Varansky to replace Murphy as Tusky Valley superintendent

ZOARVILLE — At a special meeting Thursday, the Tuscarawas Valley Local Board of Education unanimously approved the transition of district leadership from longtime superintendent Mark A. Murphy to Derek Varansky.

Murphy has served as superintendent since July 2005 and is the longest-serving superintendent in district history. Varansky will assume the role of superintendent July 1 on a per-diem basis, with his official three-year contract taking effect Aug. 1.

Varansky is a 2006 graduate of the district who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kent State University in education. He completed his doctor of education degree in November 2020. At Tuscarawas Valley, he has served the past 10 years as a fourth grade teacher, middle school dean of students, and most recently as director of curriculum, instruction and federal programs. He oversees the district’s 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant after-school program.

“The board’s goal is to ensure the long-term success of Tusky Valley through the effective and deliberate transition of district leadership,” said Amy Burrier, president of the board. “We want to make sure there is no interruption of services, and that we continue to provide high quality educational experiences for all students.”

As part of the transition, Murphy will remain a member of the district leadership team. In addition to serving as executive coach to Varansky in his first years as superintendent, Murphy will oversee all aspects of construction projects, district safety and emergency management plans, as well as capital improvements.

After 17 years as district superintendent, Murphy said he believes it is time to intentionally and strategically pass the leadership baton to his successor.

“It is time, and I am at peace with the adjustment knowing it is in the best interest for the future of the district,” Murphy said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed leading and serving our school district. Our Tusky Valley students, staff, families, and community are truly amazing. I have also been blessed with an outstanding, unified board of education throughout my entire superintendent career. It makes all the difference.”

Murphy also expressed the belief that Varansky is the best individual to assume the role of superintendent.

“Dr. Varansky is a natural fit for this position based on his leadership qualities and experience, understanding of district perspective, upstanding reputation, and his familiarity with the students and families of the TVLSD community," Murphy said  "I believe Derek will offer a fresh, new look and perspective, yet maintain our high expectations for excellence, and I will do all that I can to support him.”

“I’m extremely grateful and excited to assume the position of superintendent at Tusky Valley,” said Varansky. “The district has a stellar board of education, a strong leadership team, top-notch students and staff, and a generous and loving community. I couldn’t ask for a better place to live, work, and serve. I’m honored that the board of education has entrusted me with this position, and I look forward to working with them and Treasurer Mark Phillips in leading the district in continued excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts.”

Varansky's prior position has allowed him to become familiar with the district’s needs, goals, and plans for the next several years.

“Mr. Murphy and I have always worked closely in assessing district needs, and I have been a part of setting the district goals to ensure Tusky Valley remains a premier, high-performing district," Varansky said  "The plans are in place, and we are ready to hit the ground running.”

Varansky also praised Murphy.

“It has been an absolute blessing to work under Mark Murphy for the past ten years," he said. "While I was a teacher and then an administrator, his guidance and support never faltered. He always sees more in people than they see in themselves, a leadership trait I will carry on.  I’m excited that Mark will remain an integral part of the district, and I definitely think this transition shows the strength and unity of the Tusky Valley family.”

Murphy and his wife, Tammy, live in Bolivar with their two children, Emma, a freshman at Kent State University, and Aaron, a sophomore at Tusky Valley. Varansky and his wife Heidi live in the district with their two children, Malachi, a soon-to-be first grader at Tusky Valley, and Makenna, who will begin preschool this fall.

Open lLetter from TVLSD Superintendent Mark Murphy

June 23, 2022

When You Know It’s Time

I am fortunate and extremely blessed to have served as the superintendent of Tuscarawas Valley Local School District for the past 17 years. Our Board, administrative team, teachers, and staff are absolutely incredible, and I love the culture we have created together to educate and develop the strengths and potential of our students. Our students are hard working, caring, respectful, and kind. The backing of our families, businesses, booster organizations, and community help make Tusky Valley a high performing and very special school district. My wife, Tammy, and I remark all the time how grateful we are for our children to be educated here; this is our hope for all children in our community.

With a grateful heart and much excitement, it is time for me to hand over the leadership reins. In each of our lives, I believe there is a quiet nudging which lets us know, “it’s time.” For me, in terms of the superintendency, that time is now. Yet, I believe God still has much in store, not only for me, my career, and my family, but for the future of our school district.

I am pleased to welcome Dr. Derek Varansky as our new superintendent. Derek will do an outstanding job in this new role, and I’m excited for him and his family. He is young, intelligent, and energetic, and I believe he will bring a fresh voice, perspective, and vision for our school district while maintaining the high standards our students need and community expects.

What excites me the most about this transition is that I get to continue leading and serving in the district I love, just in a different role. I look forward to giving my undivided attention to the construction project, as well district safety, and capital improvement planning, amongst other responsibilities. I am also fully committed to serving as a mentor, guide, and coach to Dr. Varansky in his early years as superintendent.

The superintendency today is vastly different and much more challenging today than it was in 2005 when I started. Leading this type of work is hard, the stress is high, hours are long, and demands are relentless. Ironically, it is also one of the noblest and most rewarding careers a person could have.

I believe Dr. Varansky is up to the challenge and perfectly positioned for this transition to take our school district to the next level. I wish him the absolute best and I sincerely thank our Tusky Valley students, staff, and community for ALL that they have done to support me and our district these past 17 years.

It’s time …

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Varansky to replace Murphy as Tusky Valley schools superintendent