55° and Sunny
Image
Photo courtesy of Westwood Public Schools. Dr. John Murray is replacing Amy Davenport as principal of Westwood High School on July 1, 2026.
6-01-2026 1:43pm
Medway High School Principal Dr. John Murray Named New Westwood High School Principal
Darlene Cancell
Editor
Thanks to Westwood Public Schools for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.
On Monday, June 1, Westwood Public Schools (WPS) announced that Dr. John Murray, who has served as principal of Medway High School for eight years, will become the new principal of Westwood High School on July 1, replacing Amy Davenport, who after serving as WHS principal for six years will begin her new role as principal at Hopkinton High School on the same date.
At Medway High School, Dr. Murray has prided himself on “fostering a safe, supportive and academically challenging environment” and has expanded equitable access to learning for almost 600 students, notes the WPS announcement.
Dr. Murray began his teaching career at Brockton High School before becoming an assistant principal in the Dedham and Lexington school systems. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bridgewater State University in 2001 and went on to obtain an M.A.T in History from BSU in 2005 before completing the School Administrator Licensure Program at BSU in 2006 and a Doctor of Education degree from Northeastern University in 2014.
“I am honored to join Westwood Public Schools as the next principal of Westwood High School,” Murray said. “Throughout the process, I was impressed by the pride, care, and commitment to excellence across the school community. I am excited to get to know the students, staff, and families of WHS and to help build on the outstanding work already happening across the school community.”
The WPS announcement states that Dr. Murray’s accomplishments at Medway High School include implementing new programs in English Language Arts and Mathematics and expanding access to rigorous coursework. He broadened access to Advanced Placement classes and developed a “Challenge by Choice” program, which allows students to take college preparatory electives at the honors level.
“I’m incredibly excited that Dr. Murray is joining our team in Westwood,” said WPS Superintendent Tim Piwowar. “His veteran leadership will be an asset to our team, and his experience in developing innovation pathways is in alignment with our strategic priority of ensuring authentic and relevant learning experiences for our students.”
