Transformational leader and Superintendent at Marion

Teacher

Administrator at Muncie

Stephen L. Edwards served four years as superintendent of Marion Community Schools, and during that time spearheaded reforms that have changed the trajectory of the school system, from one that was on the brink of possible state takeover of some of its schools to one that is earning statewide and even national attention for its successes.
His focus on data-driven decision making pushed educators and administrators at every level of the school system toward greater accountability and greater success. And because of that, students have more opportunity for greater success.
During Edwards’ tenure, what had been a tense relationship between the teachers and the central administration was transformed into a great working relationship. Many describe the changes throughout the school system as a complete culture shift.
Contributions and participation from the community also grew, with several advisory committees giving parents opportunity to help guide how the school system is run.
And the data – from a skyrocketing graduation rate to greater student success on tests to more college credits earned – proved that the changes were having a real impact on students at Marion Community Schools.
It is because of his innovative leadership of Marion Community Schools that Edwards – despite not being an alumnus of Marion High School – is an honorary inductee into the MHS Hall of Distinction.
Before becoming superintendent of Marion Community Schools, Edwards served for 11 years as assistant superintendent for instruction for Muncie Community Schools in Muncie, Ind. Prior to that, he held several other leadership positions within Muncie Community Schools, serving as director of adult and community education and recreation, coordinator of district-wide athletic programs, and assistant principal at Muncie Central High School.
He began his education career as a teacher and coach at North Vermillion High School in Cayuga, Ind., in 1969. In 1974, he started working for Muncie Community Schools as a teacher and track and cross- country coach at Muncie Northside High School, where he later served as athletic director and then assistant principal.
Edwards has been presented with numerous awards, including Delaware County’s Outstanding Educator award given by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce in 2007; the Chairman’s Award given by the Marion-Grant County Chamber of Commerce in 2011; and the LaRita Gibbs-Boren Faithful Servant Award by Prevent Child Abuse Grant County in 2012.
He was inducted into the Indiana Association of Track and Cross-Country Coaches’ Hall of Fame in 2012, and served as the head coach for the Indiana High School All-Star Track Team for the 1979 Midwest Meet of Champions. He earned two varsity letters in track and field and two varsity letters in cross- country from Butler University, from which he also earned a bachelor’s degree in 1969 and a master’s degree in 1973.
He also earned a specialist in education degree from Ball State University in 1987.
He served as the state president for the Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education during the 1996-97 school year, and has served with various organizations, including the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents; the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development; and The Horace Mann League of the USA; and serves as a board member for several organizations, including the Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame; the Marion-Grant County Chamber of Commerce; Grant-Blackford Mental Health, Inc.; and Project Leadership in Grant County.