Kearney Public Schools Superintendent Kent Edwards to retire

KEARNEY, Neb. (KSNB) - Kearney Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Kent Edwards, has announced that he will retire at the end of this school year. Edwards has been superintendent in Kearney Public Schools for the past six years following a lengthy administrative career in both Georgia and Nebraska.

“It will be a fitting end to a career I loved,” said Edwards. “I started my educational career in Kearney as a student teacher, returned as an Assistant Principal, and am honored to have served here as Superintendent. While these past two years in education have been some of the most challenging as we worked through the pandemic, that was not an overwhelming factor in my decision to retire. I look forward to new challenges and also spending more time with my children and grandchildren in Georgia.”

During his tenure as Superintendent, Dr. Edwards administered the implementation of many successful initiatives that include:

District Strategic Plan
1:1 Technology Initiative
Hanny Arram Center for Success
Tri-City Education Alliance
ASCEND Program
District Rebranding
Restructuring the KPS Administrative Team
Onboarding and leading many new principals at all levels
Monitoring building improvements at every KPS school

“Its almost surreal, its a unique experience. I mean I think you always project when that may or when a season may change in your life this is certainly one for me,” Edwards said. “So excited for it, obviously somewhat nostalgic given the number of times given the number of times and the roles I have played in Kearney Public schools.”

KPS Board of Education members commended Dr. Edwards for his visionary leadership and ability to build a strong culture of collaboration focused on shared, specific goals.

“I think when I look back at the last six years, it will probably the investment in the talent leadership cadre of leaders that serve the students and families of Kearney,” Edwards said. “We had a large number of new leaders come into the district. And I think the legacy will be how well they serve going forward.”

Edwards started his education career in Kearney attending Kearney State College and spent time at Kearney High School as a student-teacher. After a teaching and high school principal career in Elgin, he returned to KHS and served as KHS assistant principal from 1992-1995. He served as a Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and principal in Carrollton, Georgia before returning to Kearney.

Edwards earned his Ed.D in Education Leadership from NOVA Southeastern University in Florida following two earned degrees from the University of Nebraska-Kearney including a Master of Arts in Educational Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Education.

Kent and his wife Janine have been married since 1982. They have two sons who currently reside in Georgia. Dr. Edwards is looking forward to spending more time with his family during his retirement but will continue to be involved in furthering educational opportunities for children.