Trish Duncan, speaking for the Bedford Education Association, told the Bedford Board of Education on Nov. 20 that the BEA executive board "voted unanimously to issue a vote of no confidence in your leadership," saying the action reflected a lack of trust in the superintendent’s ability to lead the district. "This vote is not intended as a lack of confidence in our institution, our students, our teachers, our district staff, or our entire community," Duncan said, then outlined concerns about fiscal oversight, change management, and the district’s treatment of staff.

Multiple teachers and community members backed the BEA statement at the meeting’s public-comment period, with one teacher of 26 years saying, "We have no confidence in the ability to communicate with district constituents" and that a punitive disciplinary environment and staff departures have harmed students and school climate. Regina Glover, a substitute teacher and community member, criticized the district’s HR processes, alleging that staff placed on administrative leave sometimes are escorted off campuses in ways she described as humiliating.

Board members interrupted and cautioned speakers that personnel matters are not appropriate for discussion in open session. A board member said, "This is all personnel stuff. We cannot discuss that," and the chair directed the meeting to proceed. Later in the meeting several board members and public commenters again pressed that the superintendent resign; a board motion was then made and approved to enter executive session "to discuss the appointment and employment dismissal, compensation of a public employee." The board stated no votes would follow the executive session.

Why it matters: The BEA’s formal vote and the string of public comments put personnel practices, communication and discipline policies squarely on the board’s agenda and prompted the board to move into a closed session to consider personnel options.

What’s next: The board moved into executive session at the meeting’s close to discuss personnel matters; the transcript records that there would be no votes after that session.