CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education appointed Shauna Murphy as the district's interim superintendent on Monday, effective immediately.

What You Need To Know

  • Wright submitted her resignation, which was effective on Monday, May 20

  • CPS said Murphy has over 34 years of experience in education

CPS said Murphy will lead the district in the meantime after the departure of former Superintendent Iranetta Wright. 

Wright submitted her resignation, which was effective on Monday, May 20, according to school board president Eve Bolton. The resignation came after a "no confidence" vote from the district's six unions, Cincinnati Public Schools Public Information Officer Kathryn Robinson confirmed. 

Wright served as the district's 28th superintendent for two years.

CPS said Murphy has over 34 years of experience in education. She most recently served as CPS chief of Student, Family and Community Engagement. 

"We are confident that Shauna Murphy and Dr. Alesia Smith’s proven leadership and vision will ensure a seamless transition and continued progress toward our goals of educational equity and excellence," CPS Board President Eve Bolton said in a press release. “As a Board, we are committed to upholding our District’s values and priorities, and are assured that Interim Superintendent Murphy’s and Interim Deputy Superintendent Smith’s extensive experience with CPS and their unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and community will be invaluable as we move forward."

Since 1999, Murphy has been involved in various CPS positions, including elementary and high school principal, as well as assistant superintendent. 

"I am honored to serve as Interim Superintendent and to continue working alongside our dedicated educators, staff and community members," Murphy said in a press release. "Together, we will continue to prioritize academic excellence through a positive learning environment that empowers our educators and inspires our students to achieve their full potential.” 

Now that Murphy is leaving the position of chief of schools, the board voted to appoint Alesia Smith to the job. Smith has more than 30 years of experience in education, including being an assistant principal at a CPS elementary school. 

As for a permanent superintendent, the CPS board of education will begin a search with the goal of filling the position by the end of the 2024-25 school year.

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