When Rashida Edwards took over as principal at Beltsville Academy on Aug. 2, she did not have much time to waste. While most Prince George's County principals were in place by July 1, she was selected after an extended search that gave her just three weeks to prepare for Monday's start of classes.

"I'm feeling very behind the eight ball, but the luxury is that I have a very competent, experienced, enthusiastic administrative team," said Edwards, who comes to Beltsville after a year as resident principal at Doswell E. Brooks Elementary in Capitol Heights. "In this role, I can not only be an advocate for students, which I've always been, but now I can also be an advocate for teachers."

Edwards, who lives in Capitol Heights, said she plans to build strong relationships at the K-8 school, which could prevent conflict similar to last year, when first-year principal Ingrid Reynolds-Lawson clashed with many teachers and parents who alleged she berated staff members and was unwelcoming toward parents.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Edwards began teaching in 2001 and worked in Arlington County, Va., public schools until 2009. She said she plans to work closely with teachers, study test data to improve student performance and implement new programs like student government and service-learning partnerships with local businesses and community groups.

"I found her warm and inviting and willing to sit down and listen," said Beltsville PTA president Andrew Hammond, who met with Edwards and several other principal candidates. "I'm anticipating a year of improved communication between staff, administration and parents."

Despite last year's turmoil, Beltsville students continued to excel academically, as the school's scores were among the highest in the county on the federally mandated Maryland School Assessment.

At Beltsville, 88.2 percent of students tested proficient or better in math and 87.7 percent did the same in reading. The figures were well above the county averages of 66.5 percent and 75.6 percent, and even surpassed state averages of 79.5 percent and 84.8 percent.

"Our vision is to make sure that 100 percent of our students exceed proficiency standards," Edwards said. "I just love teaching — just the joy of that ‘a-ha' moment when a child understands something for the first time. That's priceless to me."

Brooks Elementary principal Anita Stoddard said that during their year together, Edwards frequently reached out to parents and was organized and knowledgeable.

"She is a strong leader and when she needs to speak out, she will. And what she will say will be profound," Stoddard said. "On the days and weeks where she ran this building, she ran it with ease, and I'm sure that will continue at Beltsville."