Dr. Melissa Gilbert Edwards has been selected as the new Superintendent of Neuse Charter School in Smithfield. Her first day on the job will be May 1st.
Dr. Edwards, a 19 year educator, was chosen after a rigorous national search led by the Neuse Charter School Board of Directors in consultation with Dr. Lee Bush, a prominent education consultant based out of Atlanta, GA. The candidate pool was extremely strong with a total of 49 applicants from 16 different states.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Neuse Charter family. I am eager to work alongside such a talented and committed group of educators to continue to strengthen the programs and offerings for the wonderful and deserving students of Neuse. The future is bright for NCS, and I’m honored to be a part of it,” Dr. Edwards said.
Dr. Edwards, who has Johnston County roots as a graduate of South Johnston High School, began her professional career as a middle school teacher, including time at Franklin Academy in Wake Forest and Thales Academy in Raleigh. In 2011, she transitioned to a middle and high school administrator at Thales Academy. Over the course of her eight years there, Dr. Edwards gained extensive experience in educational leadership, curriculum development and coordination, and talent management. She currently serves as Head of School at Fusion Academy which offers an innovative personalized learning environment.
Dr. Edwards has Bachelor of Science and Masters of Education degrees from NC State University and a Doctorate Degree in Education from Walden University. Additionally, she has earned National Board Certification, Mentor Certification, and an Education Specialist Degree in Teacher Leadership and School Administration.
Neuse Charter School Board of Directors Chair Dawn Dixon said, “This is an exciting time for Neuse Charter School. Dr. Edwards is a high caliber leader with hometown roots. That is a win for all of us and we’re confident that she will lead Neuse Charter School to new levels of academic excellence.”
