Please mark your calendars! More information will be posted in the coming weeks. #murrayschools
Murray Independent School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Dior Curtis as the new Murray High School Boys’ Basketball Coach.
Curtis returns to the Tigers after serving as head coach of the Christian County High School Colonels boys’ basketball program since 2024. During his tenure at Christian County, he successfully guided the program through a rebuilding phase following the graduation of the team's top five scorers, helping develop a competitive roster and laying a strong foundation for future success.
Curtis began his coaching career at Murray High School in 2010 as an assistant coach and was named head coach in 2017. During his seven seasons leading the Tigers, he compiled an outstanding 142-72 record and established one of the most successful eras in recent program history.
Among his accomplishments at Murray High School are:
• 2022 First Region Championship
• Sweet 16 Appearance (2022)
• Three Fourth District Championships
• Five Kentucky All "A" Classic Region 1 Championships
• First Region Coach of the Year Honor
"I’m honored and humbled to accept the position of Head Boys Basketball Coach at Murray High School," said Curtis. "Murray has a proud tradition of excellence both on and off the court, and I’m excited for the opportunity to continue building on that legacy. A huge thank you to Dr. Meinschein, Mr. Jarvis, and Ms. Greenfield for giving me the opportunity to lead this program. It feels good to be home, and I look forward to getting started. Go Tigers!"
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Curtis was recently named Murray High School Athletic Director, where he will work alongside District Athletic Director Ann Greenfield to support student-athletes and strengthen athletic programs across the district. He will also serve as an Alternative Education Teacher at Murray High School, providing academic and behavioral support to students.
Murray Independent is pleased to announce that Dior Curtis has joined the Murray High School team for the 2026-2027 school year. Curtis joins the athletic department at Murray High School as the High School Athletic Director, where he will work alongside Ann Greenfield, District Athletic Director, to support student-athletes and athletic programs.
In addition, Curtis will serve as the Alternative Education Teacher at Murray High, supporting students with behavior and academic interventions.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to the Murray Independent School District in a new role. I want to continue serving the students, coaches, and community of Murray by building on our strong traditions, supporting our programs, and creating opportunities for every student-athlete to succeed. Go Tigers!" said Curtis.
#murrayschools
In addition, Curtis will serve as the Alternative Education Teacher at Murray High, supporting students with behavior and academic interventions.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to the Murray Independent School District in a new role. I want to continue serving the students, coaches, and community of Murray by building on our strong traditions, supporting our programs, and creating opportunities for every student-athlete to succeed. Go Tigers!" said Curtis.
#murrayschools
We invite all Murray Independent School District volunteers and new volunteers to attend one of the scheduled yearly mandated trainings. Please mark your calendar with these upcoming dates!
The Murray Independent School DistrictThe Murray Independent Volunteer Program is one of the most successful in Kentucky, averaging 30,000 volunteer hours each year. Throughout the previous year, 547 volunteers attended the numerous volunteer trainings offered and became approved certified volunteers. This past year volunteers logged 32,463 hours through numerous programs and initiatives: Murray Elementary School (5,400), Murray Middle School (2,650), Murray Preschool-Head Start (1,638), Murray High School (700), MISD Athletics (6,200), MHS and MMS Band (10,800), Academic Clubs (2,200), and Booster Club (2,575), Back To School Block Party: 94, Tiger Christmas: 126 FRYSC Events: 80.
We invite you to be a part of our amazing Volunteer Team! #murrayschools
The Murray Independent School DistrictThe Murray Independent Volunteer Program is one of the most successful in Kentucky, averaging 30,000 volunteer hours each year. Throughout the previous year, 547 volunteers attended the numerous volunteer trainings offered and became approved certified volunteers. This past year volunteers logged 32,463 hours through numerous programs and initiatives: Murray Elementary School (5,400), Murray Middle School (2,650), Murray Preschool-Head Start (1,638), Murray High School (700), MISD Athletics (6,200), MHS and MMS Band (10,800), Academic Clubs (2,200), and Booster Club (2,575), Back To School Block Party: 94, Tiger Christmas: 126 FRYSC Events: 80.
