The Greater Eldridge Park Neighborhood Association is set to present its fourth annual Woman Award, and this year’s honoree is outgoing Superintendent of Lawrence Township Public Schools Crystal Edwards.
Edwards will be honored for educational achievement March 8, International Women’s Day.
Edwards began her tenure in Lawrence in March 2006 as the assistant superintendent of instructional services. She was named superintendent in September 2011, replacing Philip Meara.
Edwards has led annual community conversations in which the district shares current happenings as well as solicits feedback from the community. She uses social media as an additional way to share district stories and to connect with others.
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 saw the district open two turf fields, one equipped with lights.
Edwards was instrumental in the district’s involvement with Sustainable Schools for Jersey. 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, LTPS received the Sustainability Makes $ense Award—the only New Jersey district to earn this distinction.
Edwards holds a master’s degree in chemistry from Rutgers and a doctorate in education leadership, management and policy from Seton Hall.
Edwards recently retired and will move to Lynchburg, Virginia, where she will be the new superintend of Lynchburg City Schools, a district with eleven elementary, three middle and two high schools.
The recognition ceremony will be held at the Lawrence Nature Center Rinck House, 481 Drexel Ave., on March 8 at 5:30 p.m.
