Kate Murphy, (Kearney Public Schools, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — Kearney Public Schools (KPS) announces the upcoming retirement of Kate Murphy, Director of the Bearcat Diner, who will conclude her role on June 30, 2024.
Murphy, a dedicated leader in food services for over a decade, joined KPS in 2007 and has since become an integral part of the district’s mission to provide nutritious meals to students. Throughout her tenure, she has led a team of 70 employees, managed 15 breakfast and lunch programs across the district, and catered countless events for students, staff, and community members.
Reflecting on her time at KPS, Murphy shared, “It has been an honor to work alongside such a dedicated team. We’ve grown and adapted to meet the nutritional needs of our students, especially during challenging times. I am deeply grateful for the relationships I’ve built here and for the support of our incredible staff.”
Superintendent Jason Mundorf praised Murphy’s contributions, noting, “Kate Murphy has been an exceptional leader of the School Nutrition and lunch programs in KPS for many years. She is highly respected by her staff, and everyone in the district, as a hands-on, servant leader.
Her upbeat personality and laughter is infectious, and she is a fierce advocate for all students to have access to quality meals recognizing the vital role nutrition plays in learning and well-being. Her commitment to KPS and her focus on fostering a positive food service environment will be missed by all of us.”
Kate Murphy’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter for the Bearcat Diner and KPS’s food services program. Her legacy includes an enduring commitment to student health and wellness and a food services department that has become an essential part of the KPS experience.
