PINEDALE – With a unanimous vote, the Sublette County School District No. 1 (SCSD1) Board of Trustees appointed Angie Murphy to fill the at-large board position vacated by Stacy Illoway on July 19. Sublette County Clerk Carrie Long swore in Murphy at the beginning of the regular board meeting that evening.

Murphy’s appointment is for the remainder of Illoway’s unexpired term, ending in 2024 when elections for the seat are to be held.

As a veteran educator, Murphy brings significant experience to the table. She served as a teacher and administrator for 23 years in Utah and Wyoming. Murphy taught at large school districts in the Salt Lake City area and in rural Utah before relocating to Pinedale, where she worked with young people at SCSD1 for a decade.

“Each of those experiences has shaped my passion for education and I have seen how the public education process can look dramatically different while focusing on the same goal,” Murphy said in a statement to the Roundup.

Murphy stressed dedication and “genuine concern” for both students and staff within the district.

“I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist within our education system and I am passionate about improving educational opportunities for all students,” Murphy added. “Moreover, I strongly believe in the importance of supporting and empowering our dedicated educators who play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our community.”

Murphy emphasized the importance of taking a “collaborative and empathetic approach” to decision making with respect to all members of the community.

“I am committed to listening to the voices of all stakeholders and working diligently to address their concerns,” Murphy said.

Murphy’s three daughters benefited from their education and participation in activities at SCSD1.

“I understand the perspective of parents and this community,” Murphy wrote. “This knowledge, combined with my desire to support the staff and students in SCSD1, will shape my contribution to the school board and hopefully result in an improved educational outcome for all students. I am excited to serve our community as a SCSD1 board member.”