Pickering principal moving to Swampscott Middle School

LYNN – Pickering Middle School Principal Robert Murphy has been named the next principal of Swampscott Middle School, a hire effective on July 1.Lynne Celli, Swampscott Public Schools superintendent, said Murphy was hired from a pool of 44 candidates after a “rigorous” search process that lasted for several weeks. Murphy was chosen, she said, because he is a “middle school veteran” and a team player that gets involved in the community.Murphy, 43, who is finishing his fifth year as Pickering?s principal, will replace Ralph Watson.The hire was official on Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m., Celli said, when Murphy signed his contract. His salary will be $117,000, according to Kathie Leonard, Celli?s executive assistant.Murphy, who lives in Danvers, has been an educator and administrator on the North Shore for around 20 years and said that he took the job to further his career as well as for personal reasons.?I grew up a quarter-mile from the school,” he said.Murphy said his first order of business at Swampscott Middle School is hiring a new assistant principal. In addition, he said he wants to focus on accountability and an awareness of rules, where consequences are “equitable and fair.”?A good aspect to academic learning is having a good, solid structure. Students, believe it or not, I believe they might resist telling you yes, but they like having that structure. It creates that safe environment where they are free to learn,” he said.A search committee that included parents, Swampscott Middle School teachers and Swampscott Public Schools principals narrowed the field down to seven semi-finalists after a resume review and an interview, Celli said. After additional interviews and a public forum, the field was reduced to three, and then Murphy emerged as the search committee?s recommendation, she said.Lynn Public Schools Superintendent Catherine Latham said Murphy has done an excellent job and will be missed.?I do know he was born and brought up in Swampscott, and he really wanted to return to Swampscott. I think we in education want to go back to our roots all the time,” she said.Lynn School Committee member John Ford said Murphy is good with the students and upholds discipline at Pickering.?It?s too bad, I heard the rumor. I have mixed emotions,” he said. “I?m glad for Mr. Murphy, but Swampscott?s gain is our loss.”Sarah Mupo can be reached at [email protected].