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Stewarding Excellence with Faith

Providing guidance, governance, and strategic oversight in partnership with Andrews University and Pioneer Memorial Church.

The Andrews University Board of Trustees has delegated to the Operating Board of the Ruth Murdoch Elementary School the authority to make decisions and to formulate and recommend policies to the Andrews University Board of Trustees in all areas pertaining to the operation of the school in accordance with the Andrews University Working Policy and the K-8 educational codes of the Michigan and the Lake Union Conferences and the North American Division.

All matters presented to the Andrews University Board of Trustees for action, shall require the prior approval of the Operating Board of the Ruth Murdoch Elementary School.

The board consists of 19 Seventh-day Adventist members—up to 9 elected from Pioneer Memorial Church and several appointed by Andrews University to represent parents and the School of Education.

Operating Board Chairperson

Glynis Bradfield, Director of Adult Degree Completion and Online Student Services, School of Distance Education, Andrews University, serves as a liaison between the Operating Board of the Ruth Murdoch Elementary School and the president of Andrews University in routine matters in her domain, and in matters relating to salaried staff and faculty, budget, and the Operating Board Organization and Working Policy that need action by the Andrews University Board of Trustees.

Operating Board Vice-Chairman

The Operating Board looks to Mr. Jeremy Hall, the Superintendent of Education for the Michigan Conference, for advisory educational leadership and for guidance on the denominational governing codes as prescribed by the Michigan and Lake Union Conference K-12 Boards. Mr. Hall serves as a liaison between Ruth Murdoch Elementary School and the Michigan and Lake Union Conferences with respect to appropriate denominational educational matters and procedures for cooperation. He has the same educational advisory responsibilities and duties towards the Ruth Murdoch Elementary School as for other conference schools.

K-8 Representative (Michigan Conference)

Charlotte serves as Associate Superintendent of Schools. She began her teaching career in both the intercity and rural contexts within the public-school settings in Southern Illinois before joining the Michigan Conference at Grand Rapids Adventist Academy where she taught in a multigrade classroom before serving as principal. Growing up, she attended a one-room SDA elementary school through the eighth grade in northern Michigan. She received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois University and a graduate level K-12 special education teaching certificate from McKendree University. Charlotte is an SDA commissioned educator who maintains teacher certification by the North American Division and the State of Michigan. Charlotte and her husband Derek have two daughters, Elizabeth and Victoria. The Michigan Conference is blessed to have her as part of the team.

Operating Board Secretary

Dr. Evelyn P. Savory, Ruth Murdoch Elementary School principal, is responsible to the Operating Board. She performs the administrative functions for the internal operation of the school program. She also serves as a link between the Operating Board and the vice president for academic administration for routine matters in his domain and for items pertaining to staff, faculty and budget. She confers regularly with the Board Chair regarding matters relating to the internal administration of the school.

The early years of education shape more than just school readiness—they shape identity, confidence, and a lifelong approach to learning. At Ruth Murdoch Elementary School, we recognize that what happens in these formative years lays the groundwork for how a child thinks, relates, and thrives. Here, education is more than academics. It’s the cultivation of curiosity, the strengthening of resilience, and the daily experience of being seen and supported. In classrooms filled with purpose and encouragement, students begin to understand not just what they can achieve—but who they are in Christ.

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