# data[].attributes.headline
Press Release for Statewide Furman Riley Institute Class Graduates

# data[].attributes.subject
Press Release for Statewide Furman Riley Institute Class Graduates

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Second Statewide Class Graduates From The Riley Institute’s Award-Winning Diversity Program | Greenville Business Magazine

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Participants join a network of more than 2,300 Riley Fellows across South Carolina

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Building the Bridge Between Strategic Plans and Federal Programs – Part 2

# data[].attributes.headline
Created & Managed LCSD Emergency Closure Student Assignment Site

# data[].attributes.subject
Created & Managed LCSD Emergency Closure Student Assignment Site

# data[].attributes.headline
Understanding Your Leadership Strengths Micro-credential 

# data[].attributes.subject
Understanding Your Leadership Strengths Micro-credential 

# data[].attributes.body
Gerard Edwards has earned the Understanding Your Leadership Strengths Micro-credential

# data[].attributes.headline
LHS Alumni Selected for Riley Fellows Program

# data[].attributes.subject
LHS Alumni Selected for Riley Fellows Program

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Dr. Gerard Edwards of the Lee County School District, Latta High School graduate, joins other distinguished leaders from across South Carolina to participate in the Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI), an award-winning program of Furman University's Riley Institute now in its 18th year.

Dr. Edwards is one of 45 individuals to be a part of the second statewide cohort in DLI history. Classes are typically organized by region, taking place in the Upstate, Midlands, and Lowcountry, but the need to transition to virtual programming as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic created the opportunity for broader convenings unrestrained by geography. "While this difficult moment in history is one marked by physical distance and isolation, we must rise as one South Carolina to meet the challenges our communities face," said Dr. Donald Gordon, executive director of the Riley Institute. "This statewide class will be equipped with the tools and perspectives needed to bring forth real-world solutions for social and economic divisions exacerbated by the pandemic."
DLI class members are selected through a rigorous application and interview process after being nominated by existing Riley Fellows. Participants are accepted based on their capacity to create impact within their organizations and communities. Dr. Edwards will take part in a highly interactive curriculum consisting of case studies, scenario analyses, and other experiential learning tools that maximize interaction and discussion among classmates and facilitate productive relationships. Working alongside classmates, Dr. Gerard Edwards will also develop a capstone project that raises awareness of community need.
DLI classes are facilitated by expert Juan Johnson, an independent consultant who was The Coca-Cola Company's first-ever vice president for diversity strategy.
"DLI is unique among South Carolina's leadership programs," Johnson said. "In addition to developing new relationships and affecting positive change in their communities, participants gain deep knowledge of how to effectively manage and lead diverse workers, clients, and constituents," Johnson said.
Graduates of DLI become Riley Fellows, members of a powerful cross-sector of South Carolinians that includes corporate CEOs, legislators, superintendents, religious and nonprofit heads, and business and community leaders.
"With more than 2,300 Riley Fellows statewide, each new class amplifies the impact of leaders willing to work together to make South Carolina a better place to live and work for all its residents," Gordon said. To see a full list of participants and for more information about the Diversity Leaders Initiative, visit riley.furman. edu/diversity.
*
About the Riley Institute at Furman University
Furman University's Richard W. Riley Institute broadens student and community perspectives about issues critical to South Carolina's progress.
It builds and engages present and future leaders, creates and shares data-supported information about the state's core challenges, and links the leadership body to sustainable solutions.
It is committed to nonpartisanship in all it does and to a rhetoric-free, facts-based approach to change. Learn more at riley.furman.edu.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Latta High School Alumni Selected As Riley Fellow

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dr. Gerard Edwards of the Lee County School District, Latta High School graduate, joins other distinguished leaders from across South Carolina to participate in the Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI), an award-winning program of Furman University's Riley Institute now in its 18th year.

