Superintendent Update
February 7, 2025
Dear Bedford Public Schools Community,
I continue to appreciate the collaboration of town officials and community members as we work together to ensure our schools and all town departments are adequately resourced while maintaining our tradition of fiscal responsibility. In that spirit, the School Committee approved a reduction to the FY26 budget request (detailed below). This partnership is particularly important during a time of fast-moving change and uncertainty. Understandably, things can feel bleak (especially during an extended cold stretch of weather), but Spring is around the corner. If we support each other (get trained!), there is reason to hope! (And perhaps we can pick up positive momentum despite the cold like the Bucs boys hockey team!).
Best,
Cliff Chuang 莊 宏 毅
Superintendent, Bedford Public Schools
Pictured: "Last Try," a Scholastic Art Award gold key winning piece by BHS junior Kate Woo, which reminds us to persevere, even when things feel hopeless. You can read more about her piece and other winners below.
- February: Black History Month
- February 3-7: National School Counseling Week
- February 11: School Committee Meeting
- February 13: Early Dismissal for Lane & Davis Schools ONLY
- February 17: President's Day - No School
- February 18-21: Winter Break - No School
- February 25: 6:00pm BHS Cafe & Gym - Black History Month Celebration
- February 28: 7:00-8:00 PM at BHS Auditorium: Bystander of Upstander - Where do you stand? Workshop
- March 4: 6:30-8:30 PM at BHS Auditorium: Future First Years Night - BHS Class of 2029
At the school committee meeting on Monday, February 3rd the board voted unanimously to approve the revised FY26 operating budget of $52, 090,425, which represents a 5% increase from FY25 (vs. the originally approved 5.6% increase), while maintaining core services. The next school committee meeting is on February 11th. Topics for that meeting include continued discussion of healthy hours for school, a policy propose for establishing Bedford's Competency Determination for graduation now that passing MCAS is no longer required, and a recommendation for the appointment of an Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, in addition to other leadership selection updates. The full agenda, schedule, and supporting materials can always be found at School Committee - Meeting Schedule & Supporting Documents.
This week, we recognize the incredible work of our school counselors, who provide steady support to our students, staff, and families every day. Whether they’re guiding students through academic challenges, offering a listening ear, or helping navigate social-emotional growth, their impact is felt across our schools in ways big and small. School counselors wear many hats—problem-solvers, crisis managers, cheerleaders, and trusted confidants—all while keeping our schools a welcoming and supportive place for every student. Their dedication, patience, and compassion make a difference in the lives of so many. Please take a moment this week to thank a school counselor for all they do. Their work is invaluable, and we are grateful for their commitment to student success and well-being!
The Bedford High School Performing Arts Department will host a community workshop, “Bystander or Upstander? Where Do You Stand?” on Wednesday, February 26, at 7:00pm in the BHS Auditorium. The workshop is tied to BHS’s upcoming spring production of MEAN GIRLS: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION. Presented by Cory Mashburn of Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY), and co-sponsored by the Town of Bedford Youth and Family Services Department (YFS), the workshop aims to “empower students to transform from bystanders to upstanders by promoting the importance of being an upstander and give them tools to protect themselves and their friends from bullies.” The workshop is free, and will last approximately 90 minutes. Members of the broader community, as well as families involved with the show, are encouraged to attend. Attendees are asked to pre-register here.