Edwards has worked in Providence since October 2024 and was one of four potential successors identified in a recent report. The board interviewed three candidates on Saturday before selecting her. She could not be immediately reached for comment.

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Providence Public Schools, which returned to local control earlier this year after seven years of state takeover. While graduation rates increased and chronic absenteeism dropped significantly from pandemic-era highs during the takeover, the district has met only 10 of 43 goals set by the state, including just two of 22 academic goals. Roughly one in six students districtwide are achieving on grade level, with even lower results for English-language learners and special education students, and stark disparities persist.

Operational challenges also loom large. Teachers recently reported heat and safety issues at 13 schools, and the district faces a governance crisis: six of 10 school board members had called on Stephens to resign this school year, though the board appeared to back down after a three-hour closed-door session last month led to a commitment to redistribute responsibilities.

Edwards will also oversee the largest section of the city budget as new Mayor David Morales takes office. Among their future collaborations will be opening several new school buildings, as multiple construction projects are in the works. Morales issued a statement expressing full support for Edwards. "Dr. Edwards has my full support as she steps into this role, and my administration looks forward to closely working with her to make sure all our students across Providence receive the excellent public education they deserve," he said. "I'm grateful to our Providence School Board and community partners for leading this interim search process."