Inducted 2005

Linda Murray became Superintendent of San Jose Unified School District in 1993 after a successful 22-year tenure in Broward County, Florida where she was a school psychologist, school administrator, then Associate Superintendent of Instruction in a large and diverse school system. As a brand new Superintendent in 1993, she faced a community and school district in the midst of a complex, controversial bussing initiative. Linda Murray immersed herself in the issues and became very active in the community. She reached out to the many San Jose Unified constituents - including angry parents - then through her community activities, built partnerships with over 140 local businesses to create a better environment for student success.

A few of the many examples from her 10 years in San Jose Unified where Linda teamed with teachers, administrators, Board Members, and local organizations to measurably improve schools and students' performance:

Among urban California school districts, San Jose Unified ranks first in overall student performance—and has improved test scores via multiple metrics. San Jose Unified has the highest standards for graduation.

Since 1998, San Jose Unified earned twenty-three California Distinguished Schools and ten National Blue Ribbon Schools awards.

To renovate and modernize schools for the 21st century, a $165M Bond Measure was passed in 1997 with 75% voter approval then and a $429M Bond Measure, passed in 2002 with 69% voter approval.

Throughout Linda's professional growth and community efforts, she put a major priority on raising her daughter. As a single parent, Linda successfully instilled her daughter, Christine, with independence and drive to fulfill her creative and intellectual goals. Now a documentary film-maker, Christine and her husband have created a wonderful distraction for Linda - her 2 year old granddaughter.

Since Linda has retired in 2004 from San Jose Unified, she has remains busy with many projects. Through the Education Trust West in Oakland, her recent focus is to ensure that high school curriculum prepares everyone for college, especially overcoming the "opportunity gap" that poor urban students face. Linda Murray continues to be an active advocate for improving education in California - and an active grandmother. Congratulations to 2005 JA Laureate, Linda Murray.