Director of Schools Dr. Charles Edmonds to Resign

Following several years at the helm of the Jefferson County Department of Education, and with time still left on his contract, Dr. Charles Edmonds announced that he is resigning his position as Director of Schools as of the end of the calendar year. Late last week, Director Edmonds confirmed that he was, indeed, leaving the Jefferson County School System and that he had informed his staff and the School Board of that decision. Director Edmonds said that it was not a decision that was made lightly and it was with regret that he turned in his resignation. Recently, Edmonds has encountered some health issues that required some time off for recovery. Though the Director has returned to his regular work schedule, the decision to resign early came on the heels of those recent medical issues.

Edmonds took leadership of Jefferson County Schools seven years ago, and there have been many changes in his tenure as the Director of Jefferson County Schools. Most notable, for many, are the building programs that have been completed under his direction. Jefferson County added two schools, removed the majority of portable classrooms, renovated Jefferson County High School, and is in the process of renovating White Pine School. If it seems like there has been an ongoing project for the majority of Edmond’s career at Jefferson County, that’s because there has been. A life long educator, Director Edmonds would most likely point to academic accomplishments as his greatest contribution in Jefferson County, but it is certain that his legacy will also be the structural improvement that students and staff now enjoy.

While seven years may not be that long in an education career that spans nearly five decades, it is a significant amount of time spent in a County that, prior to Edmonds, had a revolving door of Directors in the Department of Education. With Edmonds’ hire, the second decade in the new millennium found some consistency for Jefferson County education. Now, the search will begin to fill the, again, vacant position of Director of Schools in Jefferson County. Though Edmonds’ resignation was known at the time of last week’s School Board Work Session, it did not come up for discussion. If recent history is an indicator, the School Board will likely be looking for an interim director to fill Edmonds’ shoes when the students and staff return from Christmas Break. In the past, the School Board has relied on outside help in vetting candidates for the directorship, but it is unclear what this board will decide to do in regard to the search. What is clear is that Edmonds’ departure will leave a void that will have to be filled and it will be foremost on the minds of the School Board, and educators, as 2017 comes to a close.

Source: K. Depew, News Director