She has been with QCSD for 20 years, the last nine as assistant superintendent.
By Gary Weckselblatt
Quakertown Community School District Assistant Superintendent Nancianne Edwards has announced her retirement, effective June 30. Ms. Edwards has spent 20 years serving the district, the last nine in her current position, currently responsible for Principal Supervision and Building Administration, Human Resources, Safety, Strategic Planning, and Accountability.
Her announcement follows that of Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner, who on November 29 said he would be leaving QCSD at the end of the school year. The School Board is in the midst of a search for a new superintendent.
“I am truly proud of what we have been able to accomplish here in QCSD,” said Ms. Edwards. “Supporting others to challenge themselves to grow and learn every day has been the most rewarding work of my 30-year career in public education.”
Dr. Harner called Ms. Edwards’ leadership ability “transformative and has helped develop our principals into outstanding leaders in their own right. She helped transform the district’s culture from one of isolation to one of collaboration and teamwork. Her talents in all facets of school district leadership are matchless. Because of her brilliance, compassionate servant-style of leadership, integrity, and gift in written and verbal communication she has earned the respect of Quakertown staff and faculty, administrators, previous Boards, and the greater community.”
In addition to supervising principals, Ms. Edwards has been a leader in human resources and labor relations, administrative professional development, comprehensive planning, development of district goals and action planning, and school safety. She has also facilitated several parent committees on the topics of elementary redistricting, facilities, school start times and safety.
Ms. Edwards was named Principal Supervisor of the Year in 2019 by the Pennsylvania Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development. In 2016, she was named a Lehigh Valley Woman of Influence by the Lehigh Valley Business Journal.
She began her public education career in September 1993 as the assistant to the Director of Human Resources in the Neshaminy School District. She became Director of Human Resources in the Pennsbury School District in 1999, and was hired for the same role in Quakertown in September, 2003. She remained HR director until July 2014 when she was named Assistant Superintendent with the support of then School Board President Paul Stepanoff, who she described along with Dr. Harner as her “mentors in leadership development.”
QCSD principals appreciate what Ms. Edwards’ leadership has meant to them.
“Ms. Edwards has been an incredible mentor in my years as a principal, and I have grown personally and professionally under her leadership,” said Dr. Nicole Zuerblis, principal at Richland Elementary School. “She is committed to giving me and others a voice and has modeled how to lead with equity and grace, always in the best interest of students. I am forever grateful for my years with Ms. Edwards’ support and guidance.”
Eric Thompson, principal at Pfaff Elementary School, said “Without a doubt, she’s the smartest person in the district and has shown tremendous leadership to help us move things forward in a way to help our students and teachers.”
Dr. Jennifer Bubser, principal at Strayer Middle School, said when she was a first-year principal Ms. Edwards “really did keep me grounded and help me with some tough decisions. She’s very visible and trying to get a good gauge for what is going on. It’s nice to know that she’s listening, and always thinking about what’s best for the kids.”
Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529-2028 or [email protected].