Murphy, elected in 2023: I will continue to listen to everyone and help them navigate the “chain of command” in the school system
As of Friday, Oct.17th, 2025 I have submitted my resignation from the Wellsville School Board.
I apologize to the people who voted for me, our community, faculty, and staff but especially the students. I feel as if I have failed to have an impact and achieve the goals I set when elected. My main goals were to increase communication, consistency, transparency and fiscal responsibility; none of which have occurred in my two years on the board.
I only had one vote. There are stipulations per NYS law and regulations that put lots of constraints on an elected board member. My goals simply could not be accomplished with my vote due to those constraints and a general lack of support from the district.
Anyone that knows me knows I ask many questions. I don’t like to vote until I’ve looked into the issue. That has made me appear to some, as a troublemaker, a big mouth, and a rogue board member.
Say what you want about my approach to serving on a public board. The job of serving on any voting board is to know everything possible about the vote before deciding yay or nay. Asking those questions should be applauded, not discouraged. Tough questions are what a board is elected to address openly, and answer responsibly. It has become obvious to me that my questions and votes have created a contentious relationship with other board members and district administration.
There have many positives things about this school, especially the kids! They have always been my number one priority in life and then as a board member. I plan to continue focusing on what is best for the students of Wellsville Central Schools.
I’m a firm believer in you can’t fix anything until you admit there’s a problem. Some people like to push those things to the side. That is not me. I don’t pick a side. I base decisions on the information that is available, not which way the wind is blowing. I will continue to listen to everyone and help them navigate the “chain of command” in the school system. I encourage the community to attend meetings or watch them on the school website. Here is the link:
I also believe that there is not enough listening going on in the world and too much talking. Many of tragedies we witness in schools and in society could’ve been avoided if people involved took more time to listen.
Again, I apologize for falling short to the task I was elected. Moving forward I won’t have the same constraints as a community member that I did as a board member.
I will stand up and advocate and help as much as I can as a community member!
The school website has the board meetings posted. The meetings are recorded and then posted on school website. I encourage you to attend or watch meetings. Ask questions, be skeptical, and demand answer. If you need my help, I’m easy to reach anytime: jksrgmurph@roadrunner.com
Thank you for your support and understanding,
Kate McKinley Murphy, Wellsville
Murphy was elected in 2023:
