Dear Bedford Public Schools Community,
This past Monday at Annual Town Meeting, the FY26 school operating budget of $52,060,425---an increase of 5.0% from FY25---was approved (Article 18). In response to feedback, we have created a stand-alone budget webpage for easier reference. The budget fully funds employee contracts, non-discretionary costs, and maintains student programming and team structures to the maximal extent possible, while achieving savings needed for long term fiscal sustainability. The careful stewardship and collaboration with other Town leaders on the FY26 budget will allow us to thoughtfully and deliberately plan for potential reductions in the future (rather than suddenly and reactively) if declining enrollment continues. In addition, the Town approved FY26 capital funding for technology and facilities (Article 10), $1.2M for one-time COVID payments for teachers, ESPs and non-aligned staff who served during the 2020-2021 school year and did not receive a COLA that year (Article 13), $1.2M to cover FY25 deficits in non-discretionary accounts (Article 14), and a $350K addition to our Special Education Stabilization Fund (Article 16).
We are grateful for the continued support of the Bedford community for a strong education system and remain are committed to maintaining the shared responsibility and fiscal control systems outlined in Strategic Objective #3 to strengthen teams and systems. We will continue to work together to chart a fiscally sustainable path forward while upholding the high standard of excellence and inclusive access to educational opportunities that the community continues to value.
Thanks,
Cliff Chuang (he/him) 莊 宏 毅
Superintendent, Bedford Public Schools
- March: Woman's History Month
- March 29-30: Eid al-Fitr
- March 31: 6th Grade Advanced Math Proposed Changes Information Session - 7:00 pm
- March 31: Transgender Day of Visibility
- April: Month of the Military Child, Autism Awareness Month, School Library Month
- April 2: Paraprofessionals Day
- April 3-5: JGMS Musical: Little Mermaid Jr.
- April 4: School Librarian Appreciation Day
- April 7-11: National Assistant Principals Week
- April 12-20: Passover
- April 18: Good Friday
- April 20: Easter Sunday
- April 22: Earth Day & School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
- April 23: Administrative Professionals Day
- April 25: Arbor Day
The next school committee meeting is on April 15th (with the previously scheduled April 1st meeting canceled). At this Finance-Focused meeting, the school committee will receive a comprehensive FY25 Quarter 3 budget report and consider the recommended candidate for Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning. The full agenda, schedule, and supporting materials can always be found at School Committee - Meeting Schedule & Supporting Documents.
Monday, March 31st, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at JGMS
Middle School Math Parent/Caregiver Information Session (live/virtual)
Intended Audience: All adults are welcome with a focus on rising 6th grade parents of current 5th grade students. JGMS math teachers, the math program administrator, the JGMS principal, the Lane math curriculum coordinator, and the Superintendent invite Lane and JGMS parents and caregivers to a 6th grade math information session. We will be presenting proposed changes to our math course structure for the 2025-2026 school year for 6th grade. These changes are part of Bedford’s strategic plan and include ways to provide more advanced learning opportunities to more students. This session is intended for parents and caregivers only. For our planning purposes, please RSVP if possible.
In alignment with Strategic Objective #2 to promote wellbeing and resilience, this spring, students in grades 4, 5, 8, and 10 will take part in the Views of Climate and Learning (VOCAL) survey during the MCAS testing window. Developed by DESE, this voluntary and anonymous survey provides valuable insight into how students feel about their school experience—specifically around engagement, safety, and environment. The data collected helps us strengthen school climate and align with our district’s strategic goals around student wellbeing. Families who wish to opt their child out of the survey should submit a written request to their school principal by Friday, April 4, 2025. For more information, please contact your school principal.