Lawrence Townships Says Goodbye to Dr. Edward Williams, Retiring after 24 Years of Service

The Lawrence Township School Board reluctantly approved the retirement of Dr. Edward Williams on March 24th.  Dr. Williams will conclude 43 stellar years of service in education on June 30, 2008.

Dr. Williams received his Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Joseph’s College in 1965, Master of Science degree from IU in 1970, Doctor of Education degree from IU in 1976, and Post Doctoral study from Ball State in 1978. Dr. Williams began his career in education as an English teacher in Illinois in 1965.  His first administrative position came in 1970 as the Assistant Principal of Highland Junior High School in Indiana.  Within the next 14 years he held administrative positions throughout Indiana including Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent of Rochester Community Schools.

Dr. Williams started his career with Lawrence Township Schools as Assistant Superintendent for Planning and Operations in 1984.  In total, he has been with the district for 24 dedicated years.  In addition he served as Acting Superintendent for our district during a search for a new Superintendent in 1996-97.

In Lawrence Township, Dr. Williams has been instrumental in the construction of the 4 Early Learning Centers, several new school buildings, and the major renovations of central office, both High Schools, and Belzer Middle School.  Dr. Williams has an incredible calmness about him and is a faith-filled person.  His calming demeanor combined his extensive years of experience has given him the skills to handle so many different situations and challenges in education so eloquently.   Dr. Nikki Woodson, Lawrence Township Director affectionately states, “With the history and experiences that Dr. Williams has been a part of within Lawrence Township for the past 24 years, he is like a walking encyclopedia for our district!”

Within the educational community Dr. Williams is known as a mentor, constant teacher and thoughtful decision maker.   His leadership style encourages others to perform their own jobs better, maintain professionalism and continue to seek more knowledge.  Larry Hanni has said, “When you have a conversation with Dr. Williams and he has asked for something, you walk away with the sense that ‘of course you will do this’. . .you can’t disappoint Dr. Williams.  If he asks it, no matter how difficult, I will do it.”

Dr. William’s wife, Bonnie Williams, is a nurse at Community East Hospital. She plans to continue working for a few more years.  Ed and Bonnie have six children:  a set of twin boys, another son, and three daughters.  They are the proud grandparents of 11 grandchildren. In retirement, he plans to spend time in his yard (he is a master gardener), do some consulting work, and spend more time with his children and grandchildren.

Dr. Williams has been a wonderful support and resource to Lawrence Township for 24 years and we celebrate his well deserved retirement!  Dr. Copper, Superintendent of Lawrence Township Schools states, “Ed Williams encompasses the positive dispositions and character traits so necessary in public work today.  The students, parents, staff and community of Lawrence will remain indebted to his many personal and professional contributions and we all will remain forever grateful.”  The Lawrence Township community wishes him the best in this new chapter of his life.

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