Edward L. Kelly, who helped transform a Virginia school district from its rural roots to one of the largest and fastest-growing districts in the state during his nearly two decades as its superintendent, died Jan. 5 from medical complications after a fall at his home. He was 63. During his last three years at the helm of the 66,000-student Prince William County district, he had battled a series of health problems, including a brain tumor.
His 18-year tenure at the suburban Washington district was the longest in the metropolitan area, and among the longest in the state. He retired last June.
Previously the superintendent of the Little Rock, Ark., school district, from 1982 to 1987, Mr. Kelly steered the Prince William County schools to a site-based-management system. He also created specialty programs that allow parents to move their children between schools, without regard to boundaries, to take advantage of enrichment programs.
