WOODBURY — Like Clark Kent, he arrives: basketball shorts, Air Jordans, and a T-shirt. While this scene may not be especially unique to the unknowing eye, some realize that just moments before the tip-off of the annual Unified Sports vs. staff game that Brian Murphy, Region 14’s superintendent, donned his suit and tie while working in the district’s central office.
It’s just one of the ways Murphy likes to get involved with sports and other extracurriculars in the district.
Presence and Participation
“I love to attend the athletic events; I love to see the student-athletes represent Region 14,” Murphy explains. “It’s important; I like to see the magic happen. The magic is the connection between students and teachers. I’m so proud that I get to visit each school each week.”
Murphy’s presence on the campuses of Region 14 schools is a major factor in the district’s trajectory as one of Connecticut’s top collections of academic programs.
But for those who know him, Murphy’s dedication to Region 14 transcends the classroom and bridges the community.
“[Murphy] comes to a lot of sporting events,” says senior Grace Walkup, who is team captain for both field hockey and swim. “It shows that he cares about all sports and not just like certain, popular ones.”
For Region 14 faculty, Murphy’s passion is something that’s not just visible, but it’s a characteristic of what makes him such an effective leader. Joshua Kornblut, an NHS science instructor at Nonnewaug High School, also sees Murphy’s commitment to everything the district does for kids.
“I think he is great and shows his dedication to this district,” explains Kornblut. “You know that he actually wants to be a part of it and wants to help lead us.”
From basketball courts to state meetings, Murphy is there. He goes the extra mile to make sure he is making an impact on the lives of those in the community.
Setting the Standard
Perhaps it’s Murphy’s caring nature that’s translated to success as the school system he oversees continues its climb.
During the 2023-24 school year, Nonnewaug High School earned a place among the top 28% of Connecticut schools in the Accountability Index, a formula that, according to the Connecticut Department of Education, includes “a broad set of 12 indicators that help tell the story of how well a school is preparing its students for success in college, careers and life.”
Murphy’s impact on the district isn’t only shown through the community’s connection to Region 14, but also through data points that illustrate the district’s many academic victories. Murphy is honored to explain that the district’s schools have excelled in much over the years and he’s proud of the staff, students, and parents who make it possible.
“We currently have two schools of distinction,” says Murphy. “We have four schools in our district and two out of the four have made schools of distinction in the last couple of years.”
Nonnewaug has grown significantly over the past three years in developing its academic profile. Murphy has pushed for an expanded variety of college credit classes. These courses offer students in high school the opportunity to learn college level material and skills, all while providing them at the high school level where they can receive college credits.
“UConn ECE classes allow me to experience college rigor before being in college,” said Anna Vicente, a senior at Nonnewaug who has taken advantage of many of these course offerings. “It saves me a lot of money. Sometimes college classes can be up to a thousand dollars. I pay around $200 for these classes.”
Almost everyone can concur that the college debt adds up throughout the years. Since Nonnewaug has implemented more college-level classes, it allows students who may choose to go to college a chance to earn credits for a fraction of the price.
Since Murphy stepped in the position, there has also been tremendous growth of the schools overall; from free tutoring programs such as SAT prep and after school help, to finalizing construction projects like building a state of the art equine center at the high school, Murphy has got it covered.
Embracing Pride in the School
For Murphy, a longtime Woodbury resident, and the father of a child in the district, he holds an especially vested interest in Region 14’s success.
“I’m proud to be from Woodbury,” Murphy said. “My daughter is in eighth grade, [and] the school district has provided my daughter with a wonderful learning experience. I am invested in the learning provided for all students.”
While Murphy may have one child in the district, for students who have gotten to know him, they understand his connection — and investment — in all the kids in Region 14.
“He’s definitely very personable,” says sophomore Addison Bushka, the student representative who contributes to the Board of Education meetings, sitting alongside Murphy and the district’s elected representatives. “[Murphy] tries to make connections and is really interested in what you have to offer. You can just tell he really cares about the schools and makes relationships with the kids.”
