Board approves K–6 nominations; district discusses kindergarten staffing and enrollment cutoff

The Bedford School Board approved nominations for the district’s four K–6 schools on Monday and spent time discussing enrollment-driven staffing for full‑day kindergarten.

School Board Chair Sue Giordano told the board that nominations for the four schools could proceed after completing a full-day kindergarten recount. She said there are four staffing reductions at the K–6 level but that, as presented, those changes will not require additional risk measures in fiscal year 2026.

“While there are four reductions at these levels, in terms of staffing, there will be no risks required for this going into fiscal year 26,” Giordano said.

The board moved to approve all four K–6 nominations in one motion; members voiced approval.

Superintendent Mike Horner then reviewed enrollment details and how they affect staffing decisions. He said Riddle Brook currently warrants three full‑time kindergarten teachers, though two are in place, and that Memorial appears to be up to three teachers. Horner described the district’s need to set a cutoff date for finalizing positions but said a date had not been set.

“Our numbers are 20 plus or minus 2. In order for Riddlebrook, for example, to get to a fourth position, they need 67 students,” Horner said, noting the district must balance hiring early against waiting for final enrollments.

Board members asked for a specific cutoff date to stop accepting enrollments for staffing decisions; Horner said the administration had not set that date and would aim to choose one that balances staffing capacity with enrollment certainty.

The board approved the K–6 nominations by voice vote. No additional formal action on cutoff dates or new postings was adopted; Horner said the district will continue monitoring enrollments and may post positions as numbers warrant.