The Murfreesboro City School Board is proud to announce their intention to enter into a contract negotiation with Trey Duke as director of Murfreesboro City Schools, according to a press release. 

“The Board is confident that we have secured this leader in Duke,” said Board Chair Butch Campbell.  

Duke (below) joined Murfreesboro City Schools in 2019 to coordinate the opening of Salem Elementary and to serve as principal. Duke previously served as the coordinator of Federal Programs and Response to Intervention with Rutherford County Schools. He had also served as the coordinator of Instructional Technology and RTI as well as a principal at Smyrna Elementary. 

Duke holds a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Middle Tennessee State University and is anticipated to receive his docorate in education in Assessment, Learning, and School Improvement from MTSU this spring. Duke holds many awards including the Milken National Educator Award, RCS Supervisor of the Year and TNTESOL Administrator of the Year. Duke currently serves as an Innovations in Assessment Core Team Member for the Tennessee Department of Education. 

The board use the Tennessee School Board Association to hold nationwide search process. TSBA met with community members, staff and the MCS School Board to determine the criteria for a successful candidate for Murfreesboro City Schools and presented five candidates at the Murfreesboro City School Board meeting in December. While observing COVID protocols, the board interviewed all five candidates. The interviews were available for staff members and community to view on City TV and online on YouTube. 

“Thank you to the many members of our community who participated in our zoom meetings, watched the interviews and provided valued feedback to our board members,” Campbell said. “Your thoughtful feedback helped the board determine that Duke’s leadership, experience, and abilities were the right fit for Murfreesboro City Schools.” 

“While we continue to mourn the loss of Dr. Linda Gilbert; the Board is optimistic that Duke can begin a new chapter for Murfreesboro City Schools. We look forward to the opportunity to work with Duke in the future,” Campbell said.