Learn More about Board Chair Murphy

September Series Spotlights Fayette County Board of Education

Board Chair Tyler Murphy,
District 2

What was your favorite class or subject when you were a student?

Social Studies / History and Latin. I enjoyed the nuance, the analytical thinking, and the way these classes compelled me to think about my own thinking.

Why is public education important for our community?

Public education is a powerful equalizer, with the power to expand opportunity, meet every child where they are, and help them live into their full potential. As John Dewey noted, "Education isn't preparation for life, education is life itself." We may not be able to imagine the future that our students will create and shape, but what we can do is prepare them for enduring skills like critical thinking, problem solving, and empathy that we know will transcend time, place, and circumstance.

What inspired you to join the school board?

As an educator, I do not see teaching as merely a job or career but rather a calling and passion. Serving on the Board of Education provides another avenue for me to advance the cause of public education and serve and support even more students and families beyond my own classroom. At a time of so much political discord, I strongly believe public education can be a unifying force in our communities. And, as someone who teaches government and civics, I want to demonstrate to my students that meaningful engagement in the community is important, worthwhile, and impactful.

How has serving on the board shaped your view on education?

Serving on the Board has helped me better understand the multiple perspectives so many in our community bring to the table and the fact that despite apparent differences of opinion and approach, we ultimately share the same goal: Doing what's best for the children we serve. That goal must always serve as our starting point to work collaboratively and build consensus to bring us closer to it. It has also shown me that our public schools have been tasked with so much more than educating our students and that we cannot possibly do this work alone. We have to do it together.

See Board Member Bios Online