Administrators
Jamin McKenzie
The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go. Dr. Seuss
Hello, my name is Jamin McKenzie. I am honored to be serving the Murray community as the principal. St. Paul and the Murray community have created a long standing tradition of excellence and opportunity at Murray that I hope to continue to share with every student that walks through our doors.
This will be my 23rd year in St. Paul Public Schools. I served 11 years teaching middle school science at Battle Creek Middle school on the east side and then accepted an administrative position at Murray Middle school, which brings me to my twelfth year in this community. Throughout the years, I have been very fortunate to learn from exceptional leaders, colleagues, families and students. I am very lucky to be a part of an organization that so deeply supports its students and staff in growing toward success for all.
My family consists of my amazing wife, Lisa, and our twin children, Jadon and Belle. When not in school, I enjoy supporting my kids with sports, spending time with my family, fishing, golfing and pursuing a passion for cars.
I am excited to get to know and work with our families and students as we continue our commitment in ensuring that all students are challenged and inspired to reach their full potential. I thank you for sharing your children with our Murray community and look forward to seeing them learn and grow over their time here.
Welcome to everyone and....Go Pilots!
Principal Jamin McKenzie
Assistant Principals
Soraya Folley
Hello, my name is Soraya Folley, and my journey with SPPS started in 2013. I taught French Immersion social studies and French language at Hidden River Middle School for seven years. I also had the chance to witness firsthand the great work that the Office of College and Career Readiness is doing to prepare SPPS students for life after high school through the Career Pathways initiative. When the Early Childhood Hubs were launched, I had the privilege to work as an administrator alongside an amazing team whose mission is to prepare our young learners for their K-12 experience. Most recently, I taught ELL at Washington Tech. High School.
I have a BA in French from the University of Algiers, and I am a proud Saint Cloud State University alumnus with a MA in Teaching English as a Second Language and a K-12 Principal license.
I was born and raised in Algiers, Algeria, lived fifteen years in Paris, France, and now call Minnesota home after a move to the US in 2008. I am a parent to an amazing daughter who is studying in Barcelona, Spain, and needless to say that I never miss an opportunity to go see her when I get the chance.
I look forward to serving the Murray Community. I will serve Murray's students, staff, families, and stakeholders with the utmost respect, integrity, hard work, and unwavering commitment.
Ma'lene Walker
My name is Ma’lene Walker, and I am thrilled to join the Murray Middle School community!
My career in education spans more than 25 years, serving as an Elementary and Middle School Teacher, PBIS Intervention Specialist, Behavior Intervention Specialist, EDL Site Leader, Restorative Practices Program Coordinator, and Assistant Principal.
I am a proud product of Saint Paul Public Schools and the mother of three children who all attended school in the SPPS district. I am also the very proud grandmother to one wonderful grandson! Away from school, I enjoy fishing, soul line dancing, spending quality time with my family, and exploring new foods—I'm a self-proclaimed foodie who loves a great savory dish.
I maintain an open-door policy and look forward to building strong, positive relationships with our students, families, and the vibrant Murray community.