Edward Kelly, Longtime Pr. William Schools Chief, Dies

"It leaves a tremendous amount of discretion and leaves room for a tremendous amount of waste," she said.

"Unfortunately, it's going to be something that principals are reluctant to give up now that they've had a taste of it."

The Prince William Education Association also had its differences with Kelly, mostly over such routinely debated issues as salaries, said Megan Link, the group's president.

But the group gave Kelly an award last year for his years of service. "I don't think anyone could dispute that his primary interest and concern was for the students," she said.

In addition to his wife, Kelly is survived by four children, Kristen Kelly of San Francisco, Shannon Kelly of Washington, Peter Kelly of Alexandria and John "Jack" Kelly of Charleston, S.C.; and four siblings, Patricia Reed of Webster Groves, Mo., Charles Kelly of Kirkwood, Joseph Kelly of Kansas City and Michael Kelly of Atlanta. Two siblings, Jack Kelly and Rosemarie Smith, died earlier.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. tomorrow and from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at Mount Castle Funeral Home in Dale City. The funeral will be at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Triangle.

Staff writer Ian Shapira contributed to this report.