The Murray City School District Board of Education met on April 2 for a productive session centered on leadership transitions, significant financial milestones, and long-term planning for the district’s future. From celebrating record-breaking donations to mapping out facility changes for 2027, the evening highlighted some exciting changes, growth, and opportunities.

A New Era for Murray High School

Among the most anticipated announcements of the evening was the formal appointment of Dr. Klaustina Reynolds as the new principal of Murray High School, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Reynolds, who has spent the last four years leading Hillcrest Junior High, was praised for her work in advancing both academic standards and school culture. With a wealth of experience spanning from kindergarten through the collegiate level in both Utah and New York, she steps into her most exciting challenge yet—a journey she punctuated with the school’s signature rally cry: “Spar-On!”

Record-Breaking Support from the Community

The Murray Education Foundation (MEF) shared staggering news regarding the recent Giving Machines initiative at City Creek Mall. Owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Giving Machines are themed "vending machines" that allow people to purchase much-needed items—such as meals, clean water, or livestock—for local and global charities. Now in their ninth year, MEF was selected as the first-ever education foundation in Salt Lake County to be featured. This year, the community donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the foundation, earmarked for essential student needs, including:

• Winter coats and hoodies
• Healthcare and specialist services
• School supplies
• Socks
• Athlete sponsorship, including Unified Sports

Looking Ahead: The Apex Center and Campus Updates

The Board officially moved forward with the design phase of the APEX Center (formerly known as the Catalyst Center). APEX stands for Applied Professional Education Experience. This facility, which is fully funded by a state grant rather than district tax funds, will focus entirely on healthcare CTE education. The approved plans include provisions for a future field house, ensuring the architecture is "future-proofed" for expansion.

In construction news, the high school expansion is nearing the finish line with the exterior structure and roof now complete. Meanwhile, at Riverview, the Board was assured that despite a "pinch point" in the schedule, a second steel erection company has been brought in to keep the project on track for its critical deadlines.

Academic Success and Future Transitions

Counselors from across the district reported a surge in student and parent participation in Plan for College and Career Readiness (PCCR) meetings. Notably, Hillcrest and Riverview saw record-breaking engagement from Spanish-speaking families thanks to new outreach efforts, including Spanish-speaking mentors and translated registration nights.

Finally, the Board introduced a timeline for potential school closures and boundary realignments. While these changes will not take effect until the Fall of 2027, the district is beginning a transparent, multi-step process that includes internal analysis and public hearings. A final Board vote on the new boundaries is expected by December 10, 2026.

As the meeting concluded, the Board expressed deep gratitude for the district's "small town" feel and the massive amount of behind-the-scenes work being done by teachers, parents, and administrators to prepare Murray’s students for the years ahead.