# data[].attributes.body
Weekly Focus Words to Build Capacity

# data[].attributes.body
Monthly Induction Class presentations

# data[].attributes.headline
'Dream with our eyes open': Former S.C. Rep. Bakari Sellers visits Lee County students

# data[].attributes.subject
'Dream with our eyes open': Former S.C. Rep. Bakari Sellers visits Lee County students

# data[].attributes.body
Dr. Gerard Edwards orchestrated Bakari Sellers visit to LCSD

# data[].attributes.headline
Lee Central High School holds 2nd Martin Luther King Jr. oratorical contest

# data[].attributes.subject
Lee Central High School holds 2nd Martin Luther King Jr. oratorical contest

# data[].attributes.body
Dr. Gerard Edwards led MLK oratorical contest development

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

# data[].attributes.headline
Lee school district administrator selected to Riley Fellow program

# data[].attributes.subject
Lee school district administrator selected to Riley Fellow program

# data[].attributes.body
Article about Dr. Gerard Edwards' selection to Riley Fellow Program

# data[].attributes.headline
Speech to Elementary Students preparing for Testing

# data[].attributes.subject
Speech to Elementary Students preparing for Testing

# data[].attributes.headline
Created Logo and Instrumental in WHS SC License Tag

# data[].attributes.subject
Created Logo and Instrumental in WHS SC License Tag

# data[].attributes.headline
Induction into Latta High School Athletic Hall of Fame

# data[].attributes.subject
Induction into Latta High School Athletic Hall of Fame

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The new principal and head of school at Spartanburg Preparatory School hopes he can continue the success the school has built since its opening in 2009

The new principal and head of school at Spartanburg Preparatory School hopes he can continue the success the school has built since its opening in 2009

Gerard Edwards was named principal on June 28, becoming only the second person to serve as principal of the school, which is a member of the S.C. Public Charter School District. He replaced John von Rohr, who oversaw the school's opening and the start of the current $3 million,28,000-square-foot expansion.

"The opening caught my eye. I looked at the school's data and saw some great things going on," Edwards said. "I think by the board selecting me, I think they got a great person if I'm biased for myself."

Edwards comes to Spartanburg Prep with experience as a principal at both Alfred Rush Academy and Wilson High School in Florence County School District 1.

He also has roots in Spartanburg, having studied and played football at Wofford College.

In the mid-1990s, he was an assistant principal and football coach at Broome High School in Spartanburg School District 3 after starting his teaching career at Fairforest Middle School in District 6.

"I always joke my wife was the reason we left Spartanburg, because she got an administrative job in the Pee Dee, and I was real upset about leaving," he said. "But now, the way it comes full circle, the universe makes you come all the way back."

Edwards also has a personal connection to Spartanburg School District 7 Superintendent Russell Booker.

Booker saidEdwards' wife, a longtime friend, introduced him to his wife, Sheryl.

Community involvement will be a big part of Edwards' new role, Booker said. He said since Spartanburg Prep serves the entire county, Edwards has a lot to cover.

"I'm excited that he's coming back to Spartanburg," he said. "He's got high integrity on his end. He's great with people."

When Edwards' first academic year as principal starts, Spartanburg Prep will look much different.

Reorganizing and painting have been underway at the school for several weeks. In mid-July, many teachers were still waiting to organize their classrooms for the arrival of students.

The expansion, which should be completed by opening day on Aug. 15, will include a new gym, cafeteria and 10 additional classrooms for middle school-age students.

Since charter schools aren't given money by the state for facilities improvements and upgrades, the addition has been funded by the school.

Along with supervising ongoing construction, Edwards has been busy preparing for the school year.

"I've been meeting with teachers, trying to find out some things, and trying to get ahead of what's going on with our construction, because you know, we're trying to make sure we're meeting the deadline and ready for the 15th of August," he said.

John von Rohr, the school's first principal, said he hasn't been able to meet with Edwards yet. He retired at the end of the 2015-16 school year after helping the school get past concerns over finances and space.

Edwards said he hopes to continue the success von Rohr implemented at the school and to do that, he needs to be as close with faculty as possible.

"It goes back to the old adage, you don't want to assume. Talking to teachers, getting that data, I've done surveys on Google Docs. I can make a better-informed decision about what needs to be done," he said. "Those teachers have the ideas of what's successful and what they need. As an administrator, you need to listen to them."

The community surrounding Spartanburg Prep will also be key to helping direct Edwards' vision for the school, he said.

He said he sees a school that works with parents so they can learn not only what is available inside the school, but available in the community.

"We want to connect. We want to do a great job with communication with our staff and our community," he said. "From what I've learned in talking with teachers and parents and students, it's family. We're here to help parents and their kids be successful in education. We're a small school, but we have a family here."

Follow Zach Fox on Twitter @ZachFoxSHJ

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
New principal Gerard Edwards seeks to build on school's success

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The new principal and head of school at Spartanburg Preparatory School hopes he can continue the success the school has built since its opening in 2009 The new principal and head of school at Spartanburg Preparatory School hopes he can continue the success the school has built since its opening in 2009 Gerard Edwards was named principal on June 28, becoming only the second person to serve as principal of the school, which is a member of the S.C.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Gerard Edwards has been named principal ofSpartanburg Preparatory School,which is a member of the S.C. Public Charter School District.

Gerard Edwards has been named principal ofSpartanburg Preparatory School,which is a member of the S.C. Public Charter School District.

