June 4, 2019
DALLAS ACADEMY ANNOUNCES NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dallas Academy is honored to announce Elizabeth Murski, M.Ed, LPC as Head of School. Ms. Murski is Dallas Academy’s eighth Head of School in the fifty-four year history as the original learning difference school in Texas. Since arriving in 2005, Murski has distinguished herself as a respected leader and visionary for the faculty and school. “The future of Dallas Academy is bright, and we are confident that Ms. Murski is uniquely qualified to lead the school to continued success” says Terry Welch, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The Board was unanimous in its decision to appoint Murski after the departure of Dr. John Hill and is confident that she will provide dynamic leadership. Murski worked under the direction of former Headmaster Jim Richardson who retired in 2015. Murski is committed to continuing the rich tradition that makes Dallas Academy unique while positioning the School for the future.
She is an expert in the field of learning differences and has helped build programs to meet the needs of the individual child. Her child-centered philosophy of education, emphasizing the individuality of students and helping them realize their own individual potential, is rooted in her early work as a child and adolescent therapist. Murski received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas, a Master of Education degree from the University of North Texas, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is also a member of the Learning Disabilities Association, American Counseling Association, and Ursuline Academy Alumni Association. Throughout her career, Murski has demonstrated a commitment to fostering learning environments for children that promote both intellectual inquiry and character development. She was responsible for the facilitation and implementation of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program in 2010. She later expanded the comprehensive, long-term, school-wide program and added STARRS, a program dedicated to character development. Her other notable contributions at Dallas Academy include her instrumental role in the merger of Dallas Academy and the Lattner Lower School in 2005 growing to a 1st – 12th grade school and playing a critical role in the multi-million dollar building expansion completed for opening the 2008-2009 school year. Murski also created and implemented a school-wide student activities program where students are given a place to connect in a small and safe environment.
“Dallas Academy is confident that Ms. Murski will continue to provide a safe and loving environment for our students to attain their highest level of academic, social and emotional achievement while offering hope to children and families impacted by learning differences,” said Welch. “Her future vision of aligning curriculum and programming will support an Executive Functioning program designed to support academic achievement, behavior, and developmental goals. She has a desire for Dallas Academy to continue to structure and allocate resources and ensure that our talented faculty and staff are able to uphold the mission statement of restoring the promise of full academic enrichment to our students. We look forward to the next chapter at Dallas Academy where we will combine our important mission and rich school culture, with a plan to progress into the future.”