Holy Cross School announced today that its high school principal Dr. Joseph Murry will retire at the end of the 2017-2018 school year. Dr. Murry has served in this role for 14 years, during which time the school was completely rebuilt following Hurricane Katrina.
“We owe a great deal of gratitude to Dr. Murry for his contributions in growing the school academically, advancing the mission set forth by Blessed Basil Moreau, and for his role in the school’s recovery,” said Sean Martin ’92, headmaster of Holy Cross School.
Under Dr. Murry’s leadership, Holy Cross has significantly increased ACT scores, currently has an AP pass rate which far exceeds state and global averages, and annually has students who are named National Merit Finalists and Commended Scholars. In addition, Dr. Murry played a significant role in developing the Brother James McDonnell, C.S.C. Scholars Program, which last year produced 17 graduates who earned more than $6.8 million in academic scholarships to some very prestigious universities throughout the country.
Mrs. Teresa Billings, primary and middle school principal, offered her thoughts regarding Dr. Murry’s retirement: “Dr. Murry and I have worked as a team for the past 14 years. It is amazing to look back at the progress we have made since 2004, from 4950 Dauphine though Katrina, rebuilding to 5500 Paris. Serving Holy Cross, side-by-side with Dr. Murry has been an enjoyable calling. I am blessed to have Dr. Murry as a colleague and mentor.”
“All of us who have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Murry know that he has fully supported the mission of Holy Cross and has always kept the mission first in the hearts and minds of our teachers, parents and students. On behalf of the Brothers of Holy Cross and the Board of Directors, I want to congratulate Dr. Murry on his upcoming retirement and wish him all the best in any future endeavors. We offer our deepest gratitude and thanks for his tremendous impact on Holy Cross and his outstanding service to our school community,” Martin said.
In a letter to parents on Monday, the school announced it is currently working on plans to implement a new administrative structure and will share those details with the school community soon.