He began his new job Tuesday.

Edwards replaces John von Rohr, who had served as principal since the school opened in 2009 as Spartanburg Charter School. Von Rohr retired at the end of the school year.

"SPS has a fantastic reputation of high student achievement, rigorous standards and fantastic programs aligned for students' overall success," Edwards said in a statement. "I look forward to meeting students, parents, and the community, and leading Spartanburg Preparatory School."

A Wofford graduate, Edwards returns to the area with more than 20 years of education experience after working in Florence County.

He will be the principal whena $3 million, 28,000-square-foot addition opens in the fall.

The addition, approved in February 2015, will include a gym, cafeteria and 10 additional classrooms to house middle school students.

Students, parents and community members will be able to meet Edwards during a meet-and-greet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on July 14 at the Spartanburg County Headquarters Library.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Gerard Edwards named new principal of Spartanburg Prep School

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Gerard Edwards has been named principal ofSpartanburg Preparatory School,which is a member of the S.C. Public Charter School District. Gerard Edwards has been named principal ofSpartanburg Preparatory School,which is a member of the S.C. Public Charter School District. He began his new job Tuesday.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
HEMINGWAY, S.C. - Dr. Gerard Spencer Edwards is the new interim principal at Hemingway High School. He steps in following the death of former principal Woody Curtis.

Town officials and residents of surrounding communities joined parents, faculty and staff of Hemingway High School as Edwards assumed his duties in that position for his first day at the school on Thursday, Nov. 30.

Before accepting the coordinator of testing and assessment position at Williamsburg County School District, Edwards was the head of Spartanburg Preparatory School (SPS). The school serves students from Kindergarten through eighth grades and has an annual enrollment of more than 450 students.

Prior to SPS, Edwards served as principal at Alford Rush Academy in Florence County School District One. He was instrumental in revising the mission, vision and improvement of Alford Rush Academy. He orchestrated the revamping of school policies and student expectations. His efforts reduced the recidivism, a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior that plagued those students assigned to Florence County School District One alternative schools.

Passionate about kids and education, Edwards brings to his work a unique combination of education and experience. He began his career at Fairforest Middle School in Spartanburg District Six, where he taught seventh-grade mathematics. He has taught high school mathematics and coached a variety of sports on the middle and high school levels.

In 1999, Edwards became assistant principal at Darlington High School. In 2001, he was named principal of Johnson Middle School in Florence County School District Four. Edwards became principal of Wilson High School in the summer of 2005. During his seven-year tenure at Wilson High School, he implemented several successful initiatives which led to increasing student achievement and school success.

Among his accomplishments, Edwards was awarded the prestigious Inez M. Tenenbaum Award for his outstanding contributions to the professional learning community 2004. In 2007, he was named a charter member of the SCDE Education Leaders Fellow Program, which is a 10-month intensive professional development program for established and emerging leaders in education and related fields.

Edwards received his bachelor's degree in mathematics from Wofford College in 1994. He earned his master's degree in education, administration and supervision from Winthrop University in 1999 and a doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2005.

Working on the computer at home and at the office is one thing Edwards said he enjoys. He is intrigued by internet technology. He said he loves athletics and relaxes after a busy day watching TV.

Edwards lives in Florence and has no plans to relocate. He changes his route from his home to school routinely because he loves studying the layout of the land and the changes of the foliage as the seasons dictate the differences in color. He said he finds the drive relaxing.

Above all, Edwards said he loves children and teachers. His loyalty to his students and teachers guides every decision that he makes as an administrator.

Edwards is married to Zenobia Edwards and they have one son who attends Clemson University.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Gerard Edwards is Hemingway High's new interim principal

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
HEMINGWAY, S.C. - Dr. Gerard Spencer Edwards is the new interim principal at Hemingway High School. He steps in following the death of former principal Woody Curtis. Town officials and residents of surrounding communities joined parents, faculty and staff of Hemingway High School as Edwards assumed his duties in that position for his first day at the school on Thursday, Nov.

# data[].attributes.body
FSD1 video documenting the creation of the Alfred Rush Academy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.entities[].name
VSB Florence Nightingale Elementary School

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.entities[].name
Outbreak Cathedral Ministry Elder Tremaine Rush

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Florence School Dist. 1 - Alfred Rush Academy

# data[].attributes.body
Video created by Dr. Edwards

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.entities[].name
Florence High School Digital Media Dept.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The mission of the Alfred Rush Academy is to provide a meaningful and measurable learning experience for students who have not been successful in traditional school settings.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Statewide Class II Full Class feature_Spring 2021_w.email