Murdock Middle School

Dr. Paul Curtis, Principal

Dr. Paul Curtis proudly serves as the Principal of Murdock Middle School in Charlotte County, Florida. With a deep-rooted commitment to student achievement and community engagement for more than 20 years, Dr. Curtis brings over a decade of experience in educational leadership, instruction, and student advocacy to his role.

Dr. Curtis brings a wealth of experience in education and leadership to his new role. He holds dual Doctoral Degrees, a Specialist in Educational Leadership, a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Criminology, and Public Administration from Florida State University. With over two decades of experience in educational administration, Dr. Curtis has held leadership roles in both middle and high schools. Most recently, he has served as Assistant Principal at Port Charlotte Middle School, overseeing curriculum and instruction, professional development, and testing coordinator. His previous experience includes serving as Assistant Principal at Port Charlotte High School and Desoto High School.

His dedication to student success extends to his time as Principal and Director of Louisiana Regional Schools, where he led curriculum development and instructional improvement across multiple districts. Additionally, Dr. Curtis is a published author, recognized for his research on the impact of professional development and communication in education. His leadership experience is further enriched by his 6 years of honorable service in the United States Army, where he developed strong skills in discipline, mentorship, and organizational management.

His leadership has played a pivotal role in improving academic performance, fostering inclusive environments, and building strong community-school partnerships.

As Principal of Murdock Middle School, Dr. Curtis is focused on advancing academic excellence, expanding student opportunities, and empowering teachers through cultural and professional growth.

Dr. Curtis is deeply committed to ensuring that ALL Students at Murdock Middle School is prepared for lifelong success, possess high expectations, and guided by the belief that excellence is not an act, but a habit.

Ms. Matina Pulliam, Assistant Principal

Matina Pulliam has been a part of Charlotte County Public Schools for the past nineteen years. She began her career at Meadow Park Elementary, later moved to Murdock Middle School, and went on to serve as Dean at Port Charlotte High School. For the past three years, Ms. Pulliam has served as the Assistant Principal of Discipline at L.A. Ainger Middle School.

Matina grew up in New York but moved to the Port Charlotte area in 1986. She graduated from Port Charlotte High School and went on to work full time for United Airlines while earning Bachelor’s Degrees in both Psychology and Criminology. After retiring from United Airlines in 2006, she began her career in education. She is a four-time Teacher of the Year finalist and a Florida Council for the Social Studies (FCSS) Social Studies Teacher of the Year.

Matina holds certifications in K–6 General Education, 6–12 Social Sciences, and Exceptional Student Education (K–12), and is endorsed in Reading, Gifted Education, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). She earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education in 2022.

Matina is the proud mother of three daughters who play a very important role in her life. She enjoys going to the beach, reading, and—more than anything—spending time with her family and friends.