July 24, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 Ramsey Matthew Murphy begins work as superintendent Dr. Matthew Murphy has begun his work as Ramsey’s new superintendent of schools, and has already been busy meeting with the district’s stakeholders. “Everyone has been very supportive and encouraging,” he told Villadom TIMES last week. Murphy said his meetings with teachers and adminis- trators have confirmed his belief that the district benefits Inaugural event from their professionalism and passion. He said he hopes to continue Ramsey’s tradition of excellence. The educator said upcoming district initiatives will include the expansion of the iPad program in district class- rooms. “I’m excited about merging education and technology,” the superintendent said. “This is a great time to be in a The Ramsey Seniors recently met for their inaugural Pickleball group play. The group meets every Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Oak Street Tennis Courts opposite the Ramsey Municipal Pool. Players are invited to bring their own paddles and balls. Cathy Murray provides instruction and support. Murray and her sister, Jeanette Ciccone of Mahwah, are Pickleball teammates and have won gold medal awards in competition. (Photo courtesy of Ramsey Senior Valerie J. Shurko.) leadership position.” He said he also plans to look at ways to improve com- munication among stakeholders within the district and the best ways to meet federal and state requirements, including the common core standards. He noted that the district will also be working with new evaluation tools for the teachers and principals. Murphy recently presented a program about the new teacher evaluation model to Ramsey’s educators. Bruce DeY- oung, who twice served as the district’s superintendent and most recently retired in June, said Murphy deftly addressed the teachers’ concerns and calmed their fears, using humor in the process. DeYoung said he was so impressed that he urged Murphy to apply for the superintendent’s post. Dr. Roy Montesano, who left the superintendent’s post in 2012 to accept a post in New York, reportedly had the same idea and urged Murphy to consider serving in Ramsey. Murphy already has ties to Ramsey: His wife, Megan, (continued on page 10)