By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HOOVER—Faculty from the 17 Hoover City schools, along with support staff and central office administrators filled Hunter Street Baptist Church on Aug. 10 for the school system’s annual academic year kick off event, Institute.

Keynote speaker Hoover City Schools Superintendent Dr. Kathy Murphy set the tone for the system’s 28th academic year, encouraging all school employees to think outside the box and push for progress.

“Here’s what I know about Hoover in my very short time with (the school system), this is a very good school district,” Murphy said to the hundreds of Hoover Schools employees before her. “I happen to believe we can get better and better and grow.”

This coming school year will be Murphy’s first with Hoover Schools. She was named superintendent of Hoover City Schools during an April 30 Board of Education meeting and officially began her position on June 1.

“I happen to believe I am the most blessed and luckiest person in this auditorium because I get to be your leader,” Murphy said. “I am here not to fix, I am here to support you.”

Murphy noted the school system’s accomplishments, but encouraged the community to work to be great and not settle for “pretty good.”

She urged teachers and staff to ask critical questions, have “courageous conversations,” and take “calculated risks” to find creative solutions.

“We grow when we ask tough questions, constructive critical questions,” Murphy said. “That’s how we’re going to grow, that’s how we’re going to become that good school district becoming a great school district.”

Murphy also reminded the audience gathered in front of her of the importance of facilitating learning and creating a great school system for Hoover students.

“The children, they have to drive everything we do,” Murphy said. “It’s about our children, it’s about us doing everything we can to take our children to the next level.”

The first day of classes for all Hoover City Schools students is Aug. 13.