Shauna Murphy

Superintendent, Cincinnati Public Schools

Shauna Murphy is the superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS), serving as the chief executive for Ohio’s second-largest school district, which educates 34,000 students across 66 schools. A lifelong Cincinnatian, Murphy brings over 36 years of dedication to education, the majority of which she has spent serving the children of Cincinnati.

Murphy began her career with CPS as a substitute teacher and quickly advanced to become an English teacher and later Academic Dean at her alma mater, Purcell Marian High School. She went on to return to CPS, taking leadership roles at several schools, including serving as the secondary assistant principal at the School for Creative and Performing Arts, principalships at Hyde Park Elementary School, Quebec Heights Elementary School, and Woodward Career Technical High School. Her track record led to appointments as CPS Assistant Superintendent and then as Chief of Student, Family, and Community Engagement, where she was instrumental in strengthening partnerships, increasing parent involvement, and expanding career and technical education pathways district-wide.

In May 2024, Murphy was named interim superintendent, stepping up during a challenging period for the district, including a transition in leadership and a significant budget deficit. Her steady stewardship and deep institutional knowledge led to her appointment as permanent superintendent in November 2024, following a Board of Education vote.

Murphy’s approach to leadership is grounded in equity, collaboration, and high expectations. She is known for advancing student achievement, building strategic relationships with staff and community partners, optimizing resources, and fostering a supportive and innovative environment for all—educators, families, and students alike.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism from Ohio University, a Master’s in Education from Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati, and superintendent licensure from the University of Dayton. Murphy is also actively involved in local boards and organizations, including GreenLight Selection Advisory Committee, MindPeace, the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Buckeye Association of School Administrators, the Ohio Alliance of Black School Educators and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Sigma Omega Chapter.  She is a member of Southern Baptist Church where she serves as the Superintendent of Christian Education.  She is a member of Leadership Cincinnati Class 49, reflecting her deep commitment to student well-being and community engagement.

Throughout her tenure, Murphy has been guided by her motto: “Here for Kids”—a belief she carries from her childhood days playing school in Bond Hill to her current role steering Cincinnati Public Schools into a future focused on student success, opportunity, and equity.