eters Township
PETERS TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
76 PETERS TOWNSHIP
PETERS TOWNSHIP
SCHOOL DISTRICT
Dr. Jeannine French has announced her retirement.
Dr. Jeannine French Announces Retirement After 13 Years as Superintendent
At the start of the June 2025 Regular School Board meeting, Dr. Jeannine French announced that 2025-2026 would be her final year as Superintendent in Peters Township. She will retire on June 30, 2026. Dr. French expressed her gratitude for the tremendous support, guidance and encouragement the Board has given her over the years, and then transitioned to the business of the meeting.
The quiet announcement was made with the same humility, grace and lack of fanfare that has characterized her tenure at the helm of our District. And while Dr. French has never been one to seek the spotlight for herself, she has worked diligently to make sure that Peters Township students had the opportunity to shine.
Under Dr. French’ s guidance, the District has navigated challenges and celebrated remarkable achievements. From steering the schools through an unprecedented global pandemic, to overseeing the design and construction of our beautiful new High School and the renovation of the Middle School, her leadership has been defined by vision, collaboration, and a deep commitment to what matters most— our students.
Through it all, Dr. French has worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for every student, whether it was expanding access to Advanced Placement classes to ensure students were ready for college or promoting career training and opportunities for those following a different path. Peters Township is widely known as one of the highest-achieving districts in the region and the state— those results were achieved through a team Dr. French thoughtfully built and led for the past thirteen years.
As the District looks toward the future, it is a member of that team who will step up and continue that tradition for our schools. On September 22, following a comprehensive search process, the Peters Township Board of School Directors appointed Dr. Jennifer Murphy as the next Superintendent of Schools, effective at the start of the 2026 – 2027 school year. Dr. Murphy currently serves as Deputy Superintendent and will begin her new role following Dr. French’ s retirement.
Dr. Murphy has been a dedicated member of the District’ s leadership team since 2013, serving as both Assistant Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent. Prior to joining the District, she worked in the
Dr. Jennifer Murphy will move into the Superintendent position on July 1, 2026.
Pittsburgh Public Schools as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, bringing with her nearly three decades of experience in education. Her collaborative, student-centered approach has earned her the respect of colleagues, families, and the Board alike.
“ Dr. Murphy is a proven, student-centered leader whose thorough knowledge of our schools and community will ensure a smooth and successful transition,” said Rebecca Bowman, President of the Board of School Directors.“ Her record of partnership with families, staff, and administrators, built over more than a decade in Peters Township, positions the District to build on our strengths and reach new goals.”
Board member Alex O’ Neill praised Dr. Murphy for standing out in a distinguished field of candidates.“ I believe Dr. Murphy will be able to not only maintain the success that this District has accomplished, but also be able to find ways to improve upon what is currently in place and seek incremental gains that will benefit our district as we move forward,” O ' Neill said.
Dr. Murphy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue leading in Peters Township.
“ I am honored by the Board’ s decision and excited to continue serving the Peters Township community,” she said.“ Working alongside our dedicated leadership team, talented educators, and supportive families, I look forward to advancing our shared commitment to keeping students and classrooms at the heart of all we do. I am especially grateful to Dr. French for her leadership and mentorship, and I will work closely with her to ensure a seamless transition.”