Kate Duncan Smith DAR School

Charles H. Edmonds Jr., a 1986 KDS graduate, joined the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School staff as the Executive Director on January 1, 2005. He is the oldest of the seven children of Dr. Charles and Bobbie Edmonds. His father and all six of his brothers and sisters are graduates of KDS. Dr. Edmonds is a former KDS School Administrator from 1975 to 1979.

Charles holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Athens State University, a certificate in driver education from Jacksonville State University, a Master of Science degree in School Administration from Jacksonville State University, an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama, and is nearing completion of an Educational Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Alabama.

His 18 year education experience in the field of education has solely been dedicated to the KDS DAR School. His experience at KDS include teacher of Physical Education at the elementary and middle schools for seven years, teacher of Alabama History, world history, and driver education at the high school for two years, and basketball and baseball coach at the middle and high schools for three years.  Mr. Edmonds served as High School Assistant Principal for one year and held the position of High School Principal for five years. Mr. Edmonds is married to the former Shirley Evett, a 1988 KDS graduate. Shirley teaches social studies at KDS Middle School. They have three children: twins, Maston and McKayla, age 13, both 8th grade students at KDS DAR Middle School and Madison, age 12, a 6th grade student also at the middle school. They reside on campus in the Alabama Nell Fallaw Cottage.  Charles has enjoyed living on the KDS campus for 30 years.

  The following statement was provided by Mr. Edmonds:

“As a life-long resident of the community, I am fully aware of the unique relationship that exists between the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School and the residents of Gunter Mountain. My ties to the school run deep within the tremendous heritage and tradition that exists for this wonderful DAR School. From grandmothers who were KDS graduates in 1933 and 1939 to my own three children that attend KDS, I have a unique perspective of the school and what has been accomplished over the last 84 years. I firmly believe that we have one of the finest schools that the educational system has to offer. The dedication and commitment of time, love, effort and financial assistance are what the very foundation of this school is based upon. It is important that we maintain the vision of the Alabama Daughters by sustaining our heritage and patriotism through our unique tradition while providing a guiding hand while we face the challenges of a new century and a new era. To lead the school as the Executive Director as we preserve our history and look to the future is certainly a dream come true. We are so fortunate that the DAR has aspired to provide us with our ‘Gem on Gunter Mountain’, our blessed KDS DAR School.”