- February: Black History Month
- February 15-March 23: 2025 Annual Regional High School Art Show
- February 17: President's Day - No School
- February 18-21: Winter Break - No School
- February 25: Black History Month Celebration - BHS Cafe & Auditorium
- March 1: Ramadan (Starts evening of February 28)
- March 1: 7:00pm - BEF Island Vibes Bash at Cafe Escadrille, Burlington
- March 4: School Committee Meeting
- March 8: Annual Town Elections
- March 12-15: BHS Musical: Mean Girls
- March 13: Purim
- March 14: No School for Students - Staff Professional Development Day
- March 14: Holi
- March 17: St. Patrick's Day
- March 18: School Committee Meeting
- March 24: Bedford Town Meeting
- March 28: Good Friday
At their meeting on Tuesday, February 11th, the School Committee formally approved the appointment of Dr. Marianne Vines as Assistant Superintendent of Student Services (see below), heard updates on the Turf & Track replacement project and nutrition sustainability initiatives, continued extensive discussions about health school hours, and received a progress report on the District's strategic plan. The next meeting is on March 4th. The full agenda, schedule, and supporting materials can always be found at School Committee - Meeting Schedule & Supporting Documents.
As outlined as part of the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan approved by the School Committee in October 2024, I am a providing a mid-year update on the action plan for the 2024-2024 school year for each strategic initiative. It can be reviewed here. As always, please don't hesitate to reach out the Superintendent's Office with questions.
We are pleased to share that Dr. Marianne Vines was appointed by the School Committee on February 11, 2025, as Bedford Public Schools' new Assistant Superintendent of Student Services. Marianne has dedicated her career to advocating for equity, inclusion, and comprehensive student support services. With over 17 years of leadership experience in special education and student services, she has been instrumental in strengthening inclusive practices, expanding in-district programming, and ensuring high-quality academic, social-emotional, and behavioral supports for all students. For the past ten years, Marianne has served as the Director of Special Education for Bedford Public Schools, where she has successfully led initiatives to increase inclusive opportunities, enhance professional development for educators, and implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) across the district. Under her leadership, Bedford has expanded specialized programs, reduced out-of-district placements, and strengthened services for students with disabilities, and those requiring additional support. Marianne's previous experiences in Bedford and other school districts include special education program administrator, assistant director of student services and teaching roles in pre-school, elementary, and middle school. Her leadership is rooted in collaboration, strategic planning, and a deep commitment to student-centered decision-making. She has built strong relationships with administrators, educators, families, and community partners to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed. Marianne holds a Doctorate in Leadership and Learning from Rivier University, as well as licensure as a Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent and Special Education Administrator. She is known for her transparent and solutions-focused leadership style, always prioritizing the needs of students and ensuring that Bedford Public Schools continues to provide high-quality, equitable, and sustainable student services. Marianne will be sharing more about her vision for student services in Bedford in the coming months.
We are pleased to announce that current interim Davis Principal, Jess Colby, has been appointed as Davis Elementary Principal. Jess Colby is excited to continue her work with children, staff and families as Principal. She became interested in teaching young children while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in child development at Tufts University. She continued at Tufts working as an integrated preschool teacher while obtaining a Master of Arts degree in child development with concentrations in language and literacy, special needs. After leaving Tufts University she went to work for Brookline Public Schools in their integrated preschool program. She completed a master’s in school administration from Endicott College in 2014. Jess came to Bedford in 2014 and taught Kindergarten at Davis for two years before taking on the role of Assistant Principal in 2016. Over the years she has participated in district-wide work task forces and initiatives ranging from curriculum development to hiring committees. She is excited to step into her permanent role and to continue the work of rolling out new literacy and SEL curriculum, while also working to create supports and structures to support the mental health and well being of all students. In her off time Jess can be spotted on local playgrounds and libraries running after her two young children.
Additionally, current interim Assistant Principal, Erica Fontaine, will officially step into the role of Davis Elementary Assistant Principal. Erica Fontaine grew up in Rhode Island and attended Rhode Island College where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. She later completed a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership at Cambridge College. Over the years Erica has worked as a Special Education teacher in Kindergarten through 5th grade. She joined Davis Elementary School as a Special Education teacher in 2005. Throughout her career she has had experience working with various special education methodologies, programs and populations. She has worked as a grade level leader, mentor for new teachers and most recently as Assistant Principal in both a long term substitute role as well as interim. She is excited to bring her experiences and expertise to this role.