We invite you to be a part of our amazing Volunteer Team! #murrayschools
Join our Facilities team at Murray Independent! We have openings for full time custodians within our schools for the 26-27 school year beginning as early as July 1st. For more information and to apply visit: https://murray.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5709058 #murrayschools
Tonight the first 2026-2027 Murray Independent School District Volunteer training will be held at MHS Cafeteria. The training is to approve all band volunteers for upcoming band camp and summer events.
However, anyone wishing to volunteer this year may attend the training. The training is at 6 p.m.
There will be other volunteer trainings held to accommodate our volunteer program and dates will be posted.
Thanks to our 2025-2026 MISD 547 volunteers who logged 32,463 hours! #murrayschools
However, anyone wishing to volunteer this year may attend the training. The training is at 6 p.m.
There will be other volunteer trainings held to accommodate our volunteer program and dates will be posted.
Thanks to our 2025-2026 MISD 547 volunteers who logged 32,463 hours! #murrayschools
💙💛🌾 The Murray FFA traveled to Lexington this week to participate in the Kentucky FFA State Convention and compete against some of the best FFA members from across the Commonwealth. 🌾💛💙
Representing Murray FFA in state-level competitions were:
🌟 Faith McCafferty – Agricultural Mechanics Speech and FFA Science Fair
🌟 Alexis Ray – Dairy Speech
🌟 Nick Bell – Crop Speech
🌟 Wyatt Leatherwood – Nursery and Landscape Speech
🌟 Kolbie Ewing – Greenhouse Speech
🌟 Milo Dillard – State Finals FFA Quiz
Competing at the state level requires dedication, preparation, and a willingness to challenge yourself. These students spent countless hours researching, practicing, studying, and refining their skills to earn the opportunity to represent Murray FFA on the state stage.
While we did not bring home any state titles this year, we are incredibly proud of these members for their hard work, dedication, and willingness to compete at the state level. They represented Murray FFA with professionalism, confidence, and pride.
🌾 Congratulations to all of our competitors on a job well done, and thank you for representing Murray FFA so well at the Kentucky FFA State Convention! 🌾
💙💛 #MurrayFFA #KentuckyFFA #StateConvention #LearningToDo #LivingToServe 💛💙 #murrayschools
Representing Murray FFA in state-level competitions were:
🌟 Faith McCafferty – Agricultural Mechanics Speech and FFA Science Fair
🌟 Alexis Ray – Dairy Speech
🌟 Nick Bell – Crop Speech
🌟 Wyatt Leatherwood – Nursery and Landscape Speech
🌟 Kolbie Ewing – Greenhouse Speech
🌟 Milo Dillard – State Finals FFA Quiz
Competing at the state level requires dedication, preparation, and a willingness to challenge yourself. These students spent countless hours researching, practicing, studying, and refining their skills to earn the opportunity to represent Murray FFA on the state stage.
While we did not bring home any state titles this year, we are incredibly proud of these members for their hard work, dedication, and willingness to compete at the state level. They represented Murray FFA with professionalism, confidence, and pride.
🌾 Congratulations to all of our competitors on a job well done, and thank you for representing Murray FFA so well at the Kentucky FFA State Convention! 🌾
💙💛 #MurrayFFA #KentuckyFFA #StateConvention #LearningToDo #LivingToServe 💛💙 #murrayschools
See you today! #murrayschools
Please mark your calendars! More details will be posted later! #murrayschools
Be sure and mark your calendars! #murrayschools
The Community Education Advisory Council in collaboration with MKY Cares is gearing up for our second annual Mistletoe Marketplace. This year's event will be November 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and November 22, 2026 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Hosted at the Area Technology Center on 126 Robertson Road North, the 2025 evet included 23 outside vendors and five school organizations. Patrons enjoyed early holiday shopping, food trucks, and performances by Murray High and Calloway County High School choirs. ATC HOSA, Carpentry, Machine Tool, Welding, and Culinary participated. A festive holiday spirit was enjoyed by all with special appearances by Santa Claus, The Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who. Because of the huge succes last year and attendance, the Murray Transit Authority has offered to provide transportation to the event from Murray High School. Special thanks to them for this service!
Reserve your booth space early----we invite vendors to reserve the open spots by visiting: https://rb.gy/pqd00a.
