About Us

The Trenton Board of Education voted unanimously during the May 23 meeting to rename Columbus Elementary School. Effective Friday, July 1, 2022, Columbus Elementary School will be renamed Dr. Crosby Copeland Jr. Elementary School.

Dr. Crosby Copeland Copeland was born and raised in Trenton and attended Trenton Public Schools. Copeland served in the Army before dedicating himself to teaching. His teaching career consisted of many positions: an elementary teacher, a junior high physical education teacher, vice-principal of Jr. High School #2, principal of Parker Elementary and Junior High School #1, and principal of TCHS. He later served as the superintendent of Trenton Public Schools for eight years. He was recognized statewide for presenting public testimony to local, state, and national educational groups, commissions, and legislative committees regarding issues related to urban education; equity of resources, funding, students at risk, and drop-out prevention. He passed away on Feb. 9, 2021.

Dr. Crosby Copeland Jr. extended himself above and beyond for Trenton Public Schools and the City of Trenton.