REMEMBERING ED

Ed and I were colleagues in the same school district for three years. He was a high school principal and I was an elementary school principal, so we ran in different circles and were not close. Yet, I noticed some things about Ed that set him apart from his peers.

First, some background information is needed. Ed was brought to our district from another state to lead a high school which had three principals the previous school year. His mandate was to get order in the school so the students could achieve academically and socially. From what I gathered, he was doing a good job about it but he was hampered, much like I was, by often changing district directives and guidelines.

I am not sure what finally broke the bond between Ed and the district leaders. During his third year a student incident occurred in his school and the district held him directly responsible for it. His contract was not renewed and without tenure, another district position was not available to him. What bothered me personally was the open public disdain some district leaders had for Ed.

Ed moved back to his hometown in another state and became the elementary school principal in that district as well as the high school baseball coach. Eventually he was promoted to superintendent of the district. My thought was, “Good for him!” Then earlier this week I learned that last year Ed had suddenly died in his home at the age of 52. No cause was given for his passing, but the situation did not seem to be Covid-related.

So, what was it about Ed that made him stick out of the crowd for me? First, his demeaner was positive and friendly. Whenever Ed and I greeted one another, he was very cordial. Second, he had a quiet confidence. Not once in principal meetings we attended did I hear him brag about himself in any way. Third, he was an encourager. A year after Ed left the district I retired after receiving my own underserving treatment from district leaders. I wrote Ed and he was very empathic about my plight. Fourth and finally, Ed did not give up. He was an educator, and he remained an educator. I admired him for his persistence and perseverance in the wake of adversity.

People like Ed need to be remembered beyond their families and communities for their service. Thanks, Ed!