POULSBO — Andra Murray, who attended Suquamish Elementary School before going on to graduate from North Kitsap High School and University of Washington, is returning to her old elementary school as the principal.

The school board voted May 14 to hire Murray, effective July 1. She will succeed Jon Torgerson, who is leaving to lead Silverwood School, a K-6 independent day school located between Silverdale and Poulsbo.

Murray is dean of students and principal intern at Vinland Elementary School, as well as instructional coach for the school district. She was valedictorian of North Kitsap High School’s class of 1994 and earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology and master’s degree in teaching from University of Washington. She will receive her master’s in education and administrator certification this spring from UW Bothell.

Murray began her teaching career in the Bainbridge Island School District, teaching at Wilkes Elementary for five years. She joined the North Kitsap School District in 2005, teaching grades 4-5 at Vinland Elementary before moving to one of her current roles as instructional coach. She has also been an instructional criteria and framework feedback specialist, training school districts throughout the state for the past three years.

According to the school district’s communications office, Murray’s top priority as Suquamish Elementary principal is to “make learning possible for all students by supporting student learning, ensuring student safety, enhancing staff professional growth and maintaining a positive climate.” She believes families and community members are vital partners in student success and should be provided a variety of ways to engage with the school community.