the board in making the best decision, not only for the taxpayers, but ultimately for our kids," he added.

Murphy wants to build an administrative team that will work collaboratively with the school board. He says it's also important to keep parents and the community informed about what the schools are doing, why they're doing it and how they're doing it.

"I really do believe this community has a commitment to children, and that's what's so exciting to see, when you talk to people here, they're committed to their kids," Murphy says.

That commitment is what Dr. Mike Murphy hopes to foster throughout the community and throughout his tenure as superintendent.

Murphy says his top three priorities for the school district are to ensure academic rigor, build a culture of evidence and build a new high school.

The Clarke County School Board expects to vote on a site for the high school construction project next Monday.

Clarke County Public Schools are back in session on August 25th.