WHEREAS, Tom Murphy began his career teaching English in Joliet, Illinois, before moving to Washington State to become principal of Redmond High School; and
     WHEREAS, In 1988 Tom Murphy started as an Assistant Superintendent in Federal Way, the eighth largest school district in the state, with 23 elementary schools, seven middle schools, five high schools and almost 22,000 students. He was appointed the School Superintendent in 1999; and
     WHEREAS, Superintendent Murphy has an outstanding record of accomplishment. Under his leadership Federal Way has undergone a metamorphosis into an award-winning district with several recognized schools. Federal Way was the first school district in the state to provide internet-based instruction and Federal Way High School opened the first Cambridge Program, an academically rigorous high school program affiliated with Cambridge University in England, on the West Coast; and
     WHEREAS, Superintendent Murphy believes that in education, "All Truly Means All" where all children in public schools deserve equal access to a quality education that prepares them for productive, meaningful lives. With Tom Murphy at the helm, the Federal Way School District works to create individual success for every student. Standard and Poor's named Federal Way's Thomas Jefferson and Todd Beamer high schools among 51 schools in the United States that narrowed the achievement gap; and
     WHEREAS, Tom and his loving wife, Rosemary, have been married for more than 39 years and blessed with four grown children and four grandchildren; and
     WHEREAS, Tom Murphy will retire in 2010 after a 42-year distinguished education career where he earned the respect and support of the Federal Way Public School Board of Directors, staff, teachers, and families. The school district was selected for numerous awards resulting from his leadership and the Communities in Schools of Federal Way renamed its student mentor award to the "Tom Murphy Mentor of the Year Award";
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State Senate honor and celebrate the educational achievements of Superintendent Tom Murphy whose dedication, professionalism, and leadership excellence have made Federal Way and the State of Washington proud; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Tom Murphy and the Federal Way School District.