Hosted at the Area Technology Center on 126 Robertson Road North, the 2025 evet included 23 outside vendors and five school organizations. Patrons enjoyed early holiday shopping, food trucks, and performances by Murray High and Calloway County High School choirs. ATC HOSA, Carpentry, Machine Tool, Welding, and Culinary participated. A festive holiday spirit was enjoyed by all with special appearances by Santa Claus, The Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who. Because of the huge succes last year and attendance, the Murray Transit Authority has offered to provide transportation to the event from Murray High School. Special thanks to them for this service!
Reserve your booth space early----we invite vendors to reserve the open spots by visiting: https://rb.gy/pqd00a.
The Murray Police Department offered the Chief Novel McReynolds Youth Academy for Murray Middle School students who will enter fifth, sixth, and seventh grades for the 2026-2027 school year. Students applied through an application process at this no cost program. Two sessions were offered, and each session lasted four days.
The Chief Novel McReynolds Youth Academy is a camp designed for students who have a desire to learn what police officers do while at the same time educating them on issues that they may face in the future. Students attended classes on various law enforcement activities such as crime scene investigation, traffic stops and more. Students also learned strategies on how to deal with peer pressure, cyber bullying, school safety, and underage drinking. The program also encouraged each student’s leadership, communication, nd teamwork potential by allowing them to participate in team building exercises, public speaking exercises, and problem-solving scenarios.
MMS students are pictured with SRO Officers, Jeremy Partin (Murray Elementary), and Mike Ray (Murray High) and Murray Police Department guest speaker. #murrayschools
The Chief Novel McReynolds Youth Academy is a camp designed for students who have a desire to learn what police officers do while at the same time educating them on issues that they may face in the future. Students attended classes on various law enforcement activities such as crime scene investigation, traffic stops and more. Students also learned strategies on how to deal with peer pressure, cyber bullying, school safety, and underage drinking. The program also encouraged each student’s leadership, communication, nd teamwork potential by allowing them to participate in team building exercises, public speaking exercises, and problem-solving scenarios.
MMS students are pictured with SRO Officers, Jeremy Partin (Murray Elementary), and Mike Ray (Murray High) and Murray Police Department guest speaker. #murrayschools
The Murray K-5 Soccer Camp kicked off today at the Murray High School Mallory France Soccer Complex . Murray students were seen throught the complex with coaches and assistants learning the fundamentals of soccer. It's great to see our coaches and students on the field this summer! #murrayschools
Join our team for the 2026-2027 school year! We have just a few open positions left for the new school year including positions for instructional assistants and custodians. To view all positions and to apply visit https://murray.schoolspring.com/ #MurraySchools
Join our team for the 2026-2027 school year! We have just a few open positions left for the new school year including positions for instructional assistants and custodians. To view all positions and to apply visit https://murray.schoolspring.com/ #MurraySchools
During the Murray Independent School District Closing Day Ceremony we honored our 2026 MISD Retirees. We send appreciation for their years of service and dedication to the Murray Tiger Legacy of Tradition, Pride, and Excellence..
We wish you the best on the next chapter of your journey, and don't forget to let us hear from you! #murrayschools
We wish you the best on the next chapter of your journey, and don't forget to let us hear from you! #murrayschools
During this week Murray and Calloway County school students (6th-9th grade) are attending an ATC Summer Camp at the Murray Calloway County Area Tecnology Center.
Students are enrolled in Electrical, Carpentry, Welding, Machine Tool, and Nursing classes. During this complimentary camp, students are experiencing hands-on learning experiences and career opportunity pathways. #murrayschools
Students are enrolled in Electrical, Carpentry, Welding, Machine Tool, and Nursing classes. During this complimentary camp, students are experiencing hands-on learning experiences and career opportunity pathways. #murrayschools
During the Closing Day Ceremony for the Murray Independent School District, John Karanja, Murray High School English teacher, and David Hightower, Murray Middle School custodian, were named the overall CFSB Tiger Pride winners for Murray Independent School District for the 2025-2026 school year.
Both individuals were first recognized as monthly Tiger Pride winners after being nominated by their peers for their dedication, positivity, and service to their schools. From that distinguished group, Karanja and Hightower were selected as the district’s overall winners because of their extraordinary contributions to Murray Independent and their longstanding commitment to excellence.
At Murray High School and Murray Middle School, students and staff alike know their names and recognize the impact they make each day. Whether through teaching, mentoring, encouraging students, or creating welcoming school environments, both men have become integral parts of their school communities. Their efforts, relationships, and consistent dedication help make MISD a stronger and more vibrant place for students, staff, and families.
District leaders noted that both Karanja and Hightower exemplify the spirit of Tiger Pride through their daily actions, unwavering work ethic, and commitment to serving others. Their influence reaches far beyond their job titles and leaves a lasting impression on the countless students and colleagues they encounter each year.
Dr. David Meinschein, EdD., MISD Superintendent, recognized Hightower with other Murray staff monthly honorees: Jay Baron, Emily Belanger, Hightower, Meinschein, Crista Jennings, Andrea Morris, Walter Arnold, Marianne Baucom, and Julie Stone.
Karanja was recognized by Meinschein with fellow Murray Independent educators, Emily Parker, Amanda Pittman, Renee Ramsey, Shannon Harrell, Meinschein, Karanja, Beth Myers, Hunter Carter, and Laurie Edminster.
Melanie Jarvis, MISD Director of the CFSB Tiger Pride Program and Director of Student Services, said it has been an honor to provide the incredible Murray Independent School District (MISD) faculty and staff with an opportunity to recognize and celebrate one another through the CFSB Tiger Pride Award this year. “ The work happening in our schools each day deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated, and this award serves as a small, yet meaningful way to do just that. We are grateful to CFSB and the MISD Foundation for partnering with us to ensure our teachers and staff receive these well-deserved tokens of appreciation and recognition.”
(photo one David Hightower with Dr. David Meinschein, EdD., MISD Superintendent)
(photo two David Hightower with Murray Tiger Pride Staff honorees and Meinschein)
(photo three John Karanja with Dr. David Meinschein, EdD., MISD Superintendent)
(photo four John Karanja with Murray Tiger Pride Educator honorees and Meinschein)
#murrayschools
We look forward to seeing you today! #murrayschools
The Kentucky chapter of American School Band Directors Association recognized the Murray High School Wind Ensemble for their exemplary performance at the 2026 KMEA Large Ensemble Performance Assessment. “Our organization values excellence and we are excited to encourage directors and their students with the following recognition,” said Robin Barker, American School Band Directors Association, Kentucky State chair.
Murray High School Band, joins other band programs who received a perfect score- (21), from the judges for their prepared pieces at the KMEA Large Ensemble Performance Assessment. These groups were awarded a certificate from ASBDA: “ASBDA Kentucky Band of Highest Distinction.” Those band programs who received a near perfect score (22), from the judges for their prepared pieces at the KMEA Large Ensemble Performance Assessment will be awarded a certificate from ASBDA: “ASBDA Kentucky Band of Distinction.”
“We’re very proud of our students for earning this recognition from ASBDA. Their hard work and dedication made this possible, and this honor is a great reflection of the culture and commitment within the Murray Tiger Band,” said Hunter Carter, MHS Tiger Band Director.
Barker offered his congratulations, “You and your students should be proud of this achievement. Best wishes to you and your band in all your future musical endeavors.”
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Murray High School Band, joins other band programs who received a perfect score- (21), from the judges for their prepared pieces at the KMEA Large Ensemble Performance Assessment. These groups were awarded a certificate from ASBDA: “ASBDA Kentucky Band of Highest Distinction.” Those band programs who received a near perfect score (22), from the judges for their prepared pieces at the KMEA Large Ensemble Performance Assessment will be awarded a certificate from ASBDA: “ASBDA Kentucky Band of Distinction.”
“We’re very proud of our students for earning this recognition from ASBDA. Their hard work and dedication made this possible, and this honor is a great reflection of the culture and commitment within the Murray Tiger Band,” said Hunter Carter, MHS Tiger Band Director.
Barker offered his congratulations, “You and your students should be proud of this achievement. Best wishes to you and your band in all your future musical endeavors.”
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