Lawrence Schools Superintendent To Retire From District

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ — Lawrence Township Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Crystal Edwards is leaving the district and will take the same position in the Lynchburg City School District in Lynchburg, Virginia, the Lawrence School District announced.

Edwards submitted her retirement intent to Lawrence Township Public Schools Board of Education President Kevin Van Hise on Dec. 20, and the full board will consider a resolution to accept her retirement at the Jan. 10, 2018 meeting. Her contract was due to expire June 30, 2020. She served in the position since 2011.

The Lynchburg City School District consists of 11 elementary, three middle and two high schools.

Edwards began her tenure in Lawrence in March 2006 as the Assistant Superintendent over instructional services. She assumed her Lawrence leadership role as Superintendent in September 2011, replacing Philip Meara who retired.

During Edwards’ tenure as Assistant Superintendent, she and her administrative team wrote the Talent 21 federal grant of $1.2 million that provided the 1:1 mobile initiative of supplying a chromebook to every student in, at that time, grades 6-8. Since the grant’s inception in 2010, the district has gradually added grade levels so that currently, all students in grades 6-12 have a chromebook for use in school and at home.

Edwards led the drafting and finalization of the district’s current five-year strategic plan that runs until 2020. Athletic and special education strategic plans were incorporated into the district’s final plan.

As New Jersey’s Department of Education (NJDOE) required revamping of all districts’ evaluative measures, Edwards led discussions and ultimately developed structured protocols and rubrics for staff evaluations. At first, it was for principals, supervisors, and central office administrators. It then expanded to include teachers and other certificated staff. Finally, non-certificated staff were added.

Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey during Edwards’ tenure, and she led the district’s response and recovery efforts. As Lawrence High School regained electrical power, the district opened the building for residents still without power to recharge electronic devices, have a warm shower, and get a bite to eat. Edwards negotiated with the Lawrence Township Education Association for how staff and students made up missed days during the storm.

Edwards realizes the importance of communication and authentic conversations and values her relationships with staff, parents, and the community. She has led annual Community Conversations in which the district shares current happenings and solicits feedback from the community. She uses social media as additional ways to share district stories and to connect with others.

A character education thread runs throughout the district and resulted in Lawrence being named a National District of Character in 2014. Edwards recently began an Equity initiative, and #KindnessMatters is this year’s theme. She has presented on character, equity, and diversity as well as educational leadership topics.
Edwards led the district’s branding efforts including adopting a district logo and creating a tagline: Lead, Achieve, Succeed.

The NJDOE monitors districts and requires them to undergo a Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC) review every three years. All reviews under Edwards’ leadership have been positive.

Edwards was involved in initial discussions with the community about its desire to have artificial turf athletic fields. She led multi-year planning efforts that led to Lawrence recently opening a turf stadium field with lights and a second turf field.

Edwards was instrumental in the district’s involvement with Sustainable Schools for Jersey (SSJ). She established a district Green Team and registered the district with SSJ. In 2017, and after an extensive process, all seven schools earned SSJ bronze certification. Additionally, Lawrence received the Sustainability Makes $ense Award, the only New Jersey district to earn this distinction, for the solar initiative that has reaped revenue for the district and as a result, savings for Lawrence residents.

When the NJDOE changed state testing to the PARCC test, Edwards oversaw implementation within the district. During Edwards’ tenure, she has filled key central office and school leadership positions. Edwards presides over the New Jersey School Development Council’s Executive Committee. She sits on the National Association of Educational Progress (NAEP) Science Committee and helps develop testing.

In a career spanning 31 years, Edwards has worked as a teacher, coach, supervisor, assistant superintendent, and superintendent in New Jersey. She serves on and/or leads multiple education-related committees, is an active member of a multitude of education-centered associations, and is frequently sought to present at local, state, national or international conferences. Edwards holds a masters degree in chemistry from Rutgers University and a doctorate in education leadership, management, and policy from Seton Hall University.

Edwards is married and has five children.

The attached image of Dr. Crystal Edwards was provided by the Lawrence Township Public School District