Dr. Lonnie Edwards announced Wednesday, June 29, just one day before his three-year contract was set to expire, that he’s calling it quits as chief of the second largest school district in Mississippi. “As of 5 p.m. tomorrow I’m done…I’m proud of the job that I’ve done in this district,” Edwards said. “I turned in a balanced budget Monday (June 27) as a final step in my three-year contract.”
In January of this year, the board of trustees for the Jackson Public Schools announced that they would not renew Edwards’ contract. “Contrary to perception, I had a great relationship with this board, in fact both boards that I’ve worked with while here, our relationship has been good,” an emotional Edwards told reporters. “I have no regrets in coming to Jackson, I’m a native Mississippian, so I understand the culture.”
Edwards went through a grueling eight-day hearing process, fighting to keep his job. The board is awaiting the hearing officer’s report to complete the final step in the process. Upon receipt of the report, the board has 30-days to make its decision. Still Edwards said he’s done. “I know how important it is to have someone in place July 1. I don’t want to be a distraction for the board,” Edwards said. “I want the board to be focused on improving the academic environment of the more than 30,000 students in this district.”
When asked what was next? Edwards replied “my family usually makes that decision for me. I plan to go back to Georgia and let them decide that but I will explore other options. I’m a veteran educator, I didn’t just start when I came here.”
Edwards, 63, came to the district in August 2008 and received low rated reviews during each review process. Because of this, Edwards was never given a raise during his tenure.
On Monday June 27, the board announced that they had selected former JPS Superintendent Dr. Jayne Sargent, as it’s interim chief. Sargent is set to begin Friday, July 1. Sargent served at the helm of the district from 1997-2002. She will hold the interim job for up to a year while the board searches for a permanent replacement.
Edwards acknowledged the support that he received from the community, elected officials and others. “I want to thank the mayor of Jackson, City Council President Frank Bluntson and Vice-President Charles Tillman for all of their support. When I came here I established relationships, and I was everywhere,” Edwards said